Libre News of the World Express Edition. Wednesday the 25th of June 2025

Subscribe today so you never miss an episode! Today on Libre News of The World Express Edition: Canada and the EU signed a landmark defense pact, enhancing cooperation on cyber, space, and AI security (The Globe and Mail). Iran retaliated against U.S. strikes with a missile attack on Al Udeid Air Base, straining ceasefire hopes (Al Jazeera). Costa Rica’s President Rodrigo Chaves faces criminal charges over campaign financing irregularities (La Nación). Former Puerto Rico Governor Wanda Vázquez will plead guilty to a misdemeanor in a campaign finance case (El Nuevo Día). In Peru, a 1,000-year-old mummy was found beneath a Lima street, shedding light on the Chancay culture (Andina). Colombia rescued 57 soldiers detained by FARC dissidents in Cauca without gunfire (El Tiempo). Chile unveiled the first images from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, taken with the world’s largest telescope camera (La Tercera). Argentina’s economy grew 5.8% in Q1 2025 as IMF officials arrive to review its $20B loan program (Clarín). China plans to showcase hypersonic weapons during a military parade marking WWII’s 80th anniversary (South China Morning Post). Australia and the UK have partnered to address a growing tech worker shortage via skilled migration and training collaboration (The Sydney Morning Herald). New Zealand’s herpes awareness campaign won the Grand Prix for Good at Cannes Lions (Stuff.co.nz). Japan is sending top trade officials to avert 24% U.S. auto tariffs (The Japan Times). The Bank of Korea is cautiously advancing stablecoins and CBDC trials (The Korea Herald). Vietnam's Long Thanh airport nears completion for a 2026 opening (VnExpress). South Africa secured a $1.5B World Bank loan for green energy and infrastructure (News24). Baku’s Piano Festival celebrates global music talent (Trend News Agency). Protests continue across Turkey over the arrest of opposition leader Ekrem İmamoğlu (Hürriyet Daily News). Saudi Arabia condemned Iran’s missile strike on a U.S. base in Qatar (Arab News). Iran’s nationwide internet blackout disrupted banking and communications (Tehran Times). Israel responded to Iran’s alleged ceasefire breach with airstrikes on Tehran (The Jerusalem Post). French President Macron nominated French House music for UNESCO status (Le Monde). Italy committed to NATO’s 5% defense spending goal by 2035 (ANSA). Spain opted out of NATO’s new target, triggering intra-alliance tensions (El País). Portugal passed tough new citizenship and immigration laws (Expresso). Romania approved a new pro-European coalition government (Adevărul). Eastbourne residents were evacuated due to an unknown substance found in a home (BBC News). Scotland’s NHS is under strain as private healthcare use surges (The Scotsman). Ireland plans ignition interlocks for convicted drink drivers (The Irish Times). Germany announced a €162B defense budget by 2029 (Die Welt). Sweden and Finland expanded missile defense systems under NATO’s shield (Yle News). Irish detectives traveled to Iceland for new leads in the 2019 disappearance of Jon Jonsson (RÚV). In Uzbekistan, Saida Mirziyoyeva was appointed Head of the Presidential Administration (Qalampir.uz). Ukrainian drones hit Moscow suburbs as cross-border tensions rise (Ukrinform). Russia launched deadly airstrikes on Ukraine, killing at least 16 people (Ukrainska Pravda). Finally, students at Santiniketan held a candlelight vigil to protest the vandalism of Tagore’s ancestral home in Bangladesh (Anandabazar Patrika). These news summaries were written using AI technology. While every effort has been made to ensure factual accuracy, occasional mistakes or omissions may occur. Your understanding is appreciated, and we warmly welcome any feedback to help us continue improving the quality of our reporting. Thank you for being part of our journey!