In Ghana, the grassroots Ghana Food Movement (GFM) is promoting nutritious, homegrown foods and climate-resilient crops to combat the country's reliance on imported foods, which account for at least half of all consumption. Founded in 2019, the GFM has evolved into a registered non-profit that hosts events such as monthly pop-ups and has introduced innovative dishes like tigernut burgers and moringa lattes to celebrate Indigenous ingredients. This month, GFM was recognized with a Champions of Change title in the 50 Best Restaurants Awards for its efforts to reclaim Ghanaian culinary identity and instill national pride in local food culture.
Bodo/Glimt, LASK, and debutants Sabah secured spots in the UEFA Champions League's main phase, with Bodo/Glimt defeating NEC Nijmegen 6-1 on aggregate, while LASK made a dramatic comeback to win 5-4 on aggregate against Celtic after trailing 4-0. Sabah qualified by overcoming Hapoel Beer-Sheva with a last-minute equalizer and a 5-2 victory in the second leg, leading to a 6-4 aggregate score; Hapoel finished with nine players on the field. This marks a significant moment as no Israeli team has reached the main Champions League since Maccabi Haifa's participation in November 2022.
In Idaho, parents who claim their faith prevents them from providing lifesaving medical care for their children are not subject to charges of child neglect or manslaughter. Historical records indicate that from the 1880s to the early 1970s, it was illegal for such parents to reject medical treatment, but a 1971 legal change allowed for the exemption of endangerment charges for those choosing prayer or spiritual means. From 2015 to 2025, 15 preventable child deaths occurred within the Followers of Christ sect in Idaho, highlighting ongoing concerns about the impact of these legal protections.
Hollywood's summer box office is projected to surpass $4.5 billion in 2026, exceeding figures from both the 2023 Barbenheimer summer and the 2019 Lion King/Avengers: Endgame summer, thanks to major hits like Spider-Man: Brand New Day and The Odyssey, with five films earning over $1 billion each. However, the recovery comes with caveats, including the permanent closure of over 7,000 movie screens since 2019 and a decline in attendance, as fewer moviegoers are returning to cinemas despite higher ticket sales. Additionally, low-budget films like Obsession and Backrooms contributed $460 million to the box office, showing a diversified appeal across different genres this summer.
In July, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 49,571 individuals, marking the highest monthly arrest count since President Donald Trump's second term began, and reflecting a 15% increase from June and a 70% rise from February. Nearly 20,000 arrests occurred in Texas and Florida, states that have cooperation agreements with ICE, while the agency has added approximately 12,000 officers and agents over the past year. The surge in arrests, which started increasing after Trump took office again in January 2025, follows a period of stagnation, particularly after a decline in February due to protests against fatal shootings in Minnesota.
At least 47 people were killed, more than 50 others kidnapped, and 22 injured in a gang raid in Kenscoff, Haiti, according to the United Nations. The violence highlights the alarming security crisis in Haiti, as the government struggles to maintain control amid escalating gang activity, which has seen numerous attacks on civilians. This incident marks one of the largest mass kidnappings in recent years, occurring as Haiti attempts to conduct its first general election in over a decade.
The rollout of robotaxis in London by Uber and Wayve, initially expected to begin later this summer, is now unlikely to occur this year due to regulatory and technical delays, particularly the lack of published guidance from Transport for London (TfL). Over 100,000 Londoners are reportedly on the waiting list for self-driving taxis, but progress has stalled as TfL's director of strategy indicated that the transit authority is not in a hurry to release the necessary application guidelines. Meanwhile, 15 private hire vehicle licenses have been granted for Ford Mustang Mach-E cars equipped with Wayve's technology, and both companies are preparing for small-scale pilots with human drivers while aiming for a future fully autonomous operation.
Vice-President JD Vance's leaked comments about Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, describing him as "hilarious" for trying to out-tough Donald Trump, coincided with a breakdown in US-Canada trade negotiations, which ultimately halted discussions on a new agreement worth over $872 billion in annual trade. The rift is indicative of the Trump administration's willingness to exert pressure on allies, a strategy that may have underestimated Canada's resolve to resist US demands. As Canada prepares to impose retaliatory tariffs, the situation highlights ongoing tensions from the previous Trump administration regarding trade and geopolitical dynamics with North American partners.
Germany's proposed sugar tax is facing significant opposition from both the Green Party and the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), with concerns that it may merely serve to address federal budget deficits rather than address health risks associated with high sugar consumption. Green co-leader Felix Banaszak expressed that the tax's original intent is being compromised, while CDU State Premier Boris Rhein argued against the plan, stating that it would only increase costs for consumers already struggling with high prices. Despite opposition, consumer groups and Foodwatch support the tax, although its implementation remains contentious within the current political climate.
During his visit to Sainsbury’s, Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a new work experience plan aimed at combating youth unemployment. He highlighted Sainsbury’s commitment to providing 10,000 work placements and apprenticeships for young people, calling for more employers to follow suit. Burnham emphasized the need for a national effort to address youth unemployment and improve the education system by offering technical paths alongside academic routes.
