France’s parliament has approved a law that stops children under 15 from using social media and bans mobile phones in schools. The law will start by blocking new accounts from September 2024 and close existing accounts for this age group by January 2027, pending a constitutional review.
Key Facts
The law bans social media use for children under the age of 15 in France.
Mobile phone use in schools is also banned under this law.
France will be the first EU country with a broad social media ban for young children.
President Emmanuel Macron supports the law and wants it to start by September 2024.
A law review by the French Constitutional Council could delay the law’s start.
New accounts for under-15s will be blocked from September 1, 2024.
Existing accounts for under-15s will be closed by January 2027.
The law does not affect online encyclopedias or educational websites.
Some lawmakers worry about the law’s legality and enforcement.
Families have sued social media companies in France, citing harm to teens’ mental health.
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The United States reduced funding for a major HIV treatment program called PEPFAR, causing many clinics worldwide to close and services to be cut. This has negatively affected HIV prevention and treatment in dozens of countries, especially impacting vulnerable groups and children.
Key Facts
The US government under President Donald Trump cut funding for PEPFAR, a program that helps fight HIV and AIDS globally.
A report by HIV charity amfAR found that over 1,700 clinics closed and 16,000 jobs were lost due to these cuts.
About 75% of organizations stopped serving high-risk groups like sex workers, transgender people, gay men, and drug users.
Around 77,000 fewer children received HIV treatment in 2025, a decrease of 14%.
The US Department of State disagreed with the report and said PEPFAR became stronger under clearer management.
UNAIDS warned that if funding cuts continue, there could be millions more HIV infections and AIDS deaths by 2029.
Other countries, including France, Germany, and the UK, have also reduced aid for AIDS programs.
Africa, with the highest HIV rates, is urged to improve its health systems to cope with these changes.
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The U.S. passport has dropped from being the most powerful passport to the 10th position over the past 20 years. In 2026, Singapore holds the top spot, allowing visa-free access to 192 places worldwide.
Key Facts
The ranking comes from Henley & Partners, a firm focused on residence and citizenship planning.
The U.S. passport was the most powerful about 20 years ago but is now ranked 10th.
Singapore’s passport is currently the strongest, offering visa-free travel to 192 jurisdictions.
A passport’s “power” is measured by the number of countries it allows travelers to enter without a visa.
The ranking helps show how easy or hard it is for citizens to travel internationally.
The shift reflects changes in global visa policies and international relations over time.
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President Donald Trump announced that American airlines can resume direct flights to Lebanon after more than 40 years. This decision came after a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who visited Washington to discuss peace and stability in Lebanon amid regional conflicts.
Key Facts
Direct US-Lebanon flights were stopped in 1985 after a plane hijacking.
President Trump said US airlines can now fly directly to Lebanon again.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun visited the White House, his first visit since 2009.
The meeting focused on promoting peace following recent conflict involving Israel and Hezbollah.
Trump promised to help Lebanon but gave no specific details.
Lebanon wants Israeli troops to leave parts of southern Lebanon and seek more military support.
Trump said Israel is working on redeploying its forces from Lebanon.
The US is also concerned about Iran’s role in regional conflicts but is not currently seeking talks with Iranian leaders.
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The Iran-aligned Houthi group in Yemen has introduced a naval blockade targeting Saudi ships in response to Saudi Arabia's restrictions on Yemen. They warned Saudi Arabia of more severe strikes if Riyadh acts against them, amid rising conflict linked to the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
Key Facts
The Houthi group, also known as Ansar Allah, declared a naval blockade on Saudi shipping through the Bab el-Mandel Strait.
This action responds to Saudi Arabia's long-standing blockade and restrictions on Yemen.
The group aims to target Saudi ships and policies but is not directly involved in the broader U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Houthis previously disrupted shipping through the Red Sea, forcing ships to take longer routes around Africa.
In May 2025, President Donald Trump ordered military strikes on the Houthis, leading to a ceasefire.
