This brings me joy. Reading through news and sharing what I think might be worth reading—I keep the U.S. domestic political noise out unless it directly affects another country. (Sorry, Canada)

AFRICA

DR Congo — Ebola is worsening. The outbreak continues to spread, with Al Jazeera reporting the death toll has climbed to at least 930. The crisis is especially difficult because parts of eastern Congo are also dealing with armed conflict and damaged health infrastructure.

Africa’s solar market is growing. Chinese customs data show solar-cell and panel exports to Africa rose 26% year over year in June. That is significant for a continent where many countries are trying to expand electricity access while reducing dependence on expensive imported fuels.

Mali remains unstable. Armed groups continue attacking military forces in the Gao region and elsewhere, another sign that insecurity across the Sahel remains far from resolved.

ASIA

Japan has protested a Chinese live-fire naval drill in waters it considers part of its exclusive economic zone. Chinese and Russian vessels were involved near Okinotori, an area where China disputes Japan’s maritime claims. The incident adds another layer to growing military tension in East Asia.

Southeast Asian foreign ministers are meeting in Manila. ASEAN countries are trying to manage several crises at once: the South China Sea dispute, Myanmar’s continuing conflict, and the economic shock from renewed Middle East fighting and threats to energy supplies.

India — a deadly tunnel explosion. Reuters reports that at least 10 workers were killed and 15 remained trapped following a tunnel blast, adding to renewed concerns about worker safety on major infrastructure projects.

China’s economy is slowing. Second-quarter growth was the weakest in more than three years, with strong manufacturing and exports failing to fully compensate for weak household consumption. That imbalance matters globally because China remains one of the main engines of international trade.

The broader Asian economy remains surprisingly resilient. The Asian Development Bank recently raised its 2026 growth forecast for developing Asia to 4.9%, including 6% growth for South Asia.

AUSTRALIA & THE PACIFIC

The Pacific Islands Forum is divided over how strongly to respond to China’s recent missile test. A joint statement reportedly failed to gain unanimous support, reflecting the complicated relationships different Pacific island nations have with Beijing.

New Zealand and the Philippines formed a new comprehensive partnership today. The agreement covers defense, maritime security, trade, diplomacy, and people-to-people ties — another sign that Indo-Pacific countries are building closer networks amid regional uncertainty.

Australia and Fiji’s new defense alliance remains one of the biggest recent Pacific developments. The pact commits the countries to assist one another if attacked and makes Fiji only Australia’s fourth formal defense ally.

CANADA

1. Canada faces a major new trade shock. The United States announced 50% tariffs on roughly $20 billion of Canadian goods. Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will intensify negotiations before the measures take effect.

2. Inflation has cooled. Canada’s annual inflation rate dropped to 2.8% in June from 3.2% in May, helped by lower gasoline prices. That reduces some pressure on the Bank of Canada to raise interest rates.

3. Canada is looking beyond the U.S. on defense. Ottawa has agreed to become an observer in the Global Combat Air Programme, a next-generation fighter project involving Britain, Japan and Italy.

EUROPE

England

Britain has a new prime minister. Andy Burnham has taken office and faces immediate pressure to prove that his cost-of-living plans can be delivered without destabilizing public finances.

Government borrowing came in lower in June, but Reuters reports the fiscal challenge facing the new government remains substantial.

Ireland

1. Ireland is moving ahead with plans to lift Dublin Airport’s passenger cap, potentially allowing significant further growth at the country’s main international gateway.

2. Irish sport remains a major national focus this week, following the All-Ireland hurling final and with the Gaelic football championship reaching its decisive stages.

3. Ireland’s women finished third in their World Cup qualifying group, behind France and the Netherlands, and now face the longer playoff route toward Brazil 2027.

Scotland

1. Scotland produced a strong rugby comeback against Fiji, overturning a halftime deficit to win 33-17 at Murrayfield.

2. The match drew about 55,000 supporters, while the unusual arrangement also provided Fiji with a financial boost after giving up home advantage.

France

1. French lawmakers are voting on a proposed social-media ban for children under 15. The debate reflects growing European concern over young people’s online safety and mental wellbeing.

2. Didier Deschamps has ended his 14-year run as France’s national football coach. His tenure included the 2018 World Cup title and made him one of the most successful international managers of the modern era.

Greece

1. Greece is bracing for another period of severe heat. Southern Europe remains vulnerable to wildfire conditions as temperatures rise again.

2. Fire preparedness remains a major national concern, particularly in regions with dry vegetation and large numbers of summer visitors.

3. Greece is now part of the EU’s new solidarity mechanism for countries facing heavy migration pressure, alongside Cyprus, Spain and Italy.

Italy

1. Italy is confronting unrest after a man died during a police arrest in Bologna. Protests turned violent, and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called for a full investigation while condemning attacks on police.

2. Migration pressure remains an ongoing issue, particularly for Italy’s southern coastal regions and islands, as the EU’s new burden-sharing arrangements begin taking effect.

3. Italy is also one of the core partners in the next-generation GCAP fighter-aircraft programme, which Canada has now joined as an observer.

SOUTH AMERICA

Brazil’s presidential campaign is becoming increasingly entangled with international trade tensions. Recent U.S. tariffs have become a political issue inside Brazil ahead of its October election, with President Lula and his opponents blaming one another for the dispute.

Colombia continues its political transition. President-elect Abelardo De La Espriella represents a significant shift to the right following an election dominated by concerns about crime, economic pressure and public frustration.

Argentina is digesting a painful World Cup defeat. The defending champions lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time, likely marking Lionel Messi’s final World Cup appearance.