Death row inmates desperate to escape execution in Saudi Arabia call the BBC
Dozens of Ethiopians are awaiting execution - some called the BBC to tell their stories.
World · July 2026
After a young girl’s death, Mexico shuts down all militarized grade schools
After false and conflicting reports by school officials on how the 13-year-old student lost her life, medical examiners provided evidence that led government authorities to categorize her death as not…
Cookie craze hits CDMX: Crumbl opens first Mexico location
Crumbl's Roma Norte debut drew 800-person lines and viral hype — plus Dog Haus brings its gourmet hot dogs to Mérida as a wave of U.S. food brands expand into Mexico.
China to build world's fastest underwater high-speed rail after record-breaking river tunnel
China has completed excavating a tunnel beneath the Yangtze River, the country's largest waterway, marking a major milestone for a project that will connect Shanghai's Chongming Island with…
Federal lawsuit accuses four major publishers of extorting article processing charges
A lawsuit filed under the U.S. False Claims Act accuses four major publishers of perpetrating a decade-long scheme to defraud the government by charging exorbitant article processing charges.
Trump’s moves to break up Education Department generate new bipartisan resistance in Senate
S. President Donald Trump doesn’t have the votes to abolish the U.S. Department of Education, though that’s not stopping him from taking it apart.
Trump appeals order that slammed his IRS lawsuit and referred his lawyer to bar
Trump had sued the IRS for $10 billion over the leak of his tax information by an agency contractor.
Kingmaker candidate elected new president of New Caledonia's government
Candidate from kingmaker party is elected new president of New Caledonia's 'collegial' government.
Trump Administration Amps Up Pressure On Senate To Confirm Todd Blanche As Attorney General
Trump officials are urging the Senate to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general as Republican holdouts threaten to derail his nomination.
Samoa captain and coach urge resolution for their country's 'best interests'
Samoa's national rugby captain and coach have written to the prime minister regarding the current crisis affecting Lakapi Samoa.
Missing Australian hiker found dead in Wyoming, officials say
Body of William Standish discovered in Teton mountains as investigators say fatal fall likely cause of death A 28-year-old Australian hiker who lost contact with his family while hiking the…
Director Hamaguchi Ryūsuke Explores Boundaries, Connections in “All of a Sudden”
All of a Sudden, the latest film by Japanese director Hamaguchi Ryūsuke, recounts encounters between two women. A look at how this Cannes-recognized film, loosely inspired by correspondence between…
The Thorny Politics of Protest Photography
A new documentary follows the work of activist and photographer Misan Harriman, but risks overly aestheticizing the movements he captures.
Iran Appears to Be Blasting Amazon Data Centers Off the Map
That's one way to deal with data centers. The post Iran Appears to Be Blasting Amazon Data Centers Off the Map appeared first on Futurism .
New York alleges Kalshi is running an 'illegal gambling operation' in new lawsuit
Kalshi, which is headquartered in New York, has already been sued by multiple states.
‘R1’ ordered Manzo’s murder for defying cartel, says security minister: Friday’s mañanera recapped
García Harfuch revealed new details on "R1," the alleged mastermind behind Carlos Manzo's murder, including his criminal past and the motive investigators believe drove the killing.
Trump says U.S. has 'not agreed to' grant Ukraine Patriot missile licenses
President Donald Trump said the U.S. hasn't agreed to grant Ukraine licenses to produce Patriot missile systems.
APOLOGY: The schoolboy in the Russian uniform — where we fell short
Daily Maverick apologises to the learner and his family for failing to seek their comment and publishing a photograph that breached child protection standards.
Colombia Reports and 21st-century fascism
The coming four years will probably be the toughest yet and I will need your support to keep Colombia’s longest-living news source alive.
