The Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) is investigating allegations that Catholic Schools NSW made undisclosed political donations to the Liberal party, potentially exceeding donation caps, with the chief executive, Dallas McInerney, allegedly involved in the scheme. Catholic Schools NSW manages nearly 600 schools and receives about 80% of its funding from federal and state sources, amounting to around $3.8 billion in 2024, which raises concerns about the proper use of taxpayer money. Calls for stronger monitoring and audits have intensified, with the NSW Greens advocating for the suspension of public funding to any school implicated in corrupt practices during the ongoing Icac investigation.
The City of Yarra council in Melbourne has voted to terminate its almost six-year agreement with Lime, the largest ebike operator in Australia, due to the operator's failure to meet basic standards of operation. The decision means Lime has 30 days to cease its operations in the area, which had an estimated daily usage of 614 trips and generated around $2.5 million for Lime, although the council earned nothing from the scheme. The council emphasizes the need to prioritize pedestrian safety amid issues of ebike dumping and misuse, while some officials argue for a more balanced, supportive approach to shared ebikes.
Victorian Minister Melissa Horne expressed concerns over alleged improper government interference in a hospital project, describing reports of pressure on public servants to dismiss a contractor as "alarming," which contrasts with Premier Jacinta Allan's assertion that the reports are baseless. Horne sought assurances from the Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority (VIDA) regarding the allegations, emphasizing that no contact with the CFMEU had occurred during her tenure. The claims involve possible misconduct related to a contractor dispute at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear hospital, which was completed in 2024, amid scrutiny on the government's handling of corruption allegations just five months before the state election in November.
Barnaby Joyce, the One Nation MP, recently claimed that Australia is a “Christian nation,” stating that many First Nations people would agree with this perspective during an anti-abortion gala in Sydney where he received an award for “political courage.” While Christian adherence has been declining, with only 43.9% of Australians identifying as Christian in the 2021 census and 38.9% reporting “no religion,” Joyce and others in One Nation maintain that the country is predominantly influenced by Judeo-Christian values. Prof Anne Pattel-Gray criticized this viewpoint, highlighting that Christianity's introduction to Australia was tied to colonial objectives and injustices towards Aboriginal peoples, and noted that while 54% of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population reported a Christian affiliation in 2016, she argued that apologies from religious institutions lacked meaningful reparations.
Lucy Everlyn Atim, a climate activist and founder of the Moyao Africa Initiative, has highlighted the alarming loss of shea trees in northern Uganda, where the area loses an estimated 122,000 hectares of forest annually due to charcoal production. With 90 percent of households relying on charcoal for cooking, her initiative seeks to create a sustainable alternative by turning discarded shea husks into fuel briquettes, employing six staff and over 1,200 women in the process. However, production is limited by the seasonal harvest of shea, prompting Atim to save for a $530 carboniser and briquette-making machine to increase output.
On July 14, 2026, Supreme Court Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett testified before the House Appropriations Committee regarding the court's budget request, driven by a significant rise in threats to their safety, with the court's budget now at $207 million, representing less than one-tenth of one percent of the federal budget. Justice Barrett shared personal experiences, including her son questioning the purpose of her bullet-proof vest and a recent swatting incident at her home, while Justice Kagan highlighted the historical lack of security for justices, prompting recent changes to protect them more effectively. The testimony underscored the broader issue of intimidation faced by judges across the country, with Kagan emphasizing that while criticism is acceptable, intimidation by political figures is unacceptable and dangerous.
The Liberal Party is exploring gender quotas and other interventions to increase the representation of women in its ranks, noting that currently only 33% of its parliamentarians are women, with men outnumbering women four-to-one in the lower house. A discussion paper from an internal commission emphasizes the need to adapt and renew the party's approaches to remain viable in modern politics, stating that if the party is to survive, it must urgently change its representative demographic, defined as a 38-year-old woman who feels unrepresented. The paper suggests six options for reform, including gender quotas and various preselection mechanisms, but acknowledges resistance to these measures, particularly from leaders like opposition leader Angus Taylor.
Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni expressed confidence in his team's readiness for the upcoming FIFA World Cup semifinal against England, emphasizing that their hopes remain high despite the team's fatigue after challenging knockout round victories, including a 3-2 win over Cape Verde and Egypt, and a 3-1 win against Switzerland in extra time. Scaloni reflected on the historical significance of the match, recalling the famous 1986 quarterfinal where Diego Maradona shone, but insisted that political tensions, particularly over the Falkland Islands, should not overshadow the game. He acknowledged the threat posed by England's Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, who have scored 12 of England's 13 tournament goals, as Argentina prepares to neutralize their impact.
China has detained US seismologist Chen Youlin, 54, on espionage charges since November 2024, with his family reporting that he has been interrogated over 100 times and denied legal access for the first 13 months. Chen specialized in using seismological data to track nuclear tests, particularly in relation to North Korea, and concerns have been raised that his arrest may be linked to China's nuclear activities, which Beijing has denied. Currently the only US citizen classified as "wrongfully detained," Chen's health is deteriorating due to diabetes and high blood pressure, with advocacy groups urging his release and highlighting fears that his situation could hinder academic collaboration between the US and China.
