Duane "Keffe D" Davis, 63, is on trial in Las Vegas for the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur, facing one count of murder with a deadly weapon. During a 2008 police interview, Davis claimed he handed the gun to a passenger, who gave it to his nephew, Orlando Anderson, who then opened fire on Shakur after a fight earlier that day. Prosecutors argue that Davis orchestrated the murder, as evidenced by his statements in the police interview and his 2019 memoir, while Davis maintains his not guilty plea and disputes the reliability of his previous comments.
Britain's railway system is bracing for more extreme weather due to a developing El Niño, which experts predict could be the strongest in over 100 years, with Pacific sea temperatures expected to peak at over 3°C. This summer, the system faced significant challenges, including two train derailments within 24 hours during the UK's fifth heatwave, prompting railway companies to reduce timetables and train speeds. Network Rail plans to increase its five-year spending on climate resilience and infrastructure adaptations by five times compared to 2019, emphasizing the need for design standards that accommodate both extreme heat and cold.
MPs have accepted nearly £400,000 in hospitality this year, including Harry Styles concert tickets worth £858, Chelsea flower show tickets at £1,839, and £3,432 in Brit Awards hospitality. Notable figures among those taking these freebies include Louise Haigh, Lucy Powell, and Wes Streeting, with additional tickets and hospitality accepted for events like the Ivor Novello awards and the Grand National. Despite past controversies, the trend of accepting free tickets appears to have increased, raising concerns from transparency advocates about the implications for lawmakers’ integrity.
Arsenal has signed England defender Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa for a reported £51m ($69m) on a long-term contract as they prepare for their title defense. Konsa, 28, who was a regular for England at the recent World Cup, will bolster Arsenal's defense alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, particularly with William Saliba out for several months due to a back injury. The deal follows a prior bid of around £35m from Arsenal, and Konsa expressed his eagerness to contribute to the club's success, citing discussions with current Arsenal players that influenced his decision to join.
The U.S. and Israel's war on Iran has taken many by surprise, especially with Iran launching missile strikes on countries not involved in the conflict, including attacks on Jordan and speculated attempts on targets as distant as the U.S.-UK base on Diego Garcia, 2,350 miles away. In response to Bulgaria's approval of the Bezmer Air Base for U.S. military refueling, Iranian officials have warned that any nation aiding U.S. actions against Iran would be a legitimate target, heightening concerns in southeastern Europe. Analysts suggest that an Iranian attack on Europe could inadvertently benefit U.S. interests by intensifying Iran's isolation, but it might also complicate the ongoing war in Ukraine and heighten military strains across Europe.
A 17-year-old Palestinian, Karim Sanad Shalaldeh, was shot and killed by Israeli settlers during an attack in Khirbet Hamroush, which also injured a 70-year-old man, while a 58-year-old retired colonel, Fathi Khazem, was shot and killed by Israeli forces in Jenin during a raid. The Israeli military claimed Khazem attempted to stab troops, while the Palestinian Health Ministry reported that the body was not released for burial. Since January 2023, a report by Human Rights Watch noted that state-backed Israeli settler violence has displaced 107 Palestinian communities due to increased attacks and illegal settlement expansions.
Ukrainian football club Shakhtar Donetsk has secured an agreement to play their four home Champions League games at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge in London due to security concerns arising from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Since the conflict began in 2014, Shakhtar has been unable to play in their home stadium and has previously played in various countries, including Poland, Germany, and Slovenia, while Chelsea's ownership has changed following sanctions on Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich. Shakhtar expressed their hope to return to Ukraine for home games in the future but currently sees Stamford Bridge as a suitable temporary home for their European competitions.
The first deportation flight to Haiti since the US Supreme Court upheld the revocation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 350,000 Haitians landed in Cap-Haïtien carrying more than 160 Haitian nationals. The deportees received approximately $76.40 to help them navigate gang-controlled roads, as they faced significant safety concerns in Haiti, where gangs control about 70% of Port-au-Prince. This flight follows a broader trend of increased deportations, with ICE reportedly carrying out eight flights to Haiti in 2023 alone, amidst ongoing warnings about crime and instability in the country.