Since the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran resumed, Houthis have escalated strikes on Israel and issued warnings of broader intervention.
Recently, Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of attacking Sanaa airport, prompting their first direct attacks on Saudi territory in years.
Disruption of shipping routes in strategic waterways like the Bab el-Mandel Strait could increase global economic costs.
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President Donald Trump announced that U.S. airlines can resume direct flights to Lebanon after a break of nearly 40 years. This change follows his meeting with Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun and aims to improve ties between the two countries.
Key Facts
Direct commercial flights between the U.S. and Lebanon have been stopped since 1985 due to a hijacking incident involving TWA Flight 847.
The hijacking led to a hostage situation and the death of a U.S. Navy diver, prompting the U.S. government to halt direct flights.
President Trump announced on Truth Social that U.S. airlines are now allowed to offer direct flights to Lebanon.
Lebanon is still rated Level 4 ("Do Not Travel") by the U.S. State Department due to security concerns.
Airlines must consider passenger demand, security, insurance, and regional tensions before starting service.
Lebanon’s large Lebanese-American community could support direct flight routes.
The announcement came during a visit by Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun to Washington, where both leaders discussed regional and bilateral issues.
The decision may symbolize increased U.S. confidence in Lebanon’s stability despite ongoing Middle East conflicts.
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President Donald Trump said that the possible blockade of the Red Sea by Houthi rebels is not an immediate concern. He stated that if a blockade happens, the U.S. will handle the situation as needed.
Key Facts
The Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, announced a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia.
Six ships were forced to change their routes after warnings from the Houthis.
President Trump commented from the Oval Office that no blockade has occurred so far.
Trump said the U.S. and the Houthis have not had problems recently.
The Red Sea is a critical waterway for international shipping and trade.
The Houthis are involved in the conflict in Yemen, which has regional impacts.
President Trump indicated readiness to respond if the blockade actually happens.
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Turkiye’s opposition leader Ozgur Ozel plans to start a new political party after being removed as head of the main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP). This move comes amid legal actions against opposition members and may change the balance of power in Turkiye’s parliament.
Key Facts
Ozgur Ozel was ousted as leader of the CHP by a court order in May 2024.
Ozel announced his plan for a new party in a speech in parliament on Tuesday.
The new party aims to become the main opposition force in the 600-seat parliament.
Many CHP lawmakers are expected to join Ozel’s new party.
The CHP has faced legal challenges, with many elected officials jailed since late 2024.
Istanbul’s mayor and key opposition figure, Ekrem Imamoglu, has been imprisoned since March 2024.
The government says courts are independent, but critics say the crackdown is politically motivated.
Analysts warn that splitting the opposition could benefit President Erdogan and his party.
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Puerto Rico’s governor announced that her chief of staff, Francisco Domenech, and deputy chief of staff, Itza García, will resign next month amid ongoing corruption investigations. They are accused of involvement in irregular activities related to government contract processes but deny the allegations.
Key Facts
Francisco Domenech and Itza García will step down next month from their government positions.
Both are being investigated by an independent Puerto Rican agency over corruption claims linked to the Office of Permit Management.
Allegations arose after Sebastián Negrón, former economic development chief, resigned and accused the administration of interference.
Over 10 other officials in the economic development agency resigned after similar concerns.
Domenech has denied the accusations and previously submitted statements accusing Negrón of corruption.
García was accused of pressuring an appointment related to a government contract in connection with a lobbying firm founded by Domenech.
The Senate president, Thomas Rivera Schatz, from the governor’s party, called for their resignations and referred García to ethics investigators.
The governor thanked Domenech and García for their service and said she would not let political attacks stop her administration’s work.
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A 65-year-old man named Carl McDaniel was attacked by a bison in Yellowstone National Park and suffered multiple broken bones. He said the hardest part was hitting the ground, not the bison's horns, and he shared his experience from a hospital bed.