Raheem Sterling has been charged with dangerous driving, possession of nitrous oxide, and failing to provide a specimen following a single-vehicle crash involving a Lamborghini on the M3 on 28 May. The 31-year-old is scheduled to appear at Basingstoke magistrates court on 15 September, and no injuries were reported from the incident. Sterling, who scored 20 goals in 82 appearances for England, has played for clubs including Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, and most recently Feyenoord, and is currently without a club.
President Trump reduced the United States-South Korea Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercise from 11 days to five, citing it as a goodwill gesture to North Korea, while framing Seoul's lack of support for US military efforts elsewhere as a reason for the change. Pyongyang's response indicated a desire for engagement on terms that recognize its nuclear status, contradicting Washington's insistence on complete denuclearization; this raises questions about the effectiveness of any upcoming meetings between the two nations. Meanwhile, China urged South Korea to seek strategic autonomy without taking sides while expressing a willingness to accept the dual-state reality on the Korean peninsula, amidst Japan's significant military budget increase to a record 9.04 trillion yen ($56.7 billion).
A far-right Israeli parliament member, Zvi Sukkot, used a sledgehammer to vandalize a Palestinian memorial in Madama, which honors Palestinians killed in historic conflicts and was erected in 2008. The incident, which occurred under military escort, has drawn widespread condemnation from various political figures in Israel, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot, who criticized Sukkot's actions as a disgrace. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that soldiers were present but acted without authorization, and escalating violence by settlers in the West Bank has raised concerns of a potential major conflict.
Over 400,000 juvenile Sydney rock oysters, valued at approximately $350,000, were stolen from an oyster farm in Scotts Creek, Oxley Island, by an unidentified thief earlier this year. The theft, reported to police, has raised concerns within the oyster farming community, considering the stolen oysters are not ready for immediate sale and will require an additional four to six months of growth. The incident highlights the impact of thefts on the industry, with farmers implementing measures like surveillance to protect their stock amidst a recent shortage caused by past flooding events.
Algerian defender Jaouen Hadjam has signed with Brighton & Hove Albion from Swiss champions Young Boys on a contract until 2031 for an undisclosed fee. The 23-year-old has made 98 appearances for Young Boys since 2024 and has represented Algeria 21 times, including participating in three matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026. Brighton recently began their league season with a 4-0 victory over Aston Villa.
Al Amin Khalifah Fhimah, a Libyan accused of murdering 270 people in the 1988 Lockerbie bombing, has died at the age of 70. He was acquitted in 2001, while Abdulbasset Al Megrahi was convicted for his role in the attack on Pan Am Flight 103, and new evidence from a confession related to another suspect raises the possibility of renewed legal action against Fhimah. His funeral will take place in Tripoli, and though there are calls for prosecution based on the Double Jeopardy Act, any such move would be legally complex due to his previous acquittal.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed his opposition to an upcoming event featuring Mohan Bhagwat, the head of the Hindu nationalist group Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), scheduled for Saturday at Madison Square Garden, expected to attract around 5,000 attendees. The event, organized by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue with support from over 135 Hindu American organizations, has faced criticism from various interfaith and civil rights groups due to Bhagwat's extremist affiliation. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom has called for sanctions against the RSS, labeling it an organization linked to attacks on religious minorities, including Christians and Muslims.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly opposed an upcoming event featuring Mohan Bhagwat, leader of the Hindu nationalist group Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), though he acknowledged the city likely cannot stop it; the event at Madison Square Garden is expected to attract around 5,000 attendees. The event, organized by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue with support from over 135 Hindu American organizations, aims to promote unity but has faced criticism from several civil rights groups due to Bhagwat's extremist views and the RSS's history of violence against minority communities. Additionally, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom has urged for sanctions against the RSS, labeling it an organization involved in attacks on religious minorities.
Dolly Parton, the iconic country singer and songwriter, passed away at the age of 80, with news of her death shared by her nephew on social media, stating she is "in the arms of Jesus." Celebrity tributes from stars like Taylor Swift, Oprah Winfrey, and Beyoncé celebrated Parton's legacy, with Swift highlighting her "eternally generous" spirit and Winfrey recalling their joyful memories together. The family emphasized their commitment to preserving her legacy, describing her as someone who "farmed songs and happiness" and who brought light to everyone she encountered.
The United Nations has condemned Israel's threat to expel Palestinians from areas in the Gaza Strip where children are flying kites, calling the threat "outrageous." Israeli officials warned that if the launches of kites, drones, and balloons toward Israel do not cease, military operations will intensify, and evacuations will occur from those areas. Since a ceasefire began in October, over 1,280 Palestinians have reportedly been killed, demonstrating the ongoing violence despite the supposed agreement.
