Two Ghanaian nationals have asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate repeated attacks on migrants in South Africa. They claim these attacks, which have happened over many years, might be crimes against humanity and say South African authorities have not done enough to stop them.
Key Facts
The petition was sent to the ICC prosecutor on July 15, 2026.
It was submitted by Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, a former Ghanaian government spokesperson, and security analyst Emmanuel Kotin.
The petition alleges widespread attacks on African migrants in South Africa from 2015 to 2026, including killings, assaults, looting, and forced displacement.
The petition claims South African officials failed to prevent or punish these attacks properly.
The petition is a private initiative and not supported by the Ghanaian government.
The ICC has confirmed it received the petition but noted receiving such reports does not always lead to an investigation.
South Africa has seen repeated anti-migrant violence for nearly 20 years, leading countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Malawi to bring their citizens home.
Protesters in South Africa blame foreign nationals for problems like unemployment and crime.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
An Ebola outbreak in Congo has killed over 1,000 people in just over two months, spreading faster than the worst Ebola epidemic on record from 2014-2016. This outbreak is caused by a rare virus variant called Bundibugyo, which currently has no approved vaccines or treatments.
Key Facts
The current Ebola outbreak started on May 15, 2026, and has 2,536 confirmed cases with 1,033 deaths so far.
It took the 2014-2016 outbreak eight months to reach 1,000 deaths, while this outbreak reached that number in just over two months.
The 2014-2016 epidemic involved over 28,000 cases and 11,000 deaths in multiple West African countries.
This year’s outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a rare Ebola variant with no approved vaccine or treatment.
The 2014-2016 outbreak was caused by the more common Ebola virus variant.
The current outbreak is mostly limited to five eastern provinces of Congo and some cases in Uganda.
The fatality rate this year is about 40%, lower than the 66% fatality rate during the 2014-2016 outbreak.
Officials warn the outbreak could worsen because the first case is not confirmed, and many new cases are outside monitored contacts.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The average 30-year mortgage rate in the U.S. rose to 6.58%, the highest level in nearly a year, making home loans more expensive. This increase comes as rising oil prices and inflation concerns affect the economy and borrowing costs.
Key Facts
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate increased from 6.55% last week to 6.58% this week.
One year ago, the 30-year mortgage rate was higher at 6.74%.
The 15-year fixed mortgage rate also went up, from 5.93% to 5.96%.
Rising mortgage rates add hundreds of dollars to monthly payments for buyers.
Higher rates reduce buying power and have contributed to slower home sales in the U.S. this year.
Mortgage rates often follow the 10-year Treasury yield, which rose from 3.97% in February to 4.7% in mid-October.
The increase in Treasury yields is linked to inflation concerns driven by rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions in Iran.
The Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions influence bond markets, which in turn affect mortgage rates.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Salman Rushdie testified in a federal court in Buffalo, New York, about the stabbing attack he survived four years ago. The trial involves Hadi Matar, who was convicted of attempted murder and is now facing terrorism charges for the attack connected to a call for Rushdie’s death by an Iranian leader.
Key Facts
Salman Rushdie was stabbed on stage in 2022 while speaking at a cultural event.
Rushdie described feeling a punch first, not realizing he was being stabbed, and then lying in a large pool of blood.
The attack blinded Rushdie in one eye, damaged his liver, and cut nerves in his arm.
Hadi Matar, 28, was convicted of attempted murder in state court and now faces federal terrorism charges.
Prosecutors say Matar acted because of a 1989 religious order by Iran’s then-leader calling for Rushdie’s death over his novel "The Satanic Verses."
Matar’s defense argues they cannot prove Matar’s intent or connection to terrorism groups.
Rushdie showed the jury his blind right eye and explained his long recovery process.
If convicted of the federal charges, Matar could face a life sentence in prison.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A judge threw out the guilty verdict against Montana State Senator Jason Ellsworth after jurors accidentally saw secret documents not meant to be part of the trial. The documents involved communications about scheduling a potential key witness, Bryce Eggleston, who was not called to testify.
Key Facts
Jason Ellsworth, former Montana Senate President, was on trial for official misconduct.
