The Mexican government expressed its solidarity Sunday with the United States following the damage caused by Hurricane Harvey and offered assistance to Texas. "As we have done in the past, Mexico stands with Texas in this difficult moment," Carlos Gonzalez Gutierrez, the Mexican consul general in Austin, said. Mexico is prepared for a Katrina-like assistance package.

The 7th International Earth Science Convention will begin here [in Havana] tomorrow with geologists, geophysicists and miners from Latin America, North America, Europe and Africa. Organized by the Cuban Geological Society, the congresses of Geology, Mining, Geophysics, Informatics and Geosciences as well as the Oil and Gas Congress will be held in parallel. [...] Geosciences 2017, as it is also called, will be attended by Latin American researchers from Venezuela, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia and Haiti.

One way for North Americans to transcend the ugliness of politics and assert a shared identity would be by hosting a World Cup together. The 2026 World Cup is the next one to be awarded, and the North American region is a strong contender, given the tournament’s traditional rotation among continents. Both Mexico and the U.S. are expected to submit compelling bids. 

Judo cannot change the world, but it can help create the community, empathy and understanding needed to begin the process toward greater social justice and equality. So, when you are watching the Rio Olympics this month, be sure to cheer on Kayla Harrison, the only American to earn an Olympic gold medal in Judo. Afterward, check out your local dojo. It is truly never too late to learn more about yourself and your community.

The Polyglot Symposium underway in Montreal this weekend is the first for Georges Awaad. The 17 year-old just graduated high school and with a facility in 16 languages, he is looking forward to a career in diplomacy.