The United States has joined Japan in a rare coordinated effort to support the falling value of the Japanese yen. This move aims to stop the yen from dropping further, which is causing problems for Japan’s economy by making imports more expensive.
Key Facts
The yen has been falling to near 40-year lows, putting pressure on Japan’s economy.
Japan depends on imported energy and food, and a weaker yen raises their costs for businesses and consumers.
The Trump administration has intervened by buying billions of dollars of yen, the first US action like this in 30 years.
Japan has bought US government bonds to raise yen value, but selling too many bonds can increase US borrowing costs.
Japan’s Bank of Japan keeps low interest rates, which lowers the yen’s value because it is less attractive to investors.
Japan’s public debt is very high, more than double its economic output (GDP), partly due to spending to support the economy and an aging population.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is under political pressure to fix inflation and help the economy grow amid these challenges.
The US sees stabilizing the yen as helpful for the global economy and to control Japan’s bond sales that might raise US borrowing costs.
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Cuba’s entire national electricity grid failed, causing a widespread blackout across the island. Authorities did not give a clear reason for the collapse or say when power would return, but the country has faced repeated power failures this year due to old equipment and fuel shortages.
Key Facts
Cuba’s national electricity grid collapsed, causing a total blackout.
The state-run Electric Union (UNE) announced the failure but did not explain the cause or timing for restoration.
Earlier problems included damaged transformers, circuit failures, and planned power cuts due to low generating capacity.
The blackout affected many areas, including towns around Havana like Guanabacoa and Marianao.
Cuba’s power system has broken down multiple times recently, with three nationwide failures in nine days in July.
Fuel shortages and aging power plants—some over 30 years old—have worsened the electricity problems.
The Cuban government blames U.S. sanctions for restricting oil supplies and access to equipment.
Long blackouts have disrupted essential services like hospitals, water, transport, and communications.
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Alan Jones, a former Australian rugby coach and radio host, is on trial for sexual offenses against six males over about 20 years. He denies all charges, and the trial is taking place without a jury in Sydney, expected to last for months.
Key Facts
Alan Jones is 85 years old and has pleaded not guilty to 20 counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching without consent.
The alleged offenses happened between 2003 and 2020 in Sydney and at his farm in New South Wales.
Jones was a rugby coach for Australia’s national team, the Wallabies, from 1984 to 1988 and also hosted a popular Sydney radio breakfast show.
Jones is accused of abusing six men and boys, including one complainant who was about 16 and another who was 21 and worked on Jones’ radio program.
Jones was arrested in 2024 and has denied all allegations, calling them baseless or distorted.
The trial is being held before Judge Glenn Walsh without a jury and will hear testimony from more than 70 witnesses.
Police formed a special team to investigate Jones after a 2023 newspaper report revealed claims he preyed on young men using his position of power.
Jones was also involved in conservative politics and once worked as a speechwriter for former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser.
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Cuba experienced a total collapse of its national electricity grid, causing a nationwide blackout including the capital, Havana. The blackout is part of an ongoing power crisis caused by aging equipment and a U.S. energy embargo that stopped regular fuel deliveries to power plants.
Key Facts
Cuba’s state-run power grid completely failed on Sunday, causing the whole country to lose electricity.
The blackout affected Havana and other regions, leaving residents without power and water.
The country has faced repeated grid collapses recently, with another blackout occurring just 24 hours earlier in western Cuba.
The U.S. imposed an energy embargo that stopped regular fuel shipments to Cuba’s power stations.
Aging infrastructure and lack of fuel have contributed to the ongoing electricity crisis.
The Cuban government is working on ways to restart the electric grid.
The Trump administration also increased sanctions on Cuban state businesses, leading some foreign companies to leave Cuba.
Cuba recently allowed some free-market reforms to try to improve its struggling economy.
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New Zealand’s parliament passed a law making English an official language alongside Māori and New Zealand sign language. The bill, supported by the coalition government, has faced criticism from experts and some politicians who say it is unnecessary because English is already the dominant language.
Key Facts
The law giving English official status in New Zealand became effective on 30 July.
English is spoken by about 95% of New Zealand’s population.
The bill was part of a political agreement between the National party and New Zealand First party.
