Deep-Sea Mining Rules Remain Unfinished as U.S. Eyes American Samoa
The ISA is still developing environmental thresholds for mining in international waters as the U.S. proposes exploratory leases covering 33 million acres near American Samoa.
International
-
-
The U.N.’s New Urban Declaration Puts City Finance and Housing First
The U.N. renewed its urban agenda, but cities still need money, authority and project capacity to turn housing and climate goals into results.
-
Malaysia Screens Myanmar Nationals for Possible Return
Malaysia has begun screening detained Myanmar nationals under a possible return arrangement, but the group’s composition, timing and protection safeguards remain unresolved.
-
U.N. report: Gender-equality progress remains too slow worldwide
The U.N.’s July 2026 SDG assessment finds continued gains in gender equality, but political power, workplace leadership, autonomy, safety and funding remain uneven.
-
Black Sea shipping pause deepens after attacks on merchant vessels
Shipowners halted calls at Ukraine’s Black Sea ports after attacks on merchant vessels, and Hapag-Lloyd later suspended feeder service, disrupting export planning.
-
Guyana’s oil-led expansion is creating a labor and migration dilemma
Guyana’s rapid growth is widening labor shortages, putting migration management, diaspora return, training and worker protections at the center of policy.
-
Nigeria and Ghana Ask AU to Address South Africa Protests
Nigeria and Ghana are asking the African Union to address anti-migrant protests in South Africa, while Pretoria backs broader migration talks.
-
Philippines, U.S. warn against coercion as ASEAN talks continue
U.S. and Philippine officials warned against coercion in Kuala Lumpur as ASEAN said South China Sea code-of-conduct talks with China had accelerated.
-
UEFA Loses Confidence in FIFA Leadership After World Cup Plan Fails
FIFA withdrew a proposed private-investment plan for World Cup assets, triggering UEFA’s loss-of-confidence declaration and a wider governance review.
-
Israel-Lebanon Framework Enters Difficult Implementation Talks
Rome talks are testing an Israel-Lebanon framework, but troop positions, Hezbollah disarmament, destruction and civilian safety remain unresolved.
-
Ukraine’s Drone Campaign Reaches Deeper Into Russia’s Energy Network
Strikes on Russian refineries and rear-area infrastructure are widening pressure on Moscow, but the campaign’s lasting military and fuel-market effects remain uncertain.
-
Barbados Reports Stronger Reserves and Bank Loan Quality
Barbados reported higher reserves, a lower debt ratio and improved bank loan quality in a July review, while an IMF backstop remains precautionary.
-
UK-EU Gibraltar Treaty Begins Provisional Border Rules
A UK-EU treaty signed July 14 began provisional application July 15, easing routine Gibraltar-Spain crossings while keeping immigration and customs controls.
-
FDA Turns Global Infant-Formula Recall Into Supply-Chain Warning
The FDA is urging infant-formula makers to strengthen supplier controls after a global cereulide event linked recalled products to 99 countries and territories.
-
UN experts warn Iran after 2 protest executions; 10 remain at risk
UN experts urged Iran to halt executions after two men in an Isfahan protest case were executed and 10 other defendants remained at risk.
-
WTO Farm Talks Remain Divided After First Post-MC14 Session
WTO agriculture talks resumed in Geneva after MC14 without a deal, as members split over subsidies, food stocks, safeguards, market access and exports.
-
UN high-seas treaty logs Ireland’s first Article 12 notice
Ireland’s July 16 filing is the first listed marine-genetic-resources notice under the new high-seas treaty, testing its provisional oversight system.
-
Nearly 150 People Reported Dead or Missing Off Mauritania
UNHCR says 144 people were reported dead or missing after Atlantic migration incidents off Mauritania, even as Canary Islands arrivals fell.
-
UN urban review finds housing and access still lag city growth
A UN review found uneven urban progress: transport access improved, but housing costs, informal settlements and weak local capacity continue to deepen exclusion.
-
UN Security Council extends Red Sea Houthi reporting mandate
The Security Council renewed monthly reporting on Houthi attacks through Jan. 15, 2027, preserving UN scrutiny without authorizing new military action.
-
IEA forecasts faster global power demand amid LNG shock
The IEA forecasts faster electricity growth through 2027 as an LNG disruption raises costs, coal use temporarily rises and renewables overtake coal.
-
Chile’s 3.5% employer pension phase starts with August pay
Chile’s pension reform enters its next payroll phase with August 2026 pay: employers will contribute 3.5%, including a protected-return component for workers.