Jurors were mistakenly given sealed exhibits about communications with Bryce Eggleston, a potential key witness.
The sealed materials were never admitted as evidence and should not have been shown to jurors.
The judge vacated (canceled) the guilty verdict after learning about the mistake.
Ellsworth’s legal team found out about the error when a juror mentioned jury discussions including these materials.
Bryce Eggleston is a longtime friend and former employee of Ellsworth and was involved with contracts for tracking legislative bill progress.
Prosecutors alleged Ellsworth bypassed the required competitive bidding for these contracts.
The state attorney general agreed there should be a new trial due to the juror error.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump will host the Los Angeles Dodgers at the White House to celebrate their second World Series championship in two years. The event will take place in the Rose Garden, marking the team’s repeat title and continuing the tradition of championship teams visiting the White House.
Key Facts
The Dodgers won their second consecutive World Series by beating the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 last October.
President Trump previously welcomed the Dodgers to the White House in April 2025 after their 2024 championship.
The White House event is scheduled for Thursday in the Rose Garden.
Dodgers star Mookie Betts will not attend this visit, choosing to spend the team’s day off with family.
Team manager Dave Roberts said the visit focuses on celebrating the championship rather than politics.
The Dodgers had planned to visit earlier in April but schedule conflicts delayed the trip.
Baseball teams have been visiting the White House to celebrate championships since 1869.
Recently, President Trump has mentioned baseball teams during speeches, including criticism of the New York Mets.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ukraine’s defense minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, was recently removed from his position after six months. He refused President Zelenskyy’s offer to join the government in a different role, saying only the defense minister job has the power to lead the fight against Russia.
Key Facts
Mykhailo Fedorov was Ukraine’s defense minister for six months before being dismissed last week.
President Zelenskyy offered Fedorov the deputy prime minister position for military innovation.
Fedorov declined and said he would only accept the defense minister role.
Fedorov is known for modernizing Ukraine’s army and using technology to improve its fight against Russia.
He also worked to stop corruption in military buying processes.
His removal caused protests in Ukraine and was welcomed by Moscow officials.
Fedorov had conflicts with Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Soviet-trained commander-in-chief seen as part of the old military leadership.
Fedorov said his goal was to finish reforms, strengthen air defenses, and use long-range strikes to pressure Russia.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
House Democrats are asking for changes at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) after it spent over $500,000 supporting a candidate who lost a primary race in Arizona. Many Democrats want more input and less involvement by the DCCC in primary elections.
Key Facts
The DCCC spent more than $500,000 backing Marlene Galán-Woods in Arizona’s 1st district primary, but former state Rep. Amish Shah won.
This is the third time this year the DCCC spent six figures supporting a candidate who did not win a Democratic primary.
Some Democrats, including Rep. Pramila Jayapal, believe the party should stay out of Democratic primaries and let voters decide.
Several House Democrats want a formal group to give members and caucuses more say in how DCCC money is spent.
DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene is open to discussions, and there have been conversations with members even when disagreements occur.
The DCCC only runs positive ads for candidates it supports and primary spending is a small part of its total budget.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries will decide on the next DCCC chair, with Rep. Brad Schneider and Rep. Greg Stanton mentioned as possible candidates.
The involvement and decision-making process of the DCCC in primaries has caused criticism within the Democratic Party.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed a resolution that would require Congress to approve any military action in Iran. This vote serves as a warning to President Donald Trump amid growing doubts about the war’s purpose and outcome.
Key Facts
The House vote was 214 in favor and 208 against the resolution.
The resolution demands that Congress approve future military action in Iran.
The Senate was expected to vote on a similar resolution soon after.
Democrats pushed the resolution to limit President Trump’s authority on the conflict.
Some House Republicans joined Democrats in supporting the resolution.
Lawmakers from both parties have questioned the clear goals of the war in Iran.
The resolution is largely symbolic but signals decreasing support for the administration’s approach.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Yemeni rebel group Houthis have declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia and attacked Saudi tankers in the Red Sea. This escalates the conflict in Yemen and increases tensions involving Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United States, especially around the important Bab al-Mandeb Strait used for global shipping.
