World News Live Updates: Caribbean Court Overturns Colonial-Era Anti-Gay Law In St. Lucia

Protests in Yemen’s eastern Hadramout province intensified for a third consecutive day on Tuesday, with hundreds of residents in the capital city of Mukalla demonstrating against prolonged power outages during extreme heat, AP says in a report. Demonstrators have blocked roads and chanted slogans against the internationally recognized government, the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), for its failure to provide essential services. The unrest highlights the severe economic implications of Yemen’s ongoing civil war, where a catastrophic economic collapse and fuel shortages have crippled public infrastructure, including power generation. These protests challenge the PLC’s governance and could destabilize the historically more stable Hadramout province, a key economic hub, further exacerbating the nation’s dire humanitarian situation.

Stockpicking hedge funds, specifically equity long-short strategies, are experiencing a significant resurgence, attracting net investor inflows for the first time in a decade following strong returns in the first half of 2025, according to a report in the Financial Times. This marks a notable reversal of a long-term trend that saw capital shift towards passive index funds and ETFs. The comeback is attributed to a market environment of increased volatility and greater dispersion in individual stock performance, which creates more opportunities for active managers who use fundamental analysis to identify mispriced securities. This shift suggests a renewed investor confidence in active management’s ability to generate returns in a more selective market shaped by a changing interest rate and inflation landscape.

The European Central Bank (ECB) has warned that the ongoing trade conflict between the US and China could significantly lower inflation in the Eurozone, according to a report in the Financial Times. Economists at the central bank project that Chinese goods facing US tariffs could be rerouted to Europe, potentially causing up to a 10% increase in cheap Chinese imports by 2026. This influx of lower-cost products would increase competitive pressure on domestic goods and exert downward pressure on the overall price level, complicating the ECB’s efforts to maintain its 2% inflation target. The warning is based on recent escalations, including new US tariffs on Chinese goods announced in May 2024.

US President Donald Trump has urged the United Kingdom to increase its oil drilling operations, calling the North Sea a “treasure chest” and criticizing the country’s high taxes for driving away producers, according to a report in The New York Times. Trump’s comments come as the UK’s new Labour government has pledged to halt all new oil and gas licenses, a reversal of the previous administration’s policy. The criticism of “high taxes” aligns with industry concerns over the UK’s Energy Profits Levy, a windfall tax that significantly increased the tax rate on North Sea profits and has been cited as a deterrent to investment in the region’s declining production basin.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has initiated a significant licensing round for 52 oil and gas blocks, covering 124 million hectares of land and inland waters, a move that could impact critical ecosystems and about 39 million people, according to a report in The Guardian. The auction includes areas that are vital habitats for endangered species like lowland gorillas and bonobos, as well as the Cuvette Centrale peatlands, which store an estimated 30 billion tonnes of carbon. Experts have described the move as environmentally risky, highlighting the potential for severe biodiversity loss and the release of massive amounts of greenhouse gases, which would undermine global climate goals. The DRC government has previously defended the decision by citing the need for economic development and state revenue.

A Russian missile hit a Ukrainian army training ground near Honcharivske, with Ukrainian authorities reporting three soldiers killed and 18 wounded, as per a report in AP. The Russian Defense Ministry presented a conflicting account, claiming the strike killed or wounded approximately 200 Ukrainian troops. This attack on Ukraine’s 169th training center underscores Russia’s strategy of targeting military infrastructure to degrade combat readiness and disrupt troop mobilization, which remains a critical challenge for Ukraine. The incident also highlights the significant discrepancies in casualty reporting that characterize the information warfare aspect of the conflict.

China and Russia will conduct their annual ‘Joint Sea 2025’ naval exercise and a joint maritime patrol next month in the air and seas near Vladivostok, according to a report in AP. The announcement was made by Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang. The location of the drill, across the sea from Japan’s west coast, marks a shift from last year’s exercise, which was held in the South China Sea, and occurs amid a deepening strategic partnership between Beijing and Moscow.

Police in Melbourne, Australia, have arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with a December arson attack that destroyed the Adass Israel Synagogue, AP says in a report. Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam stated the arrest occurred on Wednesday and that authorities are searching for two other suspects believed to be involved. The investigation is also exploring potential international criminal links to the attack, which has been described as a significant escalation in antisemitic violence in the country.

The economy of the 20-nation Eurozone experienced minimal growth of only 0.1% in the April-June quarter compared to the previous quarter. This slowdown is attributed to the reversal of earlier efforts by companies to accelerate shipments of goods to preempt potential new US tariffs, which had artificially boosted previous figures. Germany, the continent’s largest economy, saw its economic output fall during this period. The EU statistics agency, Eurostat, also reported that year-over-year growth for the quarter was 1.4% and that future prospects for the European economy are mediocre.

