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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France has passed a law banning children under 15 from using social media and also forbids mobile phones in high schools. This new rule aims to protect children from harmful online content and is planned to start in September, although it may face legal reviews before going into effect.
Key Facts
France is the first country in the European Union to ban social media use for children under 15.
The law also bans mobile phone use in high schools across France.
Both chambers of the French Parliament approved the bill, which is a key part of President Emmanuel Macron’s second term.
The ban is expected to start at the beginning of the school year in September, but a constitutional review may delay it.
The law excludes educational and scientific websites from the ban.
Some lawmakers opposed the bill due to concerns about privacy and how the law will be enforced.
France’s health agency reports many teenagers use smartphones daily, and studies link social media to risks like low self-esteem and exposure to harmful behaviors.
Similar restrictions on social media use by children have been introduced in other countries, such as Australia.
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Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky fired Oleksandr Syrsky, the chief of Ukraine’s army, and appointed Major General Mykhailo Drapaty as the new commander-in-chief. This change happened after protests over the earlier dismissal of popular defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who had clashed with Syrsky over military reforms.
Key Facts
Oleksandr Syrsky was the commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s army since 2024.
Syrsky led the defense of Kyiv during Russia’s 2022 invasion.
President Zelensky dismissed Syrsky following political unrest after firing defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Mykhailo Drapaty, an ally of Fedorov, is now the new army commander-in-chief.
Fedorov, 35 years old, was known for trying to modernize Ukraine’s army and had conflicts with military leadership.
Fedorov accused Syrsky of blocking his reforms and pushing for his removal; Syrsky denied this.
Zelensky offered Fedorov a new position overseeing the state’s technological area.
Public protests in Kyiv supported Fedorov after his dismissal.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has removed the country’s top army commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, shortly after firing Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Syrskyi was replaced by Mykhailo Drapatyi, a general known for his frontline experience.
Key Facts
President Zelensky fired commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi on July 21, 2026.
This happened days after Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov was also removed from his position.
Fedorov was popular for reforming the military and fighting corruption.
Syrskyi is viewed by many as a traditional commander, hesitant to make big changes.
Zelensky thanked Syrskyi for defending Kyiv at the start of Russia’s invasion in 2022.
Mykhailo Drapatyi, a battle-experienced general, replaced Syrskyi as commander-in-chief.
The leadership changes caused protests across Ukraine.
Zelensky said all decisions would be officially finalized the next day.
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Prime Minister Andy Burnham has asked his cabinet to explore all options to reduce the cost of living for people. On his first day in office, he announced that VAT on electricity bills will be removed starting October 1, which will cost £850 million next year. He is also planning to speed up the introduction of a national care service and aims to balance these policies within current borrowing limits.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham wants his government to focus on lowering the cost of living for citizens.
VAT on electricity bills will be removed from October 1, reducing bills by £45 and costing £850 million next year.
Funding for the VAT cut will come from existing department budgets, potentially leading to cuts elsewhere.
The government plans to accelerate the rollout of a national care service before the next election.
The digital ID program, which Burnham wants to scrap to fund VAT cuts, was not funded and money details remain unclear.
The Prime Minister’s new office structure includes the creation of a powerful Office for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.
John Healey, the new chancellor, is working on a broader budget plan to tackle the cost of living later this year.
Burnham has ruled out borrowing more money to pay for increased defense spending.
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Kaylee Hottle, an 18-year-old deaf actor known for her role in two Godzilla movies, died in a car crash in Maryland. The crash happened early in the morning, and speed is believed to have played a role.
Key Facts
Kaylee Hottle was a deaf actress who starred as Jia in “Godzilla vs. Kong” and its sequel.
She died in a car accident in Ijamsville, Maryland, before 3 a.m.
She was one of two passengers; the driver survived with minor injuries.
The crash is being investigated, with excessive speed likely a factor.
Hottle used American Sign Language (ASL) and came from a deaf family.
Her co-stars and school community expressed sadness and offered support.
She had roles in TV and was set to appear in an upcoming film called “What Doesn’t Kill Us.”
The Texas School for the Deaf announced counseling services for those affected by her death.
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A tunnel collapsed at a hydropower project in northeast India after a suspected gas explosion. At least 10 people died, and 17 others, including rescuers, are still trapped inside.
Key Facts
The incident happened at a hydropower project in northeast India.
A tunnel collapsed due to a suspected gas explosion.
At least 10 people died as a result.
17 people, including rescuers, remain trapped inside the tunnel.
Toxic gases are making rescue efforts difficult.
Authorities are working to reach the trapped individuals.
The cause of the gas explosion is still being investigated.
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Mediators from countries like Qatar and Egypt are trying to stop the growing conflict between the United States and Iran by proposing a 10-day pause in fighting and reopening the important shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides have continued military attacks recently, and it is uncertain if diplomacy can prevent further escalation.
Key Facts
Regional mediators have presented a plan to the US and Iran to pause fighting for 10 days.
The plan aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane for global oil and gas.
The US and Iran have recently expanded attacks beyond military targets to include civilian infrastructure.
President Donald Trump has promised that Iran will "pay" after US troop deaths.
The fighting began on February 28, triggered by Israeli and US strikes on Iran.
The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in April to reduce hostilities, but both accuse each other of breaking it.
Previous talks to ease tensions broke down, partly because the MoU was vague and open to different interpretations.
The proposal includes ideas for managing shipping fees, possibly involving international organizations or allowing Iran to charge fees for maritime security.
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A lawyer representing five women accused a former Jesuit priest and religious artist, Marko Rupnik, of sexual and spiritual abuse. The lawyer criticized the Vatican’s secretive legal process, where the victims have little information about the trial, which is still ongoing.
Key Facts
Five women accuse Rev. Marko Ivan Rupnik of sexual and spiritual abuse.
Rupnik is a former Jesuit priest and well-known religious artist who created mosaics worldwide.
The Vatican’s legal process is secretive and does not inform victims about trial details.
Reports said Rupnik was absolved in a Vatican trial, but the Vatican said the case is still open.
Rupnik was excommunicated briefly in 2020 for abusing the confessional to forgive a woman he had a sexual relationship with.
The Jesuits expelled Rupnik from their order in 2023 after multiple women accused him over 30 years.
Pope Francis waived the statute of limitations so the Vatican could try the older claims.
Vatican officials emphasize the need for a fair trial and respect for the presumption of innocence.
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