USA History marches on but major barriers remain between US and Cuba US Secretary of State John Kerry tells Cuba that there is no intention to alter agreements over leasing of Guantanamo Naval base. 20/07/2015
USA Struggling Cuban economy needs more than symbolic diplomatic gestures from the US The inauguration of a Cuban embassy in Washington drew rival protesters with chant's of "Viva Cuba" competing with "Free Cuba" as experts said much more needs to be done to enact lasting change. 20/07/2015
Sport European champs Barca hit the road in California NBA star Kobe Bryant linked up with the Barcelona football team this week during the Catalan’s summer Tour of the States. The LA Lakers shooting 20/07/2015
Turkey Turkey: Death toll climbs in Suruc attack The aftermath of a deadly suicide bombing in Suruc, Turkey. At least 31 people were killed and 104 were injured in the attack. The blast ripped 20/07/2015
Sport Crowd trouble interrupts Sri Lanka-Pakistan ODI Security forces were called out to restore order clashes broke out between two rival group of spectators during the third ODI between Sri Lanka and 20/07/2015
Iran Several missing following flash floods throughout Iran At least five people are known to be missing after flash floods engulfed parts of Iran. Winds of up to 80 kilometres per hour have swept through 20/07/2015
France Husband and wife Nazi hunters offered Germany's highest award Husband and wife Nazi-hunters have been awarded Germany’s highest distinction, the Order of Merit, for several decades’ of work bringing war 20/07/2015
New Zealand Former AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd back in court Phil Rudd, the former drummer of rock band AC/DC, has appeared in court (July 20) in New Zealand on suspicion of breaching a house arrest sentence by 20/07/2015
Sport Tour de France: Plaza wins in Gap as Froome holds onto overall lead Ruben Plaza claimed stage 16 of this year’s Tour de France on Monday in Gap after jumping clear of a breakaway group on the final climb of the day 20/07/2015
USA Cuban flag flies over Washington embassy as countries officially restore ties For the first time in 54 years, the Cuban flag was raised over raising its Washington embassy. It marks a milestone in the diplomatic thaw that began last year. 20/07/2015
world news Cuba-USA ice age ebbing In January 1959 when Fidel Castro led a guerrilla army to drive dictator Fulgencio Batista out of Havana, the United States was not over alarmed that 20/07/2015
Russia Russia officials foil bid to smuggle half a ton cheese from EU A man who tried to enter Russia with almost half a ton of cheese concealed in his car was stopped at the border by custom officials. The driver 20/07/2015
Sport Former Brazil international Ronaldinho unveiled at Fluminense Former Brazil international and two time player of the year Ronaldinho was unveiled by his new club Fluminense. The former Barcelona ace signed with 20/07/2015
Greece Greek banks reopen but frustrations and restrictions remain Greek banks reopened on Monday after being closed for three weeks but many restrictions remain. The limit on cash withdrawals stays at sixty euros a 20/07/2015
United Kingdom 'They will blow you up,' Cameron warns at unveiling of 5-year counter-extremism plan British Prime Minister David Cameron has unveiled a new, five-year plan to “tackle the poisonous Islamist ideology that is so hostile to British 20/07/2015
Iran Iran and Germany move to revive economic ties Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel visits Tehran to boost trade ties in anticipation of sanctions being lifted after a landmark nuclear deal, but Israel remains a sticking point to closer cooperation. 20/07/2015
Senegal Chad's victims of Hissene Habre 'will inspire others' demanding justice In the Chadian capital Ndjamena, the work of the Association of Victims of the Crimes of Hissene Habre has finally born fruit — 25 years after 20/07/2015
world news Sepp Blatter suspends press conference after being showered with fake dollars Outgoing FIFA President Sepp Blatter cut short a press conference after a protester approached him as he arrived on stage and showered him with fake 20/07/2015
world news UN Security Council endorses Iran nuclear deal The UN Security Council votes unanimously in favour of the Iran nuclear accord, but warns sanctions could be imposed if the deal is broken. 20/07/2015
Switzerland FIFA chief Blatter showered in fake bank-notes by prankster Sepp Blatter’s press conference to announce FIFA reforms got off to an embarrassing start when he was showered in fake bank notes by British 20/07/2015
Culture news Pink Floyd's David Gilmour inspired by SNCF jingle When writing the title track for his new solo album, Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour found inspiration in an unusual place – a French train 20/07/2015
Postcards Postcards from Kazakhstan: the monument dedicated to everlasting love The beautiful Aisha Bibi mausoleum in Taraz dates back to between the 11th and 12th centuries 20/07/2015
Culture news Medieval artwork saved from the Nazis on show in Berlin A unique exhibition of Medieval artworks saved from the Nazis is currently on display at the Bode Museum in Berlin. Assembled by affluent German art 20/07/2015
Senegal Trial of Chad's former leader Hissene Habre begins in Senegal The trial of the former president of Chad has begun in Senegal. Hissene Habre appears on charges of crimes against humanity after being brought to 20/07/2015
no comment Local elections in North Korea draw 99.97% North Koreans cast their vote for local government deputies in Pyongyang on Sunday. According to North Korean Central Election Guidance Committee 20/07/2015
no comment World Snail Racing Championships 175 snails were entered for this year’s World Snail Racing Championship in a small village in eastern England with many heats to whittle the slimiest 20/07/2015
Turkey Dozens killed in Turkish-Syrian border town blasts Preliminary evidence suggests ISIL is responsible for the explosion in Suruc, Turkey. The cause of the blast in Syria's Kobani is uncertain. 20/07/2015
Greece Greek banks reopen but many restrictions remain Greeks finally saw their banks reopen on Monday (July 20) but many restrictions remain. Customers may not cash cheques, only deposit them, and will 20/07/2015
Japan Mitsubishi apologises for WWII forced labour The handshake that ends 70 years of suffering. #UPDATE WWII POW James Murphy shakes hands with Mitsubishi Materials executives after apology 20/07/2015
futuris In touch with food: could chemicals used in packaging be harmful? Most of the food we buy is packed in plastic, metal or other fabricated materials. That makes it easy to store and transport, but how can we be sure 20/07/2015
