Latin America urged to intensify efforts against drug trafficking organizations by the U.S. government
France has been unable to pass its own budget, marking a significant challenge for the country's economic stability.
Elsewhere, Guyana's President Irfaan Ali secured a second term after his party won an election that could determine the future of the world's newest petrostate. The election results are expected to have far-reaching implications for the country's oil-rich economy.
In geopolitical developments, the United States has sought cooperation primarily with Latin American countries in fighting drug cartels. The efforts have involved designating some cartels as terrorist organizations and military actions or cooperation under the U.S. "war on drugs" framework.
Sadly, a landslide in western Sudan has claimed at least 1,000 lives, intensifying hardship in a country already besieged by years of civil war.
Meanwhile, Chinese leader Xi Jinping has declared his country's rise to be "unstoppable" during a military parade, marking 80 years since the end of World War II. Xi also won approval for a development bank attached to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, another Beijing-aligned multilateral lender.
In Europe, the region's leaders are unwilling to turn platitudes into actual pledges to help Ukraine. The European Union is reportedly readying new trade deals with Latin America, part of efforts to regain the initiative after the bloc was slammed for making excessive concessions in an agreement with the US.
Ukraine has faced another escalation in its conflict with Russia, with Moscow hammering the country with 526 drones overnight. Kyiv's allies are pledging military backing to bolster Ukraine's defense ahead of talks with US President Donald Trump.
In domestic politics, Brazil's Supreme Court will start hearing closing arguments in the trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is accused of orchestrating a coup to stay in power.
Finland and Poland are considering restoring peat wetlands along their Russian borders as a defense against possible invasion, which also serves as a carbon sink.
Syria recently exported its first official crude oil shipment since 2010, marking the return of a key driver of its economy.
Long-dated government bonds worldwide have tumbled on growing fears of excessive government spending, rising inflation, and political instability.
In the technology sector, Google has avoided the most severe consequences for its search business after a federal court ruled it held an illegal monopoly over the online search market.
In health news, a cheap generic drug linked to increasing lifespans may work by protecting against DNA damage, according to research.
In Latin America, the US has put pressure on countries to crack down on cartels, with threats of military force against some nations. The US Defense Secretary has confirmed that military action against Latin America's cartels will continue.
Notably, US President Donald Trump announced a lethal strike on a Venezuelan vessel in the Caribbean, targeting alleged "narcoterrorists." This appears to be the first time his administration has used deadly force against drug trafficking groups in Latin America.
Lastly, the White House is planning to expand National Guard deployments to Democrat-run cities including New York, Chicago, and Seattle.
