Space & Science: The EU–China SMILE solar mission just launched from Kourou in French Guiana, separating into a high elliptical orbit about 55 minutes after liftoff and starting its mission to study how solar bursts affect Earth’s magnetic field—aiming for new X-ray views and long looks at the northern lights. Security & Diplomacy: NATO leaders, including Sweden’s Kristersson and NATO’s Rutte, are pushing for more spending to support Ukraine, calling out that contributions are uneven across member countries. Travel Context: If you’re planning a summer trip in South America, U.S. officials highlight several “Level 1” safest picks—though local issues like pickpocketing still matter. Human Interest: A French Guiana–linked adventure story continues to stand out: a volunteer shadowing the Save Soil movement’s push to protect the world’s shrinking, degraded soils. Global Backdrop: A wider demographic crisis is also in focus, with fertility rates falling below replacement levels across much of the world—Russia’s recent pro-natalist shift is framed as a rare exception.