At least 57 people die as tens of thousands cross to Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco
Pedro Sánchez decries ‘violation of territorial integrity’ as other EU countries criticise Madrid over incident At least 57 people have died trying to reach the Spanish enclave of Ceuta after as many…
Ukraine Strikes Lukoil's Volgograd Refinery as Drone Attacks Resume
Ukraine has struck one of Russia’s biggest refineries, Lukoil’s Volgograd processing facility, the Ukrainian forces said on Friday as they resumed attacks on Russian refining capacity.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: How hydroponic gardens plant seeds of innovation and women’s empowerment
Two South African high schools and women from their surrounding communities will learn to grow vegetables sustainably, thanks to a tailor-made solar-powered vertical hydroponic system that requires no soil, recycles water and is emission-free.
Second quarter has 5.4% unemployment, lowest ever for the period
Brazil’s unemployment rate in the second quarter stood at 5.4 percent, reaching the lowest level ever recorded since 2012, when the historical series of the Continuous National Household Sample Survey (PNAD) began.
Global wheat output may drop 24 million tonnes next season on Iran war, El Nino impacts
The global wheat market balance in 2026-27 could become a little worrisome in the 2027-28 season, say analysts
THE LOWLY NEWSPAPER MAN: Squirming Andrea Johnson’s Madlanga grilling gave voyeurism an unsettling edge
The voyeurism was unsettling not because of who she is, but what she is and what she has been. Her very deliberate actions were in support of a cause that she swore she would oppose and spent about 30 years fighting as an ace prosecutor.
3 Republicans Break Ranks in Attempt to Limit Trump's Iran War Powers
The largely symbolic vote reflects the high tensions as the Iran war enters its sixth month.
Putin’s Pro-War Justifications
Andrey Pertsev’s weekly political roundup (July 27−31)
I have a picture for you! 27 July-01 August 2026
The First Thing newsletter's Ever-lasting
![The split in Poland’s opposition could help them unseat Tusk’s government [Opinion]](/img/27894)
The split in Poland’s opposition could help them unseat Tusk’s government [Opinion]
Daniel Tilles It may help broaden the opposition's appeal by offering voters a more moderate, centre-right option.
Nikon patent overruled, puts Viltrox lawsuit at risk
Is Nikon's lawsuit against Viltrox on the rocks? Chinese authority invalidates Nikon patent for “lack of inventiveness”
African swine fever restrictions tighten after Finland's first confirmed case
Hunting, berry picking and forestry work will be restricted in parts of southeastern Finland following the detection of swine fever in three wild boar piglets.
FOOD BASKET: Hot showers or supper — tariff hikes hit your food basket
Electricity and water tariffs have increased faster than inflation in the past 20 years, and with the latest hikes in July, households are forced to make compromises in their food purchases.
SA needs sovereign tech infrastructure, not just foreign server farms on its soil
Squeezed between Silicon Valley and Shenzhen, South Africa must look beyond the passive hosting of foreign data centres. Aligning with a similarly cornered European Union, and utilising the renewed…
Pride Comes Before the Fall
Nicholas Trickett’s economic summary of the week (July 27 — 31)
Seatrium eyes growing LNG demand as Iran war reshapes global energy flows
The company's net profit rose 158% to $373 million in the first half of 2026, driven by strong LNG demand.
Brazil says US tariffs violate WTO rules
The Brazilian government argued before the World Trade Organization (WTO) that the tariffs imposed by the United States are “inconsistent” with WTO rules.
Where Silence Still Speaks: Discovering the Monastery of Ecce Homo in Boyacá
Eight kilometres beyond the whitewashed streets and polished boutiques of Villa de Leyva, the traffic fades into birdsong and the landscape begins to exhale.
Poland bans use of smartphones by children in primary schools and kindergartens
President Karol Nawrocki signed the bill into law after it received near-unanimous support in parliament.
Migration Agency: Don’t apply for civics test without proof of Swedish skills
The Swedish Migration Agency has been instructing people invited to take the new civics test for citizenship not to apply if they cannot already demonstrate sufficient knowledge of Swedish, leading many who have received the message not to register.
Workers extract 60,000 liters of fuel oil from Finnish warship that sank in 1941
An estimated 40,000 litres still to be recovered during a planned follow-up operation next year.
