By hello@wtfworldnews.info — 21 Jul 2025

News Summary - 07/21/2025

Arrested Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi faces terror charges

Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi was arrested and accused of "facilitation of terrorist acts" linked to protests last month against President William Ruto's government. The demonstrations on 25 June led to at least 19 deaths and were held to honor victims of police violence from a previous protest the same day last year.

Malaria ‘back with a vengeance’ in Zimbabwe as number of deaths from the disease triple

Zimbabwe faces a malaria resurgence with 115 outbreaks in 2025, up from one last year, due to US funding cuts. Withdrawal of USAID support halted research and mosquito net supplies, threatening years of progress and putting thousands at risk.

Trump administration to destroy nearly $10m of contraceptives for women overseas

The Trump administration decided to destroy $9.7 million worth of long-acting contraceptives, mainly IUDs and implants, intended for women abroad, likely in Africa. This move, part of ending foreign aid, will cost US taxpayers $167,000. The destruction was planned by the end of July, though it's unclear if it has already happened.

Sudan’s children face growing threat of deadly infectious diseases as vaccination rates halve

Sudan’s children are increasingly at risk of deadly infectious diseases as vaccination rates have plummeted from over 90% in 2022 to just 48%, the lowest worldwide. The decline is linked to the ongoing civil war and the resulting humanitarian crisis, which has disrupted immunisation efforts and heightened children's vulnerability, says the World Health Organization.

Sudanese paramilitary RSF accused of killing almost 300 people in village raids

Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have killed nearly 300 civilians in North Kordofan village raids since Saturday. Rights groups say the targeted areas lacked military presence. The RSF is engaged in ongoing conflict with the Sudanese army, marking North Kordofan as a key frontline in the civil war that began in April 2023.

Toronto film festival: Angelina Jolie, Saoirse Ronan and Keanu Reeves lead lineup

The 50th Toronto Film Festival lineup features world premieres starring Angelina Jolie, Saoirse Ronan, and Keanu Reeves. The event also showcases films with Anya Taylor-Joy, Sydney Sweeney, and Matthew McConaughey, aiming for awards buzz following the Venice Film Festival.

Ecuador extradites notorious drug kingpin ‘Fito’ to US

Ecuador has extradited Adolfo Macías, aka "Fito," a notorious drug trafficker who escaped a high-security prison over a year ago. He was recaptured in June, and his flight landed in New York state on Sunday night.

Rubio moves to strip US visas from eight Brazilian judges in Bolsonaro battle

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revoked US visas for eight of Brazil’s 11 supreme court judges amid efforts to support former president Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro faces trial for allegedly plotting a coup after losing the 2022 election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and could receive a prison term of up to 43 years. This move signals continued US backing for Bolsonaro against Brazil’s judiciary.

Caracas releases 10 Americans as Venezuelans freed from El Salvador jail

Venezuela freed 10 American prisoners in exchange for repatriating scores of Venezuelan migrants deported by the US to El Salvador. The deal marks a diplomatic win for Nicolás Maduro, supports Donald Trump's efforts to bring home Americans jailed overseas, and fulfills a prisoner swap proposal from El Salvador.

Trinidad and Tobago declares second state of emergency, citing gang threat

Trinidad and Tobago declared its second state of emergency this year due to a coordinated threat from organised crime gangs inside and outside prisons. Police commissioner Allister Guevarro revealed intelligence indicating these gangs formed a syndicate planning assassinations, robberies, and kidnappings, prompting urgent government action.

China starts building world’s biggest hydropower dam

China has begun constructing the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet, a 1.2 trillion yuan project dubbed the “project of the century” by the premier. The initiative raises concerns among downstream nations India and Bangladesh over potential impacts on water flow.

Weather tracker: Mediterranean heatwave sparks concern for marine life

A severe Mediterranean heatwave has pushed sea surface temperatures near Spain and Portugal above 30°C, raising alarms for marine life. Scientists link the intense, prolonged marine heatwave to human-driven climate change. Meanwhile, South Korea faces torrential rains and deadly landslides that have killed four people.

Japan PM Shigeru Ishiba vows to stay on despite losing upper house majority

Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba pledged to remain in office despite his coalition losing the upper house majority to a rightwing populist party. The setback adds pressure on Ishiba's minority government, which also lost the lower house last October, complicating efforts to negotiate measures against Trump tariffs. Ishiba remains unpopular within his own party amid ongoing political challenges.

Death toll from South Korean rains rises to 17

Heavy rains in South Korea have killed at least 17 people, with 11 still missing. Record downpours, including nearly 170mm in Gapyeong county, triggered landslides and flooding, damaging homes and vehicles. Rescue efforts continue amid ongoing severe weather conditions.

Typhoon Wipha hits Hong Kong bringing on highest storm alert

Hong Kong raised its highest tropical cyclone warning as Typhoon Wipha approached, leading to cancellations of school classes and grounding of hundreds of flights. The storm was about 60km southeast of the city, causing huge waves off Hong Kong Island. Nearby Chinese provinces Hainan and Guangdong also remain on high alert.

Rising property prices in Australia, driven by expected rate cuts, increased investor activity, and low supply, have reignited seller dominance. Many buyers share struggles of being repeatedly outbid amid fear of missing out, as housing affordability worsens with prices surging nearly twice as fast as wages, making family homes increasingly unattainable.

Hopes high as hundreds of critically endangered frogs survive release into wild in Victoria

Over 600 captive-bred spotted tree frogs have been released near Mount Beauty, Victoria, joining the struggling wild population. More than half have been recaptured, some having moved significantly from the release site. The initiative, led by Zoos Victoria, aims to boost numbers and genetic diversity after the species’ habitat was halved by the 2019-20 bushfires.