Scientists are investigating a series of unusual beaked whale strandings that occurred across western Ireland, Scotland’s Orkney Islands, and the Netherlands on July 26 and 27, according to a report in The Guardian. These incidents are particularly concerning as beaked whales are deep-diving, rarely seen animals, and their appearance in shallow waters often points to significant distress. While the exact cause remains unknown, experts are concerned that human activities, such as the use of naval sonar or seismic surveys known to affect these acoustically sensitive species, may be implicated in the events, prompting scrutiny of maritime industrial and military operations in the region.

Pope Francis called for a renewed commitment to diplomacy to resolve global conflicts during his general audience on Wednesday, as per a report in AP. The call came as he marked the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Accords, a landmark Cold War-era agreement signed on August 1, 1975. The Pope highlighted the significance of the Helsinki Final Act, which was a result of a 35-nation conference and later helped establish the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), emphasizing its foundational role in fostering security and human rights.

The French government is investigating an incident where a group of Jewish youths was removed from a flight from Spain to Paris, with ministers condemning the alleged ‘excessive use of force’ by Spanish police, AP said in a report. French ministers Aurore Bergé and Benjamin Haddad met with a summer camp counselor who accused the police of using brute force during the removal from the Vueling airline flight. Following the incident, French authorities have contacted both the CEO of the Spanish low-cost airline and the Spanish ambassador to France to determine if the youths were subjected to discrimination based on their faith.

Japan has recorded its highest-ever temperature of 41.2 degrees Celsius (106.16 degrees Fahrenheit) in Hamamatsu, surpassing the previous 2018 record, as per a report in Al Jazeera. This extreme weather event, which follows the nation’s hottest June on record, has significant economic implications. The record heat is placing immense strain on the country’s energy infrastructure due to surging demand for air conditioning, increasing the risk of power outages. It also poses a severe threat to public health systems and the agricultural sector, potentially impacting crop yields, food security, and driving up prices. This event is part of a broader pattern of extreme heat across the Northern Hemisphere, intensifying the global discourse on climate change and the need for robust adaptation strategies.

UK-based fintech Revolut is exploring the acquisition of a US-chartered bank to accelerate its entry into the American lending market, the Financial Times said in a report. This strategy is viewed as a more efficient alternative to the complex and lengthy process of applying for a new banking charter from scratch. Obtaining a full US banking license would allow Revolut to move beyond its current partnership-dependent model, enabling it to directly offer lending products like loans and credit cards and fund them with its own deposits. The potential move aligns with a broader industry trend set by other fintechs like SoFi and LendingClub, where companies acquire existing banks to gain regulatory approval and full-service capabilities, a development that is increasing competitive pressure on traditional US financial institutions and prompting greater regulatory oversight of these hybrid entities.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has publicly rejected recent demands made by US President Donald Trump concerning Brazil’s tariff strategy, The New York Times says in a report. Despite this firm stance, President Lula also stated that he remains ready for dialogue with the US administration to resolve the disagreements. The core of the dispute relates to Brazil’s trade policies, which the Lula government has oriented towards strengthening domestic industry and diversifying international partnerships.

Emergency healthcare workers in Ukraine report being deliberately targeted by Russian drones, with some describing the tactic as ‘chasing ambulances’, Al Jazeera says in a report. These alleged incidents are part of what international observers call a ‘record’ number of attacks on Ukraine’s healthcare system since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. The World Health Organization (WHO) has documented hundreds of such attacks, which severely impede the delivery of critical medical aid and are being investigated as potential war crimes under international humanitarian law. Russia has consistently denied targeting civilian infrastructure, a claim contradicted by evidence from human rights groups and testimony from personnel on the ground.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has signed a law that allows men over the age of 60 to voluntarily enter into contract-based military service, according to a report in RT.

At least 23 people have been killed and 5,560 displaced by severe flooding in the Yola area of Adamawa state in northeastern Nigeria, with authorities reporting that 11 other individuals remain missing, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. This event is part of a recurring annual challenge for Nigeria, often exacerbated by heavy seasonal rains and water releases from the Lagdo Dam in neighboring Cameroon. The economic implications are significant, as the destruction of agricultural land threatens local food production and could lead to food shortages and price instability. The mass displacement has also triggered a humanitarian crisis, creating urgent needs for shelter and clean water, while raising public health concerns over the potential spread of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid in the affected communities.

The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is reportedly set to be held in Las Vegas this December, according to a report in Al Jazeera. This event is a critical milestone for the tournament, which will be the first to feature an expanded 48-team format and be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. While FIFA has not yet made an official announcement, the selection of Las Vegas would be for a city known for hosting large-scale international events. For the participating national teams, the draw will finalize their group stage opponents and match locations, allowing for detailed logistical, travel, and strategic planning to begin ahead of the tournament.

