Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone confirmed that forward Julian Alvarez will not be leaving the club during the current transfer window despite interest from Barcelona and a rejected 150-million-euro ($173.4 million) bid from Real Madrid. Alvarez, who has scored 49 goals for Atletico since joining two years ago, expressed a desire for a transfer after Argentina's World Cup final loss but has not confirmed a preferred destination. Atletico's CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin emphasized that they will not accept offers of 100 million euros or more for Alvarez, reaffirming that he is central to their plans going forward.
New York City's new pied-à-terre tax targets non-resident property owners of homes valued over $5 million or condominiums worth at least $1 million, aiming to generate $500 million annually to address the city's budget gap and housing crisis. The city has identified approximately 17,000 properties that may qualify for this tax, which could affect about 960,000 owners, while over a quarter of residents live in poverty, which is twice the national average, and homeownership rates are only at 33%. Critics, including billionaire Ken Griffin, argue the tax discourages business success in the city, but proponents see it as an equitable measure to help mitigate wealth inequality and support affordable housing initiatives.
Demis Hassabis has stepped down as CEO of Google DeepMind to become chair and chief scientist at Alphabet, marking a significant leadership change in the AI unit he co-founded in 2014. This transition has raised concerns among observers that DeepMind is losing its independence as it shifts toward more commercial operations, especially amid tensions over collaborations with the Pentagon and a recent legal challenge by a former employee regarding dismissal related to views on Gaza. The announcement comes as Google DeepMind's flagship AI model series, Gemini, reportedly lags behind competitors like Anthropic and OpenAI, with the new model Gemini 3.5 Pro experiencing delays in its release.
Europe is experiencing its hottest summer on record, with all 27 monitored cities in Italy, including Rome and Venice, currently under red alert for extreme heat. The June heat wave led to at least 5,700 excess deaths in France, with many fatalities among the elderly, while Germany reported nearly 100 drownings, particularly of young men. A study by the European Investment Bank and European Commission forecasts that agricultural losses in the EU will increase due to climate change-related droughts, heat, and storms, indicating a troubling future for summers in Europe and beyond.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev reported that a drone entered Bulgaria's airspace from the north and exploded in a sunflower field 100 meters from the Romanian border, without causing any casualties or damage to infrastructure. The incident occurred approximately 1,000 meters from Bulgaria's compressor station on the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline, and the drone is believed to have carried a significant amount of explosives, although its origin and type remain unclear. Radev stated that both Bulgaria and Romania did not detect the drone due to its small size, and the country will enhance surveillance and redeploy anti-drone measures to prevent future incidents.
Arsenal has signed Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes on a four-year contract, with a reported deal worth approximately 75 million pounds ($101 million). The 28-year-old midfielder, who has made 195 appearances and scored 31 goals for Newcastle, expressed excitement about the new challenge at Arsenal as they aim to retain their Premier League title and compete in Europe. This transfer adds significant depth to Arsenal's midfield, complementing existing players like Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, and allows for greater tactical flexibility in their squad.
Saudi Arabia signed a mutual defense agreement with Pakistan and Turkiye, marking the start of a new regional security architecture among major Sunni Muslim countries. This pact indicates a shift away from reliance on the United States for security, as regional states aim to establish their own defense mechanisms in response to vulnerabilities exposed by the US-Iran war. The agreement is underscored by military capabilities such as Pakistan's nuclear arsenal and Turkiye's NATO experience, alongside Saudi Arabia's advanced air force, highlighting the necessity for deeper Gulf integration to address security threats without American military support.
A mass shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School and a nearby home near Bangkok resulted in a death toll of nine, including a 14-year-old shooter and his two grandparents, while 16 others remain hospitalized, seven of whom are in critical condition. The shooter reportedly used a legally registered gun belonging to his grandfather, and most victims suffered single fatal gunshot wounds to vital areas. In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced plans for stricter firearms laws in Thailand, which has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in Asia, with an estimated 10.3 million firearms in civilian possession, averaging 15 guns per 100 residents.
Arron Banks allegedly hired private investigators to look into Sunday Times journalist Gabriel Pogrund after he reported on financial connections between Nigel Farage and convicted criminal George Cottrell. The investigations came amidst scrutiny over Farage’s donations, including a £5 million gift from billionaire Christopher Harborne and suspicious transactions totaling £2 million from Fiona Cottrell to Reform UK. Banks defended his actions by stating, "When you live by the sword, you die by the sword," while the Sunday Times denied any claims of using hacked information in their reporting.
Chelsea FC played a friendly match against AC Milan, winning 3-0, with goals scored by João Pedro, who opened the scoring, and Moisés Caicedo, who added a third. This match followed their earlier friendly loss to Juventus, where Chelsea was defeated 0-1. Additionally, Chelsea has confirmed a transfer agreement for Pep Chavarría with Rayo Vallecano for €19 million plus €2 million in add-ons.