Murray Watt urged to intervene after accusations proposed Queensland coalmine clearing land in greater glider habitat

Conservationists urge Environment Minister Murray Watt to act after Queensland Conservation Council reveals satellite and drone images showing large-scale clearing of bushland in threatened greater glider habitat at the site of Magnetic South’s proposed Gemini coalmine near Dingo, central Queensland.

Labor’s Hecs reduction bill not the fairest way to relieve student debt, economists say

Economists suggest a flat $5,500 cut to student loans would be fairer and more effective than Labor’s proposed 20% reduction to HECS debts. The current plan disproportionately benefits graduates in medicine, law, and dentistry. Anthony Albanese plans to introduce legislation this week fulfilling a key election promise to reduce student debt.

What a croc: the day a reptile was reportedly seen in Noosa … or was it?

A claimed sighting of a 3.5m crocodile at Noosa River, 300km south of usual croc territory, began as a Facebook post by a man named Ross Buckley. The post quickly gained attention, spreading to breakfast TV and online news. Questions arose about the authenticity of the sighting and even the identity of Buckley, sparking debate over the rare reptile’s presence in the area.

Zelenskyy accuses Russia of ‘assault on humanity’ after latest drone barrage

Ukraine's Zelenskyy condemned Russia's latest attack involving over 420 drones and 20 missiles, targeting Kyiv's metro station sheltering civilians and killing at least two. Germany pledged to speed up delivery of five Patriot air-defense systems to support the capital under intense assault.

Anti-AfD protesters interrupt Alice Weidel interview live on German TV

During a live ARD interview in Berlin, protesters disrupted Alice Weidel, co-leader of the far-right AfD, with whistling, shouting, and music, making parts of the exchange inaudible. The German public broadcaster announced it is reviewing and will take precautions in future to prevent similar interruptions.

Belgian police question two Israelis over war crimes accusations

Belgian authorities briefly detained and questioned two Israeli citizens seen at the Tomorrowland music festival near Antwerp after pro-Palestinian groups filed complaints. The accusations allege that the individuals, identified as soldiers, committed serious violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza. The investigation followed claims raised by prosecutors based on reports from the festival.

Ryanair weighs up increasing bonus to staff for intercepting oversized luggage

Ryanair is considering raising its "gate bag bonus," currently €1.50 per passenger and capped at €80 monthly, paid to staff for spotting oversized luggage. The move aims to enhance enforcement of baggage rules.

Norfolk woman hands over 16th-century painting identified as stolen 50 years ago

Barbara de Dozsa, who owned a 16th-century Madonna and Child painting by Italian artist Solario, has decided to return it to the Civic Museum of Belluno. The artwork was stolen from the museum in 1973. After years of legal debate and reflection, and with guidance from a pro bono art lawyer, she chose to hand the painting back to its rightful owners.

UK condemns Israel for depriving Palestinians of ‘human dignity’

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy joined ministers from 24 countries, including Australia, Canada, and France, condemning Israel for depriving Palestinians of human dignity. They called for an immediate end to the Gaza war and urged Israel to lift restrictions on aid, highlighting the severe suffering of civilians.

Israel launches air and ground offensive on Deir al-Balah in central Gaza

Israel has intensified its military campaign in Gaza with air raids and a ground offensive targeting Deir al-Balah, a key humanitarian center. The operation follows orders for Palestinians to evacuate the area amid escalating violence and worsening starvation in the region. The assault comes after Sunday's deadly attacks killed at least 85 Palestinians seeking food aid, marking the highest death toll in 21 months.

Israel launches air and ground assault on Deir al-Balah in central Gaza – as it happened

Israeli tanks advanced in Deir al-Balah, targeting areas believed to hold Hamas hostages, with casualties reported. Meanwhile, Israel struck Houthi terror targets at Yemen's Hodeida port, hitting military infrastructure linked to missile attacks against Israel. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of severe consequences for the Houthis, equating Yemen’s fate with Tehran’s due to their aggression.

Meta allows ads crowdfunding for IDF drones, consumer watchdog finds

Meta is hosting paid ads on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads from pro-Israel groups raising funds for military gear like drones and shooting tripods for the Israeli Defense Forces. These ads appear to violate Meta's own advertising policies but remain active, raising concerns over the platform's enforcement and the ethics of military crowdfunding.

Senior Labour MP urges UK to recognise Palestinian state ahead of UN conference

Senior Labour MP Emily Thornberry called on the UK to recognise a Palestinian state, emphasizing it as a crucial step towards peace. She warned that without a ceasefire and a political solution, the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has claimed over 58,000 Palestinian lives since October 2023, will persist. Several Western countries plan to advance recognition at an upcoming international conference.

At least 20 killed as military plane crashes into Bangladesh school campus

A Bangladeshi fighter jet crashed into Dhaka's Milestone school during a training flight, killing at least 20 people and injuring nearly 200, many of them children. The Chinese-made F-7BGI jet hit multiple school buildings, causing a massive explosion and fire. The pilot was among the dead, making it the country's worst aviation disaster in decades.

Pakistan authorities arrest 13 suspects over ‘honour’ killing video

Thirteen suspects were arrested in Balochistan after a viral video showed a man and woman being fatally shot for marrying against their families' wishes. The footage sparked public outrage and calls from activists for justice and an end to honour killings targeting those defying local cultural norms.

Children of elderly UK couple jailed by Taliban call for release before they ‘die in custody’

Barbie Reynolds, 76, and her husband Peter, 80, have been detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan for over five months without charge. Their children are urging the Taliban and the UN to secure their immediate release, fearing they may die in custody. The UN is set to issue a statement calling for the couple’s freedom as their health and safety remain at risk.