Afghan Returns Under Scrutiny: The European Commission said decisions on returning Afghan criminal offenders rest with EU member states, but must follow EU law, international law and fundamental rights, as UN rights chief Volker Türk called forced deportations unjustifiable. UN Disaster Response: The UN urged rescue teams to rush to Venezuela after twin quakes, warning about 50,000 missing people and stressing that finding survivors is the priority. Climate & Health: Europe faces record heat and growing instability, while Nebraska confirmed its first West Nile virus case this year, highlighting ongoing human health risks tied to environmental conditions. Wildlife Safety: Yellowstone reported a 12-year-old injured in a bison encounter, renewing calls to keep required distances from large animals. Conservation Win: Sri Lanka secured a seat on the UN CEDAW committee, and in the Philippines, tamaraw numbers in a protected park rose 12% to 425. Local Governance & Parks: Sierra National Forest’s resource advisory committee is accepting 2026 Title II project proposals, and a US coalition urged OPM to withdraw an overbroad national park staff non-disclosure proposal.