A Singapore court has ordered Bloomberg and reporter Low De Wei to pay S$460,000 (approximately US$355,734) in damages for defaming two government ministers in a December 2024 article regarding expensive property transactions. Each minister, K Shanmugam and Tan See Leng, will receive S$230,000, which includes S$170,000 in general damages and S$60,000 in aggravated damages, as the court found Bloomberg's reporting reckless and false. Bloomberg's editor-in-chief, John Micklethwait, expressed disappointment over the ruling and maintained that the company stood by its reporting, which he argued was accurate and served the public interest.
French captain Kylian Mbappe expressed frustration after his team's 0-2 defeat to Spain in a World Cup semifinal in Dallas, highlighting tactical and technical errors as key factors in the loss. Despite his impressive tournament where he scored eight goals, the match revealed weaknesses, particularly in midfield, where France was outnumbered 3-to-2 by Spain's trio. Mbappe acknowledged the immense disappointment of missing out on a third consecutive World Cup final but emphasized the need to learn from the defeat and move forward.
US striker Folarin Balogun expressed his anticipation of controversy after FIFA suspended his one-game ban arising from a red card during the USA's 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, at the request of President Trump. Balogun received the red card for stepping on Bosnia's Tarik Muharemovic and was subsequently allowed to play in a match against Belgium, which the USA lost 1-4, while he had scored three goals in the tournament. The political intervention raised criticism regarding the integrity of the tournament, with accusations that FIFA's decision to overturn the suspension set a dangerous precedent.
Seven Britons were confirmed among the 13 victims killed in deadly wildfires in southern Spain, with the majority of the victims being foreign nationals, including three from Belgium, one from France, one from the United States, and one Spanish citizen. The wildfires, which ravaged the Almería province, burned approximately 7,000 hectares (17,300 acres) of land and led to the evacuation of nearly 1,500 people. The disaster followed a trend of severe heatwaves in Spain, with temperatures frequently exceeding 40°C.
Florida executed 74-year-old Dennis Sochor on Tuesday, making him one of the oldest individuals in state history to be put to death, following the execution of another 74-year-old prisoner just a month prior. Sochor had been convicted of kidnapping and murdering 18-year-old Patricia Gifford on January 1, 1982, and was pronounced dead after a three-drug injection at 6:16 PM, with the execution marking Florida's 10th execution in 2023 out of 16 nationwide. The Gifford family expressed that while the execution provided some closure, they still yearned for the return of Patricia's remains, which Sochor had never disclosed despite having 45 years to do so.
One person was killed, two were missing, and 16 were rescued after a pontoon boat sank about 600 yards from Alcatraz Island in San Francisco. Initial reports suggested a fire on board, but officials later stated there was no indication of a blaze. Search-and-rescue efforts by the US Coast Guard were ongoing, with some victims receiving medical attention, though the extent of injuries was unclear.
President Trump has threatened to target all of Iran's power plants and bridges next week if Tehran does not agree to a deal regarding the strait of Hormuz. This announcement comes amid ongoing US strikes against Iran, marking a fourth consecutive day of military actions aimed at degrading Iranian capabilities that threaten commercial shipping in the crucial waterway. With a fragile ceasefire that effectively collapsed, Trump stated that US strikes would continue "until I say it’s enough," indicating a potential escalation in military tensions.
Donald Trump's demand for a 20% fee on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, aimed at reimbursing the US for its naval blockade, lasted only 24 hours before he proposed striking "trade and investment deals" with Gulf allies instead. This sudden shift comes amid a conflict that has persisted for over four months, despite a temporary ceasefire agreement, and reflects ongoing challenges as Iran has increased attacks on US allies and shipping in the region. Analysts suggest that the situation has evolved into a prolonged war of attrition, with Trump's administration facing military successes but political deadlock, as Iran maintains the ability to control access to the critical shipping lane.
The US House of Representatives voted 308-117 to pass the Sunshine Protection Act, making daylight saving time permanent and removing the need for biannual clock changes. The legislation, introduced by Republican Representative Vern Buchanan in January 2025, has garnered bipartisan support, with discussions in the Senate anticipated. Critics warn that permanent daylight saving time could result in darker winter mornings, potentially increasing road hazards, while supporters argue it enhances afternoon daylight and may benefit the economy.
Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala, a controversial businessman accused of police corruption, is set to be questioned at the Madlanga Commission, where he faces allegations of giving gifts, including 20 impalas and loans, to gain influence for police contracts. Matlala, who has been in custody for over a year on separate charges and has a criminal history including prior convictions, was expected to address serious allegations, including connections to a drug trafficking cartel. Despite previously claiming to have turned his life around and registering a formal business in 2017, Matlala's past has caught up with him, culminating in various legal troubles and a recent withdrawal of a guilty plea related to corruption.