EU Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen has urged social media companies to increase monitoring for misinformation during crises, citing the recent Ceuta border incident where misinformation reportedly attracted approximately 72,000 migrants. The crisis resulted in at least 80 fatalities on the Spanish side and 11 on the Moroccan side, with rights groups estimating the total death toll at over 140. The European Union is considering implementing early-warning systems and enhancing cooperation with fact-checkers to better manage disinformation during such emergencies.
Switzerland boasts over 370,000 nuclear bomb shelters, providing space for its entire population of 9 million citizens, with each residential building required to either have its own bunker or contribute to a nearby one. The Sonnenberg bunker in Lucerne, the largest underground nuclear facility, was constructed during the Cold War to shelter 20,000 people, representing a third of the city's population at that time. After the Fukushima disaster in 2011, Swiss lawmakers voted to maintain the bomb shelter network, recognizing its importance as a national reserve for emergency protection.
Keith Hansen is undertaking the monumental task of hand-painting a compendium of 1,000 bird species from the US and Canada for the Flock app, with 420 completed so far and 584 remaining. Created by his friends Adam Donkin and Bob Stevenson, Flock aims to subversively encourage users to engage with the outdoors and birding instead of spending time on their screens. The app incorporates elements of gaming and social networking to foster a community devoted to conservation and a love of birds.
Sixteen-year-old Ryder Williams was honored with a distinctive red Baywatch jacket by actor Stephen Amell after saving 10-year-old Nathaniel Rai from drowning at Seabright beach in Santa Cruz, California. Williams executed the rescue amid dangerous surf conditions, with powerful waves pulling Rai into the ocean, and his heroic actions were captured in a viral video that emotionally impacted many, including former President Donald Trump, who suggested Williams deserved a "high civilian honor." Williams, who has been preparing for lifeguarding since childhood with extensive swimming training, demonstrated remarkable bravery during the incident, which occurred on July 25.
A recent survey by L’Express ranked MI6 as the top espionage agency in Europe with 251 points, significantly ahead of France's DGSE, which received 169 points, highlighting the British agency's strong reputation among 60 surveyed current and former spies from various nations. Experts attribute MI6's success to its long-standing tradition of utilizing human intelligence and maintaining high-level informants, contrasting this with an era dominated by technological surveillance. While concerns about MI6's agent effectiveness arose under previous leadership, the agency's credibility has since improved following accurate intelligence on Russia's plans ahead of the Ukraine war.
More than 20 million Yemenis lack access to basic medical care due to the country's healthcare system collapse, with at least 50% of health facilities non-functional, according to the World Health Organization. Jaleelah Abdul Hameed, diagnosed with liver cancer after initial misdiagnosis, turned to herbal remedies when she couldn't afford international treatment, but her condition worsened after abandoning prescribed medication and chemotherapy. In contrast, Raqeeb Sultan claimed success with herbal medicine for his Helicobacter pylori diagnosis, though medical experts warn that reliance on such remedies can lead to severe health deterioration and delay in proper medical care.
Record-low water levels in the Danube have revealed remnants of Nazi warships, with historians estimating that up to 200 German warships were scuttled in September 1944, including a broken hull now visible on a Serbian-Romanian sandbank. Other Second World War remnants, such as a German military motorcycle found in Budapest and an unexploded British bomb weighing 1,543 pounds (700 kg) recovered in Slovakia, have also emerged due to the drought. Prolonged heatwaves have intensified the climate crisis in central and eastern Europe, with Slovakia recording a national temperature high of 42°C (108°F) this week.
Todd Blanche has been confirmed as the United States attorney general by a narrow Senate vote of 50 to 49, amidst bipartisan concerns regarding the politicization of the Justice Department. His confirmation follows an acting period after the firing of Pam Bondi and comes with scrutiny over his previous actions, including handling Jeffrey Epstein-related documents and establishing Trump’s $1.8 billion "anti-weaponisation" fund. Critics fear his close ties to Trump may influence the Justice Department's independence, raising questions about the potential revival of controversial programs aimed at aiding Trump and his allies.
St. Pius Church in Mannheim uniquely hosts joint services for Catholic and Protestant Christians, stemming from collaboration that began in the early 1970s and solidified after the nearby Protestant church was damaged in 2009. Germany is home to 65 shared churches, a trend emerging due to the dwindling number of church buildings, with official statistics projecting 24,500 Catholic and 21,100 Protestant churches by 2025, and frequent decommissioning of buildings. The initiative reflects a significant shift towards ecumenism in a country where attending a Protestant service was once condemned, highlighting the growing cooperation between denominations in shared spaces.
The Women's Professional Baseball League (WPBL) made its historic debut on August 1, 2026, at Springfield's Robin Roberts Stadium, drawing hundreds of fans from across the country and as far away as South Korea and Australia. The event saw enthusiastic support for the league's four teams—Los Angeles Queens, New York Heights, Boston Hunters, and San Francisco Firebells—with fans purchasing merchandise despite inclement weather, leading to a cap of two items per person to accommodate demand. Notably, fans traveled significant distances, including one group driving 1,700 miles from Delaware to see player Mo'ne Davis in action.