Heat, Drought, Wildfires: Climate Change Supercharges Disasters in Europe
Western Europe is experiencing a summer of weather extremes.
5 months, 3 weeks jail for senior police officer who molested colleague at force HQ
A senior police superintendent has received a prison sentence of five months and three weeks after being found guilty of indecently assaulting a female subordinate on three occasions in 2024…
High noon for SA’s criminal justice system
We are fast reaching a tipping point in our criminal justice system, from which there may soon be a point of no return.
Nigeria: Resident Doctors Issue Final Deadline, Threaten Nationwide Strike From Aug 10
[Vanguard] The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has threatened to commence a total and comprehensive nationwide industrial strike on Aug.
Archbishop of Canterbury vows to support £100m pledge helping communities affected by enslavement
During visit to Ghana, Sarah Mullally expresses regret and says controversial fund symbolises Christian belief in repentance At a former British castle where thousands of enslaved Africans were held…
EU extends Ukrainians' temporary protection until March 2028, with updated conditions
The Finnish government is due to decide on the matter on 6 August, according to the interior ministry.
UK petrol prices hit highest level since Iran war began
The price of unleaded hits 160p a litre, according to motoring group the RAC, as oil prices remain elevated.
Behind the race to host the high seas treaty
Chile, China and Belgium are competing to host the headquarters of a landmark global ocean treaty. But why do they care so much?
VIEW FROM THE PASS: A bright young talent blooms at the foot of Helshoogte
At Arum, in the premises of the once legendary Boschendal restaurant, chef Travis Finch is flexing some very creative muscle.
Nabhdrishti is building small gas turbines for drones, aircraft and power generation
The Bengaluru-based company is developing fuel-flexible engines on a shared core, one sized for unmanned aircraft and one for industrial and defence power supply.
The vanishing terrorists: The New York Times' new Gaza reporting strategy - opinion
A new study via Claude Code shows that The New York Times fully adopted Hamas's strategy regarding casualty reporting in Gaza.
Nigeria: Resident Doctors Threaten Nationwide Strike
[Premium Times] NARD said the proposed Total and Comprehensive Industrial Strike (TICS) would commence at 8 a.m. on 10 August unless its demands are met before the deadline.
As Trump’s Tariff War With Canada Drags On, This Border Community Suffers Without a Voice
The post As Trump’s Tariff War With Canada Drags On, This Border Community Suffers Without a Voice appeared first on ProPublica .
Why rice crops could be in for a weird year
Researchers explain how El Niño and global warming are combining to create "the haves and the have-nots."
US considers charging $100,000 fee for international graduates seeking to work
International students who want to remain in the United States after graduation to work could face a US$100,000 fee under immigration tightening measures.
Ship captain arrested after bodies of woman and child found off Swedish coast
A young girl and a woman, who had been missing after a collision between a pleasure boat and a merchant ship off the coast of Tjörn, have been found dead. The captain of a Norwegian merchant ship has been held as part of the investigation.
Taiwan monitors China coast guard ships ‘drifting’ east of the island
Taiwan said Friday it has deployed vessels to monitor two China Coast Guard ships east of the island, as Beijing asserts authority over an area of the Western Pacific. China claims Taiwan is part of its territory and also insists that waters around the island democracy come under its jurisdiction, which Taipei rejects. Chinese ships […]
Taiwan monitors China coast guard ships ‘drifting’ east of the island
Taiwan said Friday it has deployed vessels to monitor two China Coast Guard ships east of the island, as Beijing asserts authority over an area of the Western Pacific.
Prodding Open Wounds: Ukraine’s War on the Russian Oil & Gas Sector
Nicholas Trickett on how Ukraine’s strikes on Russian refineries are deepening the contradictions of the Kremlin’s wartime economy
China expresses ‘serious concern’ over latest US trade restrictions
China’s top trade official told his counterparts from the United States on Thursday Beijing had “serious concern” over Washington’s latest trade restrictions, according to state media.
Can Australia’s newest bank give the ‘big four’ some real competition?