A new Gallup World Poll indicates that the share of people worldwide who rate their lives as ‘thriving’ has reached a new peak, Al Jazeera says in a report. The finding is based on the Cantril Ladder self-assessment, where individuals rate their current life on a scale from 0 (worst possible) to 10 (best possible). This positive trend in subjective well-being coincides with a period of post-pandemic economic recovery in many regions, although persistent inflation and geopolitical instability remain significant challenges. While the global average is up, the data suggests potential disparities across different regions and demographics, a nuance also highlighted by other metrics like the World Happiness Report, which noted a decline in happiness among younger people in some Western nations.

Recent US tariff pacts with the European Union, the UK, and Japan are pressuring Canada’s automotive sector, according to a report in The New York Times. While Canadian vehicles that meet the strict rules of origin under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) can enter the US market tariff-free, the agreements with the other major economies primarily averted the threat of much higher Section 232 national security tariffs. This has created a competitive imbalance, as Canadian manufacturers face the complex challenge of meeting the USMCA’s 75% North American content requirement to secure zero-tariff access. The situation puts Canadian auto exports at a disadvantage, potentially impacting production volumes and the country’s attractiveness for future automotive investment.

A growing number of Russian servicemen returning from Ukraine are reportedly being targeted by government officials who are scamming them out of their substantial war-related salaries and compensation payments, according to a report in BBC. The incidents, described as systemic rather than isolated, involve officials in military enlistment offices and finance departments demanding bribes or manipulating records to steal the funds. This widespread corruption targets soldiers who are often promised high financial incentives to serve, potentially eroding military morale, hampering recruitment efforts, and undermining trust in state institutions.

Organizers for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia have announced plans to release over 2.5 million tickets, the largest number for any edition of the tournament, Reuters says in a report. The ticketing plan emphasizes affordability, with some pool match tickets priced as low as A$40 ($26.04). This strategy is part of World Rugby’s stated goal to make the global event accessible to as many people as possible and supports the expansion of the tournament to 24 teams.

Glaciers in southeastern Turkiye are melting rapidly due to climate change, posing a significant threat to regional water supplies and local economies, according to a report in Al Jazeera. This accelerated meltwater loss exacerbates the country’s existing water stress, which is already compounded by severe droughts. The diminishing glaciers directly endanger the agricultural sector, which relies on meltwater for irrigation, and negatively impact the nature-based tourism industry that is a key economic driver for local communities. Furthermore, the loss of these glaciers puts high-altitude ecosystems and their unique biodiversity at severe risk.

The UN’s International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) has rejected a request for early release for convicted Bosnian Serb military leader Ratko Mladic, according to a report in Al Jazeera. Mladic, who is serving a life sentence for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity for his role in the Srebrenica massacre, had sought release on humanitarian grounds. His legal team filed the request last month, claiming his health was rapidly deteriorating and that he had only a few months to live. The court’s decision ensures he will continue to serve his life sentence, which was upheld on appeal in June 2021.

US President Donald Trump has warned that India may be subjected to tariffs as high as 25%, even as he referred to the country as a ‘good friend’, according to a report in BBC. The statement comes amid ongoing trade negotiations between the US and India, which have reportedly stalled over several key issues. A primary point of contention remains market access for agricultural products, a persistent challenge in the bilateral trade relationship.

A new satellite image shows hundreds of Palestinians converging on an aid convoy in Gaza, a scene that underscores the dire humanitarian situation and widespread desperation for food, as per a report in The New York Times. The event occurs amid warnings of imminent famine, with humanitarian organizations consistently citing significant obstacles to aid delivery, including security challenges and logistical breakdowns. These factors prevent sufficient supplies from reaching the population. The incident highlights the severe risks for both civilians and aid workers and intensifies international calls for unimpeded humanitarian access to the region.

HSBC’s quarterly earnings fell short of analyst expectations after it recorded a $2.1 billion impairment charge on its investment in China’s Bank of Communications (BoCom), according to a report in the Financial Times. The significant write-down reflects a perceived decrease in the value of HSBC’s long-held stake in the major Chinese state-owned bank. This accounting measure, which directly impacts profitability, comes amid a broader economic slowdown and a persistent property crisis in China, which has increased risks and affected asset valuations for foreign investors in the country’s financial sector.

A significant flow of illegal weapons smuggled from Florida is arming Haitian gangs, transforming them into a powerful force capable of challenging the country’s fragile government, according to a report in the Financial Times. These gangs, equipped with military-grade firearms, now exert control over large parts of Port-au-Prince, targeting critical infrastructure and overwhelming the Haitian National Police. This escalation in firepower has directly fueled a severe humanitarian crisis, mass displacement, and a near-collapse of state authority, undermining the transitional government established in April 2024. The situation has increased pressure on US authorities to curb the illicit arms trafficking from its shores, which is seen as a primary driver of the escalating violence and regional instability.

Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine stated the country’s political climate has ‘gone from bad to worse’ ahead of the 2026 general election, AP said in a report. Wine, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, cited direct threats against himself and other activists who are mobilizing against longtime President Yoweri Museveni. Concerns for his safety have reportedly increased due to social media activity from Museveni’s son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is widely seen as a potential successor and leads the ‘MK Movement’.

Francesca Albanese, an independent UN special rapporteur for the West Bank and Gaza, has stated that US sanctions imposed on her will have serious impacts on her life and ability to conduct her work, as per a report in AP. Albanese, who is tasked by the UN Human Rights Council with investigating human rights in the Palestinian territories, has been an outspoken critic of Israel’s policies and has described its actions in Gaza as “genocide.” The sanctions are reportedly a response to her critical stance on Israel’s actions.

The Australian government has announced its intention to include YouTube in a proposed ban preventing users under 16 from accessing social media platforms without robust age verification and parental consent, according to a report in BBC. This move is part of Australia’s broader online safety framework and reflects a global trend of increased regulation to protect youth online. The proposed legislation places the responsibility on platforms like YouTube to implement “reasonable steps” for age verification, facing significant fines for non-compliance. This creates a substantial compliance burden and potential revenue loss for tech companies, while positioning Australia as a leader in digital regulation.

The Taiwanese government has called off a planned transit stop in the United States for President William Lai, who was scheduled to travel to Latin America, as per a report in AP. The decision has led to conflicting accounts for the cancellation, which occurs amid diplomatic tensions between the US under the Trump administration and China. Such transits, while routine for Taiwanese leaders, consistently draw strong protests from Beijing, which views them as a challenge to its sovereignty claims over the island.

President Faustin-Archange Touadera of the Central African Republic has confirmed his intention to run for a third term, a decision that has drawn condemnation from opposition parties who fear a potential life-long presidency, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. His bid is enabled by a constitutional referendum from July 2023, which was boycotted by the opposition and resulted in the removal of presidential term limits and an extension of the term length from five to seven years. This referendum followed the 2022 dissolution of the nation’s Constitutional Court, which had previously blocked attempts to amend the constitution.

Taiwan has called off a planned transit stop in the United States for its president, who was scheduled to travel to Latin America, as per a report in AP. The cancellation has generated conflicting explanations, with some speculation pointing to opposition from the current US administration of President Donald Trump. This development occurs as the US navigates its complex relationship with China, which routinely protests any official contact between the US and Taiwan, viewing such transits as a violation of its ‘One China’ principle.

A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 8.0 struck near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Tuesday, leading Japan’s meteorological agency to issue a tsunami advisory for the country’s Pacific coast, AP says in a report. The advisory warned of potential waves up to one meter, though the quake’s epicenter was approximately 250 kilometers from Hokkaido and was only felt slightly there. The tsunami advisory was subsequently lifted after only minor waves were observed, with no reports of significant damage, in an event that tested the effectiveness of Japan’s rapid warning systems.

US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the US will partner with Israel to run new food centers in Gaza to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis, according to a report in AP. Speaking to reporters, Trump stated that Israel would preside over these new centers to ensure proper food distribution. However, both the President and other US officials have so far provided few specific details about the plan or how it would differ from existing aid distribution mechanisms in the region.

Former Canada women’s football coach Bev Priestman has been appointed head coach of New Zealand’s Wellington Phoenix on a two-year contract, AP says in a report. The appointment comes after Priestman recently completed a one-year suspension from all football-related activities imposed by FIFA. The ban stemmed from an incident in February 2024 where Priestman and other Canadian staff used a drone to spy on the New Zealand national team’s training session during the CONCACAF W Gold Cup, an Olympic qualifying event. Priestman previously coached the Canadian team to a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that St. Lucia’s colonial-era “buggery and gross indecency” laws were unconstitutional, effectively decriminalizing gay sex on the island, as per a report in AP. The decision was celebrated by activist groups like Raise Your Voice St. Lucia as a “monumental step for human rights” and a “beacon of hope” in the largely conservative Caribbean. This ruling sets a strong legal precedent for other members of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and follows similar decriminalization decisions in St. Kitts and Nevis (2022) and Antigua and Barbuda (2022), while contrasting with a 2023 ruling in Dominica that upheld its anti-sodomy law.

Ukrainian officials have stated that a Russian strike targeting a prison has killed 16 people, as per a report in The New York Times. The attack was described by authorities as part of a widespread wave of assaults throughout Ukraine. The attribution of the strike to Russia comes from Ukrainian sources.