Key Facts
The Houthis, a Yemeni rebel group supported by Iran, announced a maritime siege on all shipping to Saudi Arabia.
They attacked several Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.
The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is a key waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean and is crucial for energy supplies to Europe and imports to Saudi Arabia.
Houthis threaten to close the Bab al-Mandeb Strait amid the ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Iran.
Yemen’s internationally recognized government claimed an air strike on Sanaa airport to stop an Iranian plane, while Houthis blamed Saudi Arabia.
In response, the Houthis fired missiles into Saudi Arabia and declared the naval blockade.
Saudi Arabia faces a new threat from sea, complicating its security and oil export routes.
The Yemeni government's military forces include the National Army and regional brigades, with about 400,000 troops mainly in areas outside Houthi control.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The White House said that President Trump and his administration will not get involved in the legal process to bring Andrew and Tristan Tate back to the U.S. for their case. The press secretary made this clear during a briefing with reporters.
Key Facts
President Trump’s administration will not intervene in the extradition of Andrew and Tristan Tate.
The Tate brothers are social media influencers.
The statement was made by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Leavitt answered the question during a press briefing on Thursday.
The extradition process is ongoing but the U.S. government is not taking action to influence it.
The White House has already responded to questions about this matter before.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Chick-fil-A announced that a recent cyberattack might have exposed personal information of some members of its loyalty program. The company is investigating the possible impact on customers across several states.
Key Facts
Chick-fil-A experienced a cyberattack targeting its loyalty program members.
Personal information of some customers may have been exposed.
The company is currently investigating the breach.
The exposure could affect customers in multiple states.
No specific details about the type of data exposed were provided.
Chick-fil-A has alerted its customers about the potential risk.
The company is likely working on measures to protect affected customers.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Treasury bond yields have been rising because investors want bigger rewards to lend money for a long time. This happens as governments and companies need more funds for spending and investments, raising borrowing costs and making it more expensive to pay national debt interest.
Key Facts
Investors demand higher returns to lend money for long periods, pushing Treasury yields up.
Inflation expectations remain steady, so the Federal Reserve may keep interest rates higher for a long time.
Higher borrowing costs increase the U.S. government's debt service expenses.
Mortgage rates are unlikely to drop soon due to rising Treasury yields.
Long-term Treasury yields, like 10-year and 30-year bonds, have reached highs not seen in years.
Governments are running large deficits while companies invest heavily, competing for limited money.
Alphabet plans to spend an additional $15 billion on computer infrastructure amid strong demand.
Sustained yield increases could add nearly $2 trillion in extra government interest costs over ten years.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tropical Storm Bertha hit Louisiana and is moving west toward Texas, where it is expected to arrive by Thursday evening. The storm brings strong winds, heavy rain, and rising water levels, which may cause flooding and dangerous surf conditions along the Gulf Coast.
Key Facts
Bertha made landfall in Louisiana and is moving toward the Texas coast.
Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph, with stronger gusts.
Tropical storm warnings are active from Morgan City, Louisiana, to Sargent, Texas.
Coastal flooding of 2 to 3 feet is expected in parts of Louisiana, affecting homes and businesses.
Rainfall of 2 to 4 inches, with isolated heavier amounts up to 6 inches, is forecast along the Texas Gulf Coast.
The storm may cause flash flooding, especially in cities and urban areas.
Dangerous surf and rip currents are expected along the northern and northwestern Gulf Coast.
Bertha is expected to weaken and dissipate after moving inland over Texas by Friday.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A lobbying firm called CT Group is under pressure to reveal details about secretly paying journalists to write positive articles for its clients. Critics say this practice harms journalism ethics and democracy, and there are calls for stricter rules on lobbying and transparency.
Key Facts
CT Group, a political lobbying firm, secretly paid journalists for favourable stories about its clients.
This practice was revealed after a four-month investigation by The Guardian.
CT Group was co-founded by Lynton Crosby, a political strategist linked to former UK Prime Ministers.
The firm offered cash incentives to journalists in exchange for editorial control of articles.
Experts and politicians said paying journalists undermines press integrity and democracy.
There are calls for CT Group to disclose full details and for stronger lobbying regulations.