Rep. Joyce Beatty filed an emergency motion to prevent the Kennedy Center's trustees from renaming the site to "President Donald J. Trump Plaza" and putting Trump's name back on the building, which would appear twice on the entrance sign. The board's proposed signage includes the phrase "Restored and Renovated by President Donald J. Trump, Endowed by the Trump Kennedy Center Fund," contingent upon raising $100 million in donations. Beatty argues that only Congress has the authority to change the center's name, as it is a memorial to President John F. Kennedy, and previously, a judge ruled that the board's attempt to rename it was unlawful.
Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the Russian animated series 'Masha and the Bear', accusing its producers of disseminating pro-Russian narratives and threatening national security. The show has garnered over 37 billion views on YouTube, broadcast in about 100 countries, and has a significant following in Ukraine with over 18 million followers on the country's YouTube channel. Ukrainian Culture Minister Tetyana Berezhna stated that these sanctions will legally enable the blocking of the content and restrict its monetization, amidst ongoing tensions from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine since 2022.
France's anti-fraud and health agencies announced the recall of over 260,000 potentially defective condoms, primarily sold online by Asian vendors, with approximately 1,000 boxes (40,000 individual condoms) already sold. Laboratory analyses found two non-compliant products at risk of bursting and containing perforations, lacking the required CE marking and proper packaging in French, which poses health risks including sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies. The affected brands include those from Japanese company Okamoto Industries and others from Passage du Desir, and online vendors have agreed to remove these products from their listings.
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix, the first IndyCar race in Washington, DC, will take place on a seven-turn professional-grade track over a 2.7-kilometre (1.7-mile) course to celebrate the United States' 250th anniversary, as endorsed by President Donald Trump. The event has prompted criticism regarding potential disruptions in the capital and concerns about Trump's ties to its sponsor, Penske, although it is managed separately from the America250 initiative. The race is designed to resemble historic celebrations like those under Thomas Jefferson but has faced backlash for seemingly promoting Trump's political agenda.
German intelligence believes that a cache of weapons found near Berlin, including two handguns and ammunition, was intended for carrying out assassinations on behalf of Russia. Federal prosecutors are currently investigating a suspect in Romania for espionage and potential violence against the state, with concerns that the suspect may be linked to planned parcel bomb attacks. This situation highlights ongoing warnings from security agencies about the threat of Russian intelligence operations in Germany, particularly targeting defense industry executives and political figures in exile.
England defeated Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs in the first Test at Headingley, marking a successful start for captain Joe Root in his second term. Pakistan was bowled out for 135 in 37.3 overs, with Mohammad Rizwan's top score of 41, while England's bowlers Josh Tongue and Ollie Robinson achieved career-best match figures of 8-89 and 8-80, respectively. The match concluded before tea on the third day, after England secured a first innings lead of 238 runs.
The Ashenda festival, a major cultural and religious celebration for women and the Virgin Mary in northern Ethiopia, has been cancelled in Mekelle due to fears of drone attacks, following a recent strike that injured 13 civilians. The festival, which typically attracts thousands of young women who dress in finery and celebrate together, was scheduled for a mass gathering at a stadium on Saturday but has been deemed unsafe amid ongoing violence in the region. Concerns are mounting that the fragile peace established after a two-year civil war could deteriorate into renewed conflict, especially after the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) reinstated its pre-war council and both sides accused each other of failing to implement the peace agreement.
Tornadoes struck Long Island, New York, and Dover, Delaware, leaving at least 50 beach cabanas damaged at the Sun & Surf Beach Club, with one person sustaining minor injuries. In total, emergency crews rescued 69 individuals trapped in vehicles due to flooding in Jersey City, New Jersey, while parts of the Long Island Expressway in Queens were also closed due to the severe weather. The storms caused significant disruption, with a state of emergency in Dover briefly lifted to allow residents to return to normal activities amidst ongoing cleanup efforts.