Key Facts
The attack happened on July 10 at Yellowstone’s Bridge Bay Campground.
McDaniel was walking with his grandson, who was not hurt.
Bison can run up to 35 mph and weigh as much as 2,000 pounds.
Yellowstone sees about two bison attacks each year on average.
McDaniel suffered multiple bone fractures in the attack.
He described the bison as calm until it chose him as a target.
The man spoke about the incident from Bozeman Health Deaconess Medical Center in Montana.
Bison are North America’s largest land animals and can move very quickly despite their size.
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he and President Donald Trump will step up trade talks after the U.S. announced a 50% tariff increase on most Canadian goods. The tariffs are a response to disputes over American cars, alcohol, and dairy products and will take effect 30 days after the announcement.
Key Facts
President Trump raised tariffs on most Canadian goods by 50%.
The tariffs target products including autos, alcohol, and dairy items.
The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was not renewed by the U.S., leading to new negotiations.
Some products like energy, potash, fish, and critical minerals are excluded from the tariffs.
Prime Minister Carney and President Trump agreed to speed up trade negotiations to resolve issues.
Canadian provincial leaders criticized the tariffs, saying they will harm families and businesses on both sides of the border.
The tariffs could lead to higher inflation and further strain the Canada-U.S. relationship.
Canadian leaders emphasize protecting jobs, workers, and farmers amid the trade tensions.
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Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fired General Oleksandr Syrskyi as commander-in-chief of the armed forces after large protests in several cities. Zelenskyy named Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new army chief and emphasized the goal of defeating Russia and achieving peace.
Key Facts
President Zelenskyy removed General Oleksandr Syrskyi from his role as commander-in-chief.
The firing followed mass protests in Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine demanding Syrskyi’s removal.
Mykhailo Drapatyi was appointed as the new commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian army.
Zelenskyy highlighted the continued defense efforts and the desire to pressure Russia toward peace.
Previous Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov had also been dismissed six months earlier.
The article includes recent images related to ongoing conflict areas in Ukraine.
The protests reflect public dissatisfaction with some military leadership during the ongoing war.
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The U.S. sent a cargo plane from Miami to Cuba carrying food and hygiene kits to help Cuban residents directly through Catholic groups. This aid aims to bypass the Cuban government, which the U.S. continues to pressure with sanctions and accusations of espionage.
Key Facts
A plane left Miami carrying 700 packages of food and hygiene kits to Cuba.
The U.S. promised a total of $100 million in aid to Cuba, with $60 million sent first.
The aid is distributed directly to Cuban people by Catholic groups, avoiding Cuban government control.
The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Cuba’s military and intelligence agencies.
Cuba faces an energy and oil blockade that impacts its economy and daily life.
The U.S. State Department accused Cuba of a long-standing spying and influence operation in the U.S.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio supports changing Cuba’s socialist system.
President Donald Trump has suggested possible military action to remove Cuba’s government.
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In eastern Ukraine, soldiers are using homemade drones to stop Iranian-made Shahed drones launched by Russia. These frontline teams have become centers for fast military innovation and have attracted interest from other countries facing similar drone threats.
Key Facts
Russian forces use Iranian-designed Shahed drones in large numbers against Ukraine.
Ukrainian soldiers, including those in the 127th Brigade, develop and test their own drones to intercept enemy drones.
Ukraine initially lacked ways to stop these drones when they appeared in late 2022.
Frontline teams continuously improve their homemade interceptors to counter drone attacks.
Ukraine’s domestic drone industry has grown and now shows its products internationally.
Other countries, especially in the Middle East, have asked Ukraine for help against Iranian drones.
Ukrainian crews try to reuse single-use drones to learn and save resources.
The drone fight developed out of necessity because Ukraine had no alternative defense.
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President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine fired the army chief Oleksandr Syrsky and appointed Major General Mykhailo Drapaty as the new commander-in-chief. This change happened after protests where people demanded Syrsky’s dismissal.
