World News: Federal judge issues nationwide block against Trump’s order on ending birthright citizenship

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe.

In the United States, a federal judge in New Hampshire has issued a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship.

Judge Joseph Laplante ruled on Thursday that when such an order is in effect, it would prevent tens of thousands of newborns, an estimated 150,000 annually, from obtaining automatic citizenship, violating the 14th Amendment's guarantee.

The judge referenced the Supreme Court's recent guidance that limits the use of nationwide injunctions but allows class-action mechanisms to protect constitutional rights.

The judge also certified a class-action lawsuit on behalf of U.S.-born children who will be impacted.

The injunction applies to all U.S.-born children after February 20, 2025.

Supporters of birthright citizenship hailed the decision, while the White House called it judicially excessive.

In Europe, Greece has temporarily halted processing asylum applications from migrants arriving by sea from North Africa.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, addressing parliament on July 9, stated that the suspension will last an initial three months, citing a surge of more than 7,300 arrivals on the islands of Crete and Gavdos so far this year, compared to just over 5,000 in all of 2024.

The arrivals, mainly from Sudan, Egypt, and Bangladesh, have been transiting through Libya.

Mitsotakis described the move as an "emergency response," and authorized the swift return of those entering the country illegally.

The government is also strengthening cooperation with Libyan authorities and deploying patrol vessels.

Humanitarian groups denounced the policy as illegal and inhumane.

The UN refugee agency also expressed "serious concern," saying the "right to seek asylum is a fundamental human right."

An original Hermès Birkin bag, designed in 1984 for Jane Birkin, sold at Sotheby's Paris on Thursday for approximately 10 million U.S. dollars, setting a new record as the most expensive handbag ever auctioned.

The starting price was slightly over 1 million dollars, with a Japanese collector winning the bid over the phone.

The leather handbag, created after Birkin famously sketched it on an airplane sick bag, bears her initials "J.B." and a fixed shoulder strap, unlike commercially sold models.

Worn by Birkin for nearly nine years, the bag was originally auctioned in 1994 to benefit HIV/AIDS charities and subsequently sold in 2000.

Finally, Thailand's beloved pygmy hippo, Moo Deng, turned one year old on Thursday, at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, marking her first birthday with a four-day celebration.

The festivities kicked off with over 12,000 visitors on day one, including fans who traveled from abroad, and free entry for children under 12.

Activities included a 20-kilogram tropical fruit cake, a parade, and photo exhibitions of Moo Deng.

Moo Deng, whose name translates to "bouncy pork," has sparked global social media fascination since her birth on July 10, 2024, drawing millions of views and boosting zoo visits.

Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.