The UK, Canada, and Australia condemned Israel's refusal to investigate the 2024 airstrike on a World Central Kitchen convoy in Gaza that killed seven humanitarian workers, including three British nationals, an Australian, a Pole, a Canadian, and a dual US-Canadian citizen. The three countries emphasized the need for justice and accountability in light of continuous attacks on humanitarian efforts in Gaza, which saw 186 humanitarian workers killed in 2025, making it the deadliest locale for aid delivery. Additionally, tensions escalated over Israel's plans to build 1,200 settlement homes in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank, which were criticized as illegal and unacceptable by UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband.
Top-ranked Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the US Open due to a right knee injury that has kept him sidelined since his Wimbledon victory, marking the first time he will miss a Grand Slam tournament since his debut in 2019. The 25-year-old Italian posted on social media that despite working hard to recover, he would not be ready for the tournament's main draw starting on August 30. This year, Sinner holds a 44-3 record with six titles, including one Grand Slam, and previously faced rival Carlos Alcaraz in the last three Grand Slam finals, with the most recent ending in his defeat at the US Open last year.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian suggested it is time to negotiate peace with the United States, asserting that Iran is in a position of strength despite the continuation of a partial truce that expired without renewal on June 1. He emphasized that the ongoing conflict is recognized globally as a violation by the U.S., while Iranian military leaders warned of severe retaliation against further economic isolation attempts by the U.S. President Donald Trump responded with threats of intensified economic sanctions, referring to the potential measures as the "most crushing economic operation ever taken against another country," aiming for a level of isolation he claims would lead to the collapse of the Iranian regime.
A Texas appeals court has reduced the $50 million judgment against Alex Jones to $1.5 million for falsely claiming the Sandy Hook shooting was a hoax, a significant legal victory for the Infowars founder. The court found insufficient evidence from Sandy Hook parents Neil Heslin and Scarlett Lewis to justify exceeding the state's $750,000 cap on damages, although a separate $1.4 billion judgment against Jones in Connecticut remains unaffected. Jones, who admitted during the trial that the shooting was "100% real," is undergoing bankruptcy proceedings while efforts to lease Infowars to a Chicago-based company for $81,000 a month continue amidst legal appeals.
FIFA banned three Argentina players following their actions after losing the World Cup final, with midfielder Leandro Paredes receiving a 10-match suspension, the most severe sanction since Luis Suarez's 2014 ban. Alongside Paredes, defender Nahuel Molina received a seven-game ban and Thiago Almada was handed a one-game suspension, while FIFA also fined Paredes and Molina $90,000 each and Almada $30,000. The Argentina football federation was fined $110,000 for various incidents during the World Cup and ordered to invest $100,000 in antiracism projects, and the team received $34 million in prize money for their tournament participation.
Leaked audio from a fundraiser reportedly captures US vice-president JD Vance mocking Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for attempting to "out-tough" Donald Trump on trade negotiations, during a critical period where Trump has threatened 50% tariffs on Canada. Vance's comments come as Canadian imports of US alcohol have plummeted by approximately 81% year on year, with Canadian officials indicating a potential deal to reinstate US alcohol sales in exchange for reducing tariffs. Manitoba's Premier Wab Kinew emphasized the importance of maintaining a boycott of US products despite Carney's requests, stating, "We've done an amazing job of sticking together in the face of Donald Trump's tariff threats."
Russian ballistic missile attacks in Ukraine have resulted in record civilian deaths, with at least 10 killed in Pechenihy and 15 in Kyiv during one week, while the UN reported 437 deaths and 2,610 injuries in July alone, a 30 percent increase from June. Ukraine has managed to disrupt Russian logistics with mid-range strikes, gaining 233 square kilometers of territory this year and neutralizing 228 supply ships in the Black Sea, while its interception rate for missiles remains around 90 percent despite a shortage of Patriot interceptors. Ukraine's long-range strikes, including hitting the Progress Rocket and Space Centre, aim to undermine the Russian economy, which relies on successful Soyuz satellite launches, requiring 12-15 launches to establish a basic satellite constellation for military operations.