Key Facts
President Zelensky removed Oleksandr Syrsky from his position as Ukraine’s top military commander.
Major General Mykhailo Drapaty was named as the new commander-in-chief.
The decision followed protests that called for Syrsky’s firing.
The protesters had gathered on the streets about a week before the change.
Drapaty was supported by Fedorov, who was previously fired by Zelensky.
The event reflects ongoing political challenges within Ukraine.
The news was reported on July 21, 2026.
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump have agreed to speed up trade talks between their countries. However, Carney warned Canada would consider all options if Trump puts new tariffs on Canadian imports into effect.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to impose 50% tariffs on many Canadian goods like cars, alcohol, and dairy products.
These tariffs are a response to what Trump calls unfair treatment of U.S. products by Canada.
Canada has banned or limited sales of most U.S. alcohol in response to earlier U.S. tariffs.
Canadian provincial leaders have criticized the new tariffs and offered mixed responses about how to react.
The tariffs are being applied under a U.S. law that allows punitive tariffs against trading partners for discrimination.
The tariffs will start in 30 days if implemented and affect goods such as wine, cement, furniture, and even hockey equipment.
Trade talks between Canada and the U.S. will intensify as both sides aim for a comprehensive trade agreement.
The U.S. and Mexico are holding trade talks at the same time, but Canada is not part of these talks.
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Firefighters in Spain have been fighting a large wildfire north of Madrid for six days. The fire has burned about 30,000 hectares, forced 1,200 people to leave their homes, and is the biggest wildfire in Spain this year during a heatwave.
Key Facts
Over 600 firefighters and soldiers are working to control the fire near Madrid.
The fire has destroyed around 30,000 hectares (74,000 acres) of land.
About 1,200 people have evacuated their homes, and others are staying indoors for safety.
Hot weather reaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) and strong winds make firefighting hard.
The wildfire started last Thursday in Guadalajara province, about 100 kilometers north of Madrid.
This is the most damaging wildfire in Spain in 2024.
Earlier in the month, another fire in Almeria killed 13 people.
Scientists say climate change is causing longer and hotter heatwaves, increasing wildfire risks.
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Senegal has changed its position and now supports former president Macky Sall to become the next United Nations Secretary-General. This decision was announced amidst other major security issues in Africa, including a deadly attack in Mali and rising challenges in Nigeria.
Key Facts
Senegal reversed its earlier stance and backed ex-president Macky Sall for UN Secretary-General.
The announcement was made by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
A deadly ambush in northern Mali killed at least 50 soldiers recently.
Nigeria faces increased difficulties as foreign fighters join jihadist groups there.
Senegal’s president also became chairman of the West African economic union around the same time.
The news was reported by Clarisse Fortuné, Antonia Cimini, and others for France 24 in July 2026.
The article also referenced broader African and global issues, but the main focus was Senegal’s UN support shift.
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President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine fired General Oleksandr Syrsky, the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, after large protests in Kyiv and other cities called for his removal. Zelensky appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new military chief.
Key Facts
President Zelensky dismissed General Oleksandr Syrsky as Ukraine’s military leader.
The decision followed nationwide protests demanding Syrsky’s removal.
Protests took place in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.
Mykhailo Drapatyi was named the new commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces.
The changes were announced on social media by President Zelensky.
The situation reflects political tension in Ukraine relating to military leadership.
The news was reported on July 21, 2026.
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Kuwaitis are using less electricity to prevent power outages after Iranian attacks damaged parts of their power system. The government says that people saving energy has helped reduce the strain on the electricity network during hot summer days.
Key Facts
Iranian strikes have hit Kuwait's power infrastructure.
These attacks caused concerns about electricity shortages.
Kuwait is experiencing very high electricity demand due to summer heat.
People in Kuwait are reducing their electricity use to avoid outages.
Authorities report that conservation efforts have helped ease pressure on the power grid.
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