The annual State of the UK Climate report reveals that the last four years in the UK rank among the five hottest on record, with 2025 projected to be the hottest year ever, driven by carbon pollution. The report indicates that the average hottest day from 2011-2020 was 4.5°C (8.1°F) warmer than the baseline from 1961-1990, and the number of days over 30°C (86°F) in Greater London has more than quadrupled in that time. It also highlights that the extremely wettest days have increased by over 20% since 1961, while spring 2025 saw the lowest river flow on record, with less than half the average rainfall for the period in England and Wales.
MPs are urging a ban on fast food outlets near schools and a prohibition on junk food advertising on billboards and public transport to combat obesity, which costs the UK £74 billion annually. Currently, two-thirds of adults (66%) and 28% of 13- to 15-year-olds in England are classified as overweight or obese, leading the Commons health committee to call for stronger regulations and local council powers to tackle these issues. The report highlights the failure of past initiatives since 1992 and criticizes the Labour government's inaction while advocating for measures like prominent displays of fruits and vegetables in supermarkets and clearer labeling on food products.
Seven Britons were among 12 foreign nationals killed in wildfires in southern Spain's Almería province, which swept through the area fueled by high winds and extreme temperatures. The wildfires, caused by an electrical cable falling on a road, devastated approximately 7,000 hectares (over 17,000 acres) and were among the deadliest Spain has experienced in recent years. In 2025, Spain saw its worst wildfire season in history with over 393,000 hectares destroyed.
The article discusses various betting previews and expert picks for upcoming sporting events, focusing heavily on the England vs. Argentina match, where experts are analyzing the money line and over/under bets. Notably, expert Martin Green holds a +898.5 record with 19 wins and 8 losses in the last 27 World Cup selections. Additionally, the article highlights several other upcoming matches, with analysts providing insights and specific betting unit recommendations, such as 2.0 units for D. Du Plessis against K. Usman and 1.0 unit bets on multiple matchups in UFC.
Preparations at Welspun Living, a major Indian textile company, are ramping up following the implementation of the India-UK free trade agreement (FTA), which eliminates tariffs on 99% of Indian exports to the UK and 90% of UK imports to India. The British government anticipates the FTA will boost its GDP by 0.13% (approximately £4.8bn) and India's by 0.06% (£5.1bn annually); Indian exporters expect significant growth, particularly in textiles, where India's share of UK exports is currently only 6-7%, compared to Pakistan's 55%. Trade experts suggest the immediate impact may be incremental rather than transformational, with the true benefits becoming clearer in the next one to three years as businesses adapt to the new trade environment.
Deputy US marshal Drew Hanson was fatally shot while serving an arrest warrant for Clarence Frazier Jr., who failed to appear for his sexual battery trial in Louisiana. Frazier, 48, has been charged with murder and could face life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted; he was arrested after a standoff with law enforcement. This incident marks the loss of over 200 US marshals and associated personnel who have died in the line of duty since 1794.
Moroccan artist and rapper Mehdi El Youbi, known as Mehdi Black Wind, was arrested in Casablanca after being questioned by the National Brigade of Judicial Police, with his detention believed to be related to his artistic views and social media posts. El Youbi's arrest follows a wave of repression in Morocco, which includes the recent detention of journalist Ali Lmrabet and a suspended sentence for activist Zineb Kharroubi, reflecting an intensified crackdown on dissent related to the Gen Z movement advocating for reforms. His appearance before the public prosecutor is scheduled for Wednesday, amid concerns he may lack legal representation due to a strike by lawyers in Morocco.
Two corpse flowers named Odorysseus and Odora bloomed simultaneously at the Huntington Library, art museum, and botanical gardens in San Marino, attracting over 7,000 visitors in one day. Each bloom lasts only 24 to 48 hours, leading to long lines as people waited up to three hours for a brief glimpse of the flowers, which can grow over 12 feet tall and emit a strong odor resembling rotting flesh. The Huntington has cultivated titan arums for over 25 years and currently has more than 43 mature specimens, helping to conserve a species with fewer than 1,000 remaining in the wild.
Spain defeated France 2-0 in the semifinals, eliminating them from the World Cup and advancing to face either England or Argentina in the final. Mikel Oyarzabal scored the first goal from a penalty, marking his fifth goal of the tournament, and Pedro Porro added a second with a well-executed team goal shortly after. France managed only two attempts, none on target, and will now play in the third-place playoff, sealing coach Didier Deschamps' departure after 14 years in charge.
Starting next spring, UK children aged 16 and 17 will be encouraged to observe a midnight to 6am social media curfew, which is not mandatory and can be overridden. This initiative is part of Labour's effort to protect youth from online harms and comes after a previously announced under-16 social media ban affecting platforms such as Snapchat and TikTok. Research indicated that curfews for social media, tested at different hours, led to improved sleep quality and increased in-person family interactions among young participants.
The world is facing increasingly extreme weather, with scientists warning that climate change will exacerbate these conditions. Western Europe is currently experiencing a severe heatwave, resulting in record temperatures, while over 2,700 heatwave-related deaths have been reported in the UK, and at least 16 people died in a landslide in China. As countries grapple with economic strain and damage from wildfires, storms, and floods, experts emphasize the need for governments to implement better preparation strategies for future extreme weather events.