CT Group denies the specific allegations and says the undercover journalist pursued them.
The investigation raised concerns about freelance journalists’ vulnerability due to irregular pay and work.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The US House of Representatives voted 214-208 to limit President Donald Trump’s ability to wage war against Iran after recent attacks killed three US soldiers. This resolution aims to reassert Congress’s authority over war decisions amid ongoing conflict between the US and Iran.
Key Facts
Four Republicans joined Democrats in voting to restrict Trump’s war powers on Iran.
The vote followed an Iranian attack on a US base in Jordan that killed three military personnel.
Senate Democrats plan to hold a similar War Powers vote.
A prior resolution in June also sought to require congressional approval before further attacks but was not sent to the president.
The US and Iran have exchanged attacks for 12 consecutive days since a ceasefire ended in early July.
Under the US Constitution, only Congress can declare war, though presidents can act in urgent self-defense.
The Trump administration says the conflict with Iran is justified as a defense against ongoing threats, but some experts disagree.
The House recently approved a $1.15 trillion defense spending bill that includes more funds for the conflict.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Jes Staley, an American banker and former CEO of Barclays, was interviewed privately about his connections to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Staley resigned in 2021 while UK regulators investigated his relationship with Epstein.
Key Facts
Jes Staley is an American banker.
He was the CEO of Barclays, a British bank.
Staley stepped down from his CEO position in 2021.
The UK's financial regulator examined his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
Epstein was a convicted sex offender.
Staley underwent a private interview about this issue in 2024.
Questions about Staley's relationship with Epstein had been raised over several years.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Crime in many major U.S. cities has continued to go down in early 2026 compared to the same time last year, following a rise in violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most violent crimes, including homicides and assaults, fell, but some crimes like drug offenses, domestic violence, and sexual assault saw increases.
Key Facts
Nine out of 13 types of crimes tracked decreased in the first half of 2026 compared to 2025.
Carjackings dropped by 47%, while drug-related crimes rose by 12%.
Homicide rates fell by 18% on average across 30 cities and are 31% below 2019 levels.
Cities like Lincoln (Nebraska) and Rochester (New York) saw large drops in homicide rates.
Some cities, including Norfolk and San Francisco, experienced increases in homicides.
Violent crime lethality, or crime resulting in death, declined by 23% in 17 cities.
Aggravated assaults and gun assaults both decreased compared to last year.
Sexual assaults rose slightly by 3%, while domestic violence increased by 8%.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. State Department announced new rules to deny visas to people involved in cybercrime and sextortion, including possible restrictions on their immediate family members. This effort targets those linked to scams and crimes often connected to foreign criminal groups to better protect American citizens.
Key Facts
The new visa restrictions focus on people involved in cybercrime and sextortion.
Visa access may also be denied to the immediate family members of these individuals.
These rules are part of a broader effort to prevent harmful individuals from entering the U.S.
The policy specifically mentions a link to Chinese transnational criminal groups in investment scams.
The Trump administration has been tightening visa rules and increasing applicant screening for the last 18 months.
Visa restrictions have also been used recently against people linked to political violence and criminal cartels.
The State Department treats every visa decision as a national security matter.
Thousands try to get U.S. visas illegally each year to commit crimes or avoid arrest, but detailed data on cybercrime is not publicly available.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on June 17 to extend a ceasefire and restart negotiations, temporarily improving conditions in the Strait of Hormuz. However, the agreement quickly fell apart because it lacked clear rules for how to carry out its terms and those who helped negotiate it could not enforce it.
Key Facts
The MoU aimed to extend a ceasefire and reopen talks between the U.S. and Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key shipping route that handles about 20% of the world’s oil trade.
After the agreement, oil shipping and Iranian exports increased for a short time.
Military actions resumed, and many commercial ships stopped passing through the Strait again within weeks.
The deal focused on political agreement but did not set clear procedures for enforcement and daily operations.
Important details, like which nuclear activities were allowed and how sanctions relief would work, were left vague.
The MoU called for Iran to ensure safe commercial shipping and work with Oman on administration but did not create clear rules or frameworks.
Disagreements quickly appeared over how frozen Iranian assets ($12 billion) would be managed and accessed.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