Revolut is only the latest ‘neobank’ to challenge Australia’s highly concentrated banking sector. But this attempt is backed by Europe’s most valuable startup.
Revamped HK-China border crossing needs stress tests ahead of opening, lawmaker says
The revamped Huanggang Port will need stress tests and drills to ensure the border crossing with China is prepared for operation, a lawmaker and a former security minister have said as authorities signed an agreement to commission the new port.
FMI issues thunderstorm warnings across all of Finland on Friday
Thunderstorms, particularly severe in the west, are expected to sweep across the whole country on Friday.
Top endocrinologist leaves 16-year US career for China's Westlake University
A Los Angeles endocrinologist has joined China's Westlake University as the first U.S.-licensed physician on its medical school faculty, the university said.
More than 80% of kids still using social media despite ban, new eSafety report finds
The report provides more evidence Australia’s world-leading social media ban isn’t going to plan.
Nha Trang hotel staff probed for renting motorbike to drunk Russian, leading to fatal crash
A 51-year-old hotel receptionist in Nha Trang is facing charges after allegedly renting a motorbike to an intoxicated Russian tourist who subsequently struck and killed a pedestrian.
Vietnamese student crowned Excel world champion in California
A Vietnamese student won the world Microsoft Excel title and an US$8,000 prize at the Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship in California on July 29.
Where do peptides come from? We found out.
A targeted ad for illegal peptides pops up in our social feed, so we start a chat with the supplier. The videos and pictures they send us are revealing and concerning.
Should I let my kids down that tube slide? How to weigh the benefits with the risk of injury
Tube slides aren’t like traditional playground slides. But children can still have fun without getting injured.
Remembering Higashino Keigo: A Tribute to Japan’s Mystery King
Higashino Keigo, who died earlier this month, was a monumental figure in Japan’s mystery genre, winning many fans at home and abroad.
Data centres are power hungry – but they don’t have to be a burden on NZ’s grid
AI data centres are contentious for consuming large resources. But with the right incentives and regulation, can they make for more flexible electricity systems?
Bali’s traditional boats embody centuries of maritime tradition – but they’re quickly disappearing
Bali’s traditional elephant-fish canoes embody generations of craftsmanship, spiritual belief and maritime knowledge. But only a handful remain.
Cross-border investment still ‘robust’ despite China’s growing controls: CICC
Beijing’s heightened scrutiny of overseas portfolio investment and tax practices has yet to significantly weaken mainland investors’ demand for legitimate cross-border investments, according to China International Capital Corporation (CICC).
25 cats survive explosion that gutted one of southern Japan's biggest malls
Twenty-five cats stuck inside a shopping mall in Japan gutted in an explosion after a major earthquake have been rescued, the operator said Thursday, triggering huge relief on social media.
How police are trying to divert teen hackers away from crime
Cyber Prevent is targeting predominantly boys and young men at risk of being drawn to cyber criminality.
Sports venues are offering facial recognition to let people in. What are the risks?
When consumers provide consent for recording their facial data, they must fully know what they’re consenting to.
What Drives the Dragon? Japan Takes Aim at the VNL Top
After winning an unprecedented 12 straight matches in the preliminary rounds, Japan enters the 2026 Volleyball Nations League finals in first place.
Chicago Public Schools’ lunchroom staff move closer to strike
Chicago Public Schools’ lunchroom workers are taking steps toward a possible strike, their union announced Thursday. Unite Here Local 1 delivered a letter to the school district Thursday asking to…
Japanese Companies Taking Action to Combat Disruptions Due to Extreme Heat
Heatstroke fatalities in Japan reached 1,803 in 2025, according to government figures. Companies are taking action, especially in outdoor industries like construction, to reduce the risks of extreme…
Tim Cook: Apple 'Reluctantly Raised Prices' Due to '100-Year Flood on Memory Pricing'
Apple didn't want to raise its prices but was forced to do so because of exponential increases in memory costs, Apple CEO Tim Cook said today during the company's Q3 2026 earnings call.