Firebombs were thrown at supercars outside the Royal Shalimar wedding venue in Sparkbrook, Birmingham, at around 8:30 pm on Wednesday, resulting in two cars, a Lamborghini and a McLaren, being set alight. The attack was captured on CCTV, showing three men in black fleeing the scene in a white Volkswagen Golf, while no injuries were reported among the guests. West Midlands police are investigating the incident and have requested anyone with information to come forward.
Neutrogena has acknowledged making Hayden Panettiere feel "unsupported" during a challenging period, referring to her statement that the brand severed ties with her after she spoke about her postpartum depression (PPD). Panettiere had been affiliated with Neutrogena for a decade, beginning in 2005, and revealed in a May podcast that she was informed of her termination due to her candid comments about PPD, a condition affecting up to 14% of new parents. Following her untimely death at 36, fans have criticized Neutrogena on social media, leading to calls for a boycott over how they handled her situation.
The New South Wales government is considering an appeal against a supreme court ruling by Justice Desmond Fagan that found anti-Israel vandalism by Mohommed Farhat, who wrote "Fuk Israel" on cars and set one on fire, was not antisemitic but rather political commentary. Farhat, who had been sentenced for 15 offences related to property damage, remains in prison despite initially being eligible for parole in December 2025, with Fagan noting that there was an “insignificant” risk he would commit a serious terrorism offence. The case has prompted calls for an investigation into police conduct concerning their failure to share crucial intelligence suggesting Farhat was not ideologically motivated, leading to claims of a miscarriage of justice.
Former New South Wales MP David Elliott, after being ousted from his political career, has used his appearance before the Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) to assert that he was victimized by property developer Jean Nassif, who he believes orchestrated damaging rumors against him. Elliott, who served as a senior minister for eight years, alleged that Nassif tried to woo him for donations, followed him in public, and threatened his chief of staff, all while the Icac investigates illegal secret donations and branch stacking within the Liberal Party. Elliott expressed that he believes these actions were motivated by his opposition to overdevelopment in his area, particularly concerning large projects that Nassif's company, Toplace, pursued.
Kulak, a village in Iraq's Kurdistan region, has transitioned from intermittent power supply to 24/7 electricity through solar panels and local training, benefiting not only households but also agricultural practices. It is one of five villages electrified under a solar initiative aimed at enhancing local capacity and sustainable agricultural development, allowing farmers better control over their produce and access to irrigation without fossil fuels. This shift highlights the importance of decentralized energy solutions in rural Iraq, as the country faces increasing temperatures and energy challenges, underscoring the need for locally managed resources rather than relying on national grid expansions.
Tyson Fury has expressed doubts about the anticipated boxing match with Anthony Joshua, stating that it "doesn't look like it's going to happen" due to demands for higher payouts from Joshua and promoter Eddie Hearn. The fight, which was expected to take place in November, has faced complications with both sides reportedly signing contracts for different venues, with Joshua's camp favoring the UK while Saudi organizers prefer Madison Square Garden in New York. Fury, a two-time world champion with 36 wins and only two losses, criticized Joshua and Hearn for being "money-thirsty" and indicated that he would seek another opponent.
South African prosecutors have dropped fraud and corruption charges against Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo and six other police officers, who were arrested in June 2025 for allegedly unlawfully appointing a civilian, Dineo Mokwele, to a key intelligence post. Following a review by the chief prosecutor, it was determined that Mokwele was well-qualified for her position, contradicting earlier claims of her being a "token appointment." The Madlanga Commission, a judicial inquiry into police corruption established by President Cyril Ramaphosa, is underway as South Africa's police force continues to face significant challenges related to political interference and corruption.