America Colombia Abelardo De La Espriella has become the new president-elect of Colombia in a tight run-off; the far-right lawyer was openly backed by US President Trump
America Suriname Paper-based death certificate system will be replaced with a digital application next month, modernizing its healthcare administration and enhancing service provision by generating data accessible to the Public Health Bureau
America Belize Belize City launched its first two electric buses after six years of planning, aiming for a healthier, safer, and more efficient transport system
America Mexico A 10ft-tall statue of the Greek god Poseidon in Progreso, Yucatan, Mexico, was symbolically "closed" due to a legal complaint by indigenous activists who said it offended local Maya beliefs
Oceania Australia The most popular dog names of 2024 have been announced: according to data from Scratch's 2024 Great Australian Dog Survey 'human' names are increasingly common
America Bahamas Ahead of the passage of a package of cannabis bills in the House of Representatives, the Bahamas Christian Council had urged against them, saying it feared they would lead to an increase in marijuana abuse
Europe Norway Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz rejected the request of his Norwegian counterpart Espen Barth Eide to visit Tel Aviv in protest against Oslo’s recognition of the State of Palestine last May
Africa South Africa A skills development programme will be implemented to address youth unemployment and skills shortages in informal settlements; the City of Cape Town aims to empower 955 young people from those areas
America Panama Mayor Mayer Mizrachi offered a week-long free stay in Panama to tourists affected by anti-tourism protests in Barcelona, aiming to attract visitors and showcase Panama’s attractions
America Cuba At the end of 2023, Cuba had an effective population of 10.550.968, 10,1% lower than in 2020, according to the National Bureau of Statistics and Information
Europe Ukraine The European Union will reintroduce the duties on bran imports from Ukraine startingMonday 22 July; they had been set at zero for another year last 6 June to support the economy in Kiev
Asia United Arab Emirates The validity period of Emirati passports has been extended from 5 to 10 years for citizens aged 21 years and older, the UAE Passport Authority officially announced
Europe Sweden The country officially joined the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), which will start operations and investigations in Sweden 20 days after the appointment of the Swedish European Public Prosecutor, scheduled for autumn
America Paraguay Paraguay conducted its largest cocaine bust in history, seizing over four tons of cocaine hidden in a sugar shipment bound for Belgium, with a market value of approximately US$240 million