US government map of Africa mislabels every country at global conference
State department ‘takes full responsibility’ for erroneous, widely shared chart displayed at Aids conference in Brazil A US government map of Africa mislabeled every country during a state department…
Chicago to cut funding earmarked for schools that replaced police with restorative justice policies
Chicago Public Schools is poised to cut in half the money and staff the district provided to some high schools after they removed police officers stationed at their campuses.
Samoa face World Rugby ban over prime minister's 'political madness', opposition warns
World Rugby has given the Samoan government until Friday to accept a review of its decision to withdraw recognition and financial support of the rugby union.
A Decade of Building Trust: Moroccan Ambassador Rachad Bouhlal on Life in Japan
Mohammed Rachad Bouhlal, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, sits down with Nippon.com to discuss his many years in Japan, cultural parallels, and the patience required to build lasting…
Senate Punts on College Sports Bill Vote Without Big Ten, SEC Approval
The conferences still haven’t made up their minds.
Trump FCC faces blowback in attempt to police speech on broadcast TV
"Chilling message to all broadcasters: carry speech we don’t like at your peril."
Rubio expected to lead U.S. delegation to presidential inauguration in Cali
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to attend the inauguration of Colombia’s president-elect Abelardo De La Espriella on August 7, a ceremony that will make history as the country’s first…
Wild Footage Shows Man Blocking Flock Camera With Comically Gigantic Protest Sign
"We didn't give them permission to do it on us." The post Wild Footage Shows Man Blocking Flock Camera With Comically Gigantic Protest Sign appeared first on Futurism .
Almost the Entire Country Is Drowning in Cases of Explosive Diarrhea
So much for "under control." The post Almost the Entire Country Is Drowning in Cases of Explosive Diarrhea appeared first on Futurism .
Mandela Barnes drops out of Wisconsin governor race
Shortly after, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel revealed it was investigating allegations that Barnes had leveraged his role within the state Democratic party to have sexual encounters with young women.
Half of Brazilian women claim to have faced violence from partners
More than half of Brazilian women (54%) who have been in relationships with men reported having experienced some form of violence from them. However, only 11 percent of men who have been in relationships with women admit to having committed acts of violence against partners or ex-partners.
Brazil’s new customs system speeds up passenger clearance
Passengers arriving in Brazil by plane with goods that must be declared to the Federal Revenue Service will be able to clear customs more quickly.
American Being Prosecuted for Wiping His Phone Before Handing It Over to Border Officials
He’s being prosecuted for giving border officials a code that wiped his phone : The case centers on a feature included in GrapheneOS, a custom Android operating system that runs in place of the…
Correcting climate ‘misperceptions’ may not boost climate action
The general public often underestimate support for climate action, while overestimating the real-world actions taken by other people to address… The post Correcting climate ‘misperceptions’ may not…
The Local's Guide to Sweden's Political Parties: The Left Party
Left Party leader Nooshi Dadgostar has repeatedly said that if the 'red-green' parties win the election, she will demand Minister posts for her party – a prospect which spooks many in Sweden's political centre. Why?
Alckmin to run as Lula’s running mate again in upcoming elections
The Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB) has officially endorsed Lula da Silva’s reelection bid and vice-President Geraldo Alckmin’s candidacy for reelection as Lula’s running mate. Alckmin joined the PSB in March 2022 and shortly thereafter joined Lula’s ticket for that year’s elections.
'I jumped on it straight away': First applicants invited to Sweden’s new civics test
The Local has heard from five people invited to take Sweden’s first civics test for citizenship on August 15th. Two welcomed the invitation, signed up immediately and are confident of passing, while…
Raids across UK in crackdown on nuisance car finance texts
Laptops, phones and documents seized as information commissioner acts on messages about mis-selling scandal Laptops, mobile phones and documents have been seized after officials carried out search…
Dried mango contains more sugar than Coca-Cola
A nutritionist says dried fruit should be treated more like sweets than fresh fruit.
Brazil rejects extension of US national emergency
The Brazilian government has rejected the United States’ decision to extend its national emergency declaration regarding Brazil for another year. In a statement released on Tuesday (Jul.
