Aleksandar Vučić announced on 27 June that he would resign within weeks and call early presidential and parliamentary elections in 2026. Rasa Nedeljkov is Programme Director at the Center for Research, Transparency and Accountability, a civil society organisation that monitors electoral processes and the rule of law in Serbia. Civil society organisations that demand accountability and monitor elections face legal …

The U.S. Interior Department cancels a rule meant to protect plants and animals that are determined to be threatened with extinction. It's the latest step by President Donald Trump's administration to dismantle key provisions of the landmark Endangered Species Act. Last week, officials sharply reduced the amount of critical habitat in Rocky Mountains designated for Canada lynx, forest dwelling, climate …

Gao Shanwen, 55, died on July 7 after battling T-cell lymphoma. He was the chief economist at SDIC Securities. He became the focus of political controversy after publicly questioning China’s official economic growth figures. His social media accounts were suspended and he later left the company. Gao was later barred from public speaking and his scheduled university lecture was canceled.

Bitcoin has dropped below $63,000 as the market moves back into a more defensive mood. The market has moved from confidence to caution and buyers need to show where they are willing to step back in. The psychological test for traders is the broad zone between $60,000 and $61,500.

Safeguard Defenders released the report Behind Bars: A Survey on Prison Condition in China on July 16, 2026. It is based on questionnaires completed by 59 former prisoners, including both Chinese citizens and foreign nationals. The report documents allegations of beatings, the use of electric batons and pepper spray, prolonged stress positions while restrained, shackling, and solitary confinement.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 final will be played at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday, July 19th at 3:00 PM ET (US) Kick-off in India is 12:30 AM (GMT) on Monday, July 20th. It will be broadcast on FOX Sports, FOX One (English), Telemundo and Peacock (Spanish) in the United States, BBC and ITV in …

Chevy Chase, Maryland, is a suburb of Washington, D.C. that is home to senior government officials, journalists, lobbyists, and even a Supreme Court justice. It was named after Francis G. Newlands, who was a member of Congress from Nevada in the late 19th century. He was known for his racist views. Congress dedicated a federal property inside Chevy Chase Circle …

Artists are divided over the use of artificial intelligence in artistic creation. A.I. can be a valuable tool, but should never generate the final product. UNESCO’s latest report on artificial intelligence and culture acknowledged it as a form of collective intelligence shaped by decades of digitally mediated social interaction and cultural production.

Sara Baker is accused of trying to poison her disabled husband, James Doyle Baker, by lacing his food with fentanyl several times. She was released from jail on a $400,000 bond after she was arrested in November. She has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder, three counts of attempted murder, distribution of a controlled substance, second-degree elder abuse and …

Cuba's national grid collapsed for the third time in 10 days on Tuesday. The island has been sweltering under a six-month-long oil blockade imposed by the US. The government claims there is a total absence of fuel and there is no access to spare parts for thermoelectric units. Washington has used sanctions to destroy Cuba's industries.

The war in the Middle East closed the Strait of Hormuz, cutting off 20 million barrels a day of crude oil and refined products. Crude prices settled in the range of $90 to $100 per barrel. Three factors helped close the gap: Demand compression, higher prices and production outside the Gulf.

US Central Command completed its seventh consecutive night of airstrikes against Iran. The strikes concluded at 9:30 p.m. ET. Iran responded to the US assault by firing missiles and launching drones at several countries in the region. Kuwait's army reported intercepting Iranian missiles and drones. Jordan's military intercepted incoming missiles launched by Iran. Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed it had struck …