Iran, Saudi Arabia and Egypt are among 6 nations set to join the BRICS economic bloc Iran and Saudi Arabia are among 6 nations invited Thursday to join the BRICS bloc of developing economies. United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Egypt and Ethiopia are also set to join the bloc from 2024. Read more on NPR

North Korea says its 2nd attempt to launch a spy satellite has failed The failed launch prompted neighboring Japan to issue brief a “J-alert” ordering some residents to evacuate to safe places as the North Korean rocket flew over its southernmost islands of Okinawa. Read more on NPR

The viral song ‘Rich Men North of Richmond’ made its way to the RNC debate stage The breakout song by an artist who goes by Oliver Anthony laid the groundwork to open the first Republican presidential debate for the 2024 election. But the song has notes of conspiracy theories. Read more on NPR