Nadine Gordimer, an intentionally renowned South African writer who helped expose the world to the evils of apartheid through her literature, died at the age of 90.
New York elected officials showed solidarity with Israel at City Hall while New Yorkers held a counter rally outside City Hall to show their solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel commented on the U.S. surveillance on her country and how it could affect relations with Washington, D.C., while Secretary of State John Kerry indirectly commented on the countries' relationship.
Pope Francis has been quoted as estimating the number of pedophiles in the Catholic clergy to be around 2 percent, but the accuracy of the report is being debated.
The international community is calling for a cease-fire in the week-old Israeli-Palestinian war, which rages on as each side continues to launch rockets and ammunition.
Dust clouds from the Sahara have been floating over to the Caribbean for some time, but recent years have seen them push past to the UK and even into the mainland U.S. There is no severe health risk. But the clouds prevent rainfall and hurricanes from cooling the area and are known for trapping heat and causing hazy days.
After a cargo train derailment in Mexico Wednesday, officials vow to curb the influx of illegal passengers risking their lives to enter the U.S. via Mexico.