Todd Blanche has been confirmed as US Attorney General in a 50-49 vote, with Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski opposing him, while Senator Bill Cassidy cast the deciding vote. Blanche, who has served as acting attorney general since April, faced scrutiny over his handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents and a proposed $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund aimed at compensating individuals alleging government persecution, which he promised to reevaluate after backlash from Republicans. Collins and Murkowski expressed concerns about Blanche's ability to manage potential political influences on the Justice Department, with Cassidy asserting his support for Blanche despite acknowledging Trump's overarching control over justice department priorities.
Saimoni Vunilagi, a 26-year-old Fijian rugby player for the Japanese second-division team Kyushu KV, died from severe heatstroke symptoms after being hospitalized following team practice in Fukuoka, where temperatures reached 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). He was a back row forward standing 196 cm (6 ft 5 in) and weighing 117 kg (258 lb) who began his professional career in 2023, with the club expressing deep sorrow over his sudden passing. Japan has been experiencing extreme heat, with close to 18,600 heatstroke hospitalizations recorded between July 20 and 26 and an aim to reduce annual heat-related deaths, currently around 1,300, by half by 2030.
Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano at 3,324 meters, has erupted again, releasing smoke and ash and leading to the suspension of all arriving flights at Catania airport until 12:00 local time. The eruption has resulted in injuries to 10 people and has prompted ongoing restrictions and ash advisories due to increased volcanic activity since last July. Demonstrations by tour guides have occurred, protesting the limitations on excursions to view the lava flows, which they argue are safe to observe.
The US Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general with a narrow 50-49 vote, with only two Republican senators opposing him, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski. Blanche, who had been acting attorney general since April, faced concerns regarding his potential use of the department for political purposes, particularly regarding a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund" and tax immunity for Trump and his family. Despite these concerns, Blanche's confirmation proceeded after Senate leadership reached a deal to postpone voting on other pending legislation, allowing a late-night session to finalize the confirmation ahead of a five-week recess.
Police in Kuala Lumpur are conducting a special operation to locate a man who allegedly doused an elderly woman with petrol and set her on fire in Taman Pusat Kepong. In other news, eight areas in Sarawak and Johan Setia in Selangor have recorded unhealthy Air Pollution Index (API) levels. Additionally, an incident in Penang resulted in three family members being injured after a tree collapsed and crushed their car.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a controversial policy banning visas for foreigners linked to "far-left terrorism," aiming to address what he sees as a previously overlooked threat since the September 11 attacks. The policy has raised concerns among advocates due to its vague language regarding “economic sabotage,” potentially allowing for a crackdown on activists associated with movements like Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions. Critics argue that existing laws already permit blocking individuals with terrorist ties, making the new policy unnecessary and a potential infringement on First Amendment rights, particularly affecting foreign students or residents applying for visas or renewals.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is launching its election campaign in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where it currently polls at around 36%, making it the leading party in the region. In another report, a missing German sailor was found dead in the southern Aegean after his boat was swept away; he was one of eight people on board, with two swimming ashore and five rescued. Additionally, Germany's industrial association is advocating for the quick easing of motorway restrictions on trucks to help counteract supply chain disruptions caused by low river water levels affecting cargo vessels.
Federal funds are now prohibited from being used for distributing test strips that help drug users identify harmful adulterants, raising concerns about potential increases in overdose incidents. This policy change has emerged after Baltimore experienced three mass overdoses in a three-month period last year, prompting local harm reduction efforts that included distributing test strips for benzodiazepines and other substances. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration justified the ban by arguing that such harm reduction practices could encourage illicit drug use, instead favoring methods like providing naloxone.
CoreCivic and GEO Group, America's two largest private prison companies, reported a combined $1.4 billion in revenue for the spring quarter, with CoreCivic's revenue rising over 27% to $684.9 million while GEO Group's revenue increased by nearly $96 million (15%) to $732.1 million. The earnings coincide with the U.S. holding almost 66,000 individuals in immigration detention, approaching record levels not seen since January, as part of a strategy to meet President Trump's goal of having 100,000 detainees at once. Additionally, CoreCivic's recent sale of four facilities to the Department of Homeland Security generated $1.6 billion, with CoreCivic's earnings translating to an average rate of $307,000 per bed.
Newcastle United's sporting director Ross Wilson stated that the club did not intend to sell captain Bruno Guimaraes amid reports linking him to Arsenal for a transfer fee of 75 million pounds ($101 million). Wilson emphasized Guimaraes’s importance to the team, citing his leadership and contributions, including 195 appearances and 31 goals since joining in January 2022. Despite Newcastle's reluctance, Wilson acknowledged that Guimaraes expressed a desire to leave, adding that the club needed to remain flexible in response to the situation.