A fire in a nursery for newborns at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad has resulted in the tragic deaths of 14 babies, with only one newborn rescued. The fire, which was caused by an air-conditioning unit compressor explosion, prompted a swift emergency response and led to the formation of a multiagency committee to investigate the incident and assess fire-safety measures at the hospital. In the wake of the tragedy, officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressed deep sorrow and called for accountability while families mourned their loss and demanded answers.
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have made significant territorial gains over the summer, recapturing towns along the strategic Export Road and pushing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) into a defensive position, with SAF leaders now expressing confidence in defeating the RSF entirely. However, the situation in Sudan's Blue Nile state shows that the RSF has also achieved victories, retaking Kurmuk and Geisan, suggesting that military and political resolutions are diverging. Moreover, internal fragmentation within both the SAF and RSF, coupled with unresolved issues regarding armed group integration and defections, indicates that even a complete RSF defeat may not bring an end to the ongoing conflict, which could splinter into several smaller wars.
An Indian jewellery brand, Giva, has withdrawn its advertisement featuring Bollywood actor Kriti Sanon for the festival of Rakshabandhan after backlash over her revealing outfit and a scene tying a rakhi to a pet dog. Criticism was led by actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, who described the ad as "intentionally creepy" and questioned the appropriateness of Sanon's attire for the traditional event, sparking a broader debate on women's clothing choices in relation to culture and tradition. Giva stated that the ad was withdrawn out of respect for cultural sentiments, and this incident follows a trend of brands in India retracting advertisements amidst social media criticism, similar to Tanishq's withdrawal of a controversial interfaith couple ad in 2020.
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United was named the Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year after a record-breaking 2025-26 season in which he provided 21 assists, surpassing the previous record held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. Manchester City's Khadija Shaw won the Women's PFA award for the second time, scoring 21 goals and securing her team’s first Women’s Super League title in ten years. Additionally, Nico O’Reilly was named the Men’s Young Player of the Year and contributed to City’s success by scoring twice in the League Cup final against Arsenal.
The United States has launched "Operation Economic Outcast," imposing sanctions on at least 60 entities across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe to further isolate Iran economically amid an ongoing conflict. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that all sources of Iranian revenue, particularly oil, will be targeted, threatening countries that trade with Iran with secondary sanctions if they facilitate transactions that benefit Tehran. This move follows a previous sanctions campaign dubbed "Operation Economic Fury," and aims to cut Iran off from its economic lifelines, stressing that countries must choose between engaging with the US or Iran.
At least 14 newborn babies died in a fire that erupted in the maternity ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad, where 15 babies were present at the time of the incident. One baby was reportedly saved by a doctor, while many of the deceased infants were in incubators or on oxygen, which intensified the blaze. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with initial suggestions pointing to an air conditioner, and authorities, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, have called for an immediate investigation into the incident.
Four missing people have been found dead on South Korea's Jeju Island, leading to public outcry over police handling of missing persons cases. Among the deceased is 37-year-old Jang Mi-ran, whose case was prematurely closed by a police sergeant, identified as Bu, who is now facing accusations of lying to victims' families; Bu had reportedly handled nearly 300 missing persons reports. The South Korean government has initiated police reforms amid growing criticism and recognized the breakdown in police discipline, with over 70,000 adults reported missing each year, yet 99% resolved within a month.
Civil society groups, led by the Campaign for Better Transport, are urging the UK government to promote cycling and walking in light of summer heatwaves that highlighted the need for transport decarbonization, as the domestic transport sector contributed nearly a third of the UK's net greenhouse gas emissions last year, with a 2% increase from the previous year. The intervention, supported by 54 organizations, calls for policies to increase journeys made by public transport, reduce reliance on private vehicles, and enhance local transport improvements, especially for trips under five miles. In response, the Department for Transport has committed to investments such as freezing rail fares and investing £4.5 billion in cycling and walking initiatives while aiming to accelerate the transition to cleaner transport.
Australia's inflation rate rose to 3.5% in July, down from 3.8% but above the expected 3.3%, increasing fears of a fourth interest rate hike by the Reserve Bank this year. The Reserve Bank's underlying inflation measure remained at 3.6%, leading economists to predict a possible rate increase as early as September, contrary to previous expectations of stability. Additionally, the ABS reported that home building costs surged by 5.7% and rents rose by 3.6% over the year, with fuel prices increasing by 7.5% in July due to the end of fuel excise relief.
Serena Williams, in her return to the US Open, and partner Carlos Alcaraz lost 5-4(4), 4-1 to Flavio Cobolli and Belinda Bencic in the mixed doubles quarterfinals after an initial win against Erin Routliffe and Lloyd Glasspool. Despite a spectacular moment where Williams hit a 120mph ace, their performance faltered against the strong Swiss-Italian duo, who made no unforced errors in the second set. In other matches, top seeds Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka were upset in the first round by Henry Patten and Katerina Siniakova, while the mixed doubles main draw continued to attract attention with sellout crowds.