Claudia Buch: Hearing of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs of the European Parliament
Introductory statement by Prof Claudia Buch, Chair of the Supervisory Board of the European Central Bank, at the Hearing of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs of the European Parliament…
'Incredible' blue sea creatures appear on beaches
Hundreds of by-the-wind-sailors creatures wash up at St Bees in Cumbria due to strong onshore winds.
Cyanide in tomato pesticide killed 15 elephants, Kenyan officials suspect
Foul play is ruled out in the record number of elephant deaths for decades in this area of southern Kenya.
Why Europe won't get any new Canadair water bombers any time soon
As firefighters struggle to contain some of the worst European wildfires in living memory with reduced numbers of aerial water bombers, production of the iconic aircraft creaks along half a world away…
Many refugee camps are unliveable - here's what needs to happen
Millions are returning home even when not safe to do so simply because conditions in refugee camps are becoming increasingly unliveable.
Poll: Trump’s MAGA voters would stick by a candidate through the most serious of scandals
Most of President Donald Trump’s MAGA base say they’d still vote for a GOP candidate when confronted with an array of scandals — more so than Republican voters writ large or Democrats.
Finland's ageing caregivers: "I never thought of not caring for him"
Thousands of elderly people are caring for loved ones well into their own 80s and 90s—with many unaware of the support available to them.
Two looming primaries will test pro-Israel Democrats’ role in the party
The race for Michigan Senate and Missouri's 1st District has turned into referendums on the Democratic Party's once unwavering support for the longtime U.S. ally.
4 things to know about cyclospora and climate change
A fragile food system, uneven public health messaging, and global warming are all working to supercharge the parasite’s spread.
Fewer drink-drivers this summer, but more drunk e-scooter riders
Police report catching fewer drink-drivers than during last summer's surveillance effort, even though they carried out 17 percent more breathalyser tests this year.
New Zealand foreign minister in racism row with Chinese ambassador
New Zealand’s top diplomat Winston Peters drew the ire of Beijing’s ambassador in Wellington on Thursday after telling a lawmaker of Chinese descent to “go back to your own country”. During a debate about New Zealand’s response to the Covid pandemic on Wednesday, populist NZ First leader Peters was asked by China-born Green Party member…
Fiji-born All Blacks express gratitude ahead of South Africa tour
Emoni Narawa and Timoci Tavatavanawai, both former pupils of Queen Victoria School in Fiji, have been named in Dave Rennie's 44-member squad for the tour.
Crew member injured as Samoa Airways plane veers off runway
Initial reports indicate that the DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft encountered strong crosswinds during its final approach and landing on Wednesday morning, Samoa Airways said in a statement.
The campaign against Fauci and what brought him back before Congress
Dr. Anthony Fauci helped lead the White House pandemic response for Presidents Trump and Biden and is now retired from government service.
Ex-president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner takes graft conviction to UN Human Rights Committee
Convicted ex-president takes case to UN rights body; CFK claims corruption trial was politically motivated and seeks international scrutiny of Judiciary. Leer más
Seven killed in helicopter crash in San Juan Province
Seven dead after a forest fire-fighting helicopter crashes in San Juan Province, confirms Marcelo Orrego. Leer más
Can Japan’s Maglev Line Project Stay on Track for 2036?
Japan’s first maglev line was originally planned to open between Tokyo and Nagoya in 2027, but local opposition in Shizuoka led to significant delays.
The Nose Knows: Aroma Is Key to the Full Wagyū Experience
Japan’s wagyū beef is famous enough to draw visitors from overseas just for a taste. But what gives it its one-of-a-kind flavor experience?
Comcast store punished low sales by smashing pies in workers' faces, lawsuit claims
Comcast, accused of negligence, says lawsuit mischaracterized alleged events.
Nauru officially changes name to Naoero 'after thoughtful deliberation', bypassing referendum
The Nauruan government says the decision not to pursue a referendum was made "after thoughtful deliberation that Naoero is not a new name seeking acceptance by the people".