Experts and the Ministry of Justice advised against the bill, saying English does not need protection like Māori and sign language do.
The Green party and Māori-focused Te Pāti Māori opposed the bill, while Labour supported it to avoid cultural conflict.
Māori MP Tamatha Paul called the bill "pathetic" during parliamentary debate.
Linguists and legal experts said the law does nothing practical since English is already the dominant and unthreatened language.
The bill does not give English special priority in government communications over the other official languages.
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Protests in Rawalakot, a city in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, have led to many injuries and deaths as security forces clash with demonstrators. The protests focus on issues like electricity prices, education, and healthcare, but the local government claims the protesters disrupt elections and labels their group a banned terrorist organization.
Key Facts
Rawalakot is experiencing deadly protests connected to ongoing elections in the region.
Dr Anwar runs a makeshift clinic treating around 50 to 60 seriously injured patients since late July.
Most wounded or killed protesters are young people between 15 and 35 years old.
Protesters demand basic rights such as affordable flour, electricity, education, and healthcare.
The protest group, Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), was banned in June and labeled as foreign-funded terrorists by the government.
JAAC denies being violent or sponsored by India, stating they are peaceful but shot at by security forces.
Families of victims say protesters were standing up for justice, not fighting or attacking anyone.
The internet is cut and roadblocks make getting information and medical help difficult.
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Wildfires in eastern Washington near Spokane have destroyed at least 600 buildings and forced 60,000 people to leave their homes. The fires have burned about 21 square kilometers and are part of many wildfires across the Western U.S., some of which are still not under control.
Key Facts
The wildfires around Spokane have burned 21 square kilometers (8 square miles).
At least 600 homes, businesses, and other buildings have been destroyed.
About 60,000 people have evacuated the area for safety.
No injuries or missing people have been reported so far.
Drier weather is expected, which could worsen the fire situation.
Wildfires are also burning large areas in Idaho, Oregon, and Utah.
In Idaho and Oregon, fires have burned 1,360 square kilometers (525 square miles) and threaten over 600 homes.
A large fire in Utah grew from 41 to 145 square kilometers (16 to 56 square miles), killing over 100 cattle.
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A bomb exploded outside an Italian restaurant in Moscow, killing at least three people and injuring 21. Russian officials say a woman carrying the bomb was stopped from entering the restaurant, and the device exploded outside shortly after.
Key Facts
The explosion happened near the Balzi Rossi Italian restaurant on Kudrinskaya Square in Moscow.
Three people died and 21 were injured in the blast.
A woman with an improvised explosive device (a bomb made from available materials) tried to enter the restaurant but was stopped by a security guard.
The bomb then exploded outside the restaurant.
Russian officials suspect the woman may have been unknowingly carrying the bomb to a private event inside.
There are unconfirmed reports that a senior Russian military officer was at the restaurant.
The Russian Embassy in Italy accused Ukraine of being behind the attack but gave no proof or details about the targets.
Russian state media gave little coverage of the bombing, focusing instead on other news like military events and foreign affairs.
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President Donald Trump announced that new talks with Iran will start on Monday as negotiations. He also said he stopped what he called a major military attack on Iran.
Key Facts
President Trump said new talks with Iran will begin on Monday.
The talks will be in the form of a negotiation.
He called off a large planned attack on Iran.
President Trump described the canceled attack as potentially the biggest since World War Two.
The decision to pause the attack was made recently before the talks.
The announcement involves U.S. relations with Iran.
The situation reflects ongoing tensions between the two countries.
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Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has started his campaign to be reelected. He warned about foreign countries trying to interfere in Brazil’s politics and promised to protect the country’s independence ahead of the October election.
Key Facts
President Lula da Silva began his reelection campaign.
He spoke about concerns over foreign interference in Brazil’s politics.
Lula emphasized the importance of defending Brazil’s sovereignty.
The presidential election is scheduled for October.
Political tensions in Brazil are increasing as the election approaches.
Lula is the current president of Brazil.
Foreign interference means outside countries trying to influence Brazil’s political decisions.
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The U.S. dollar lost value quickly against the Japanese yen after both the U.S. and Japan intervened in currency markets. This action aimed to support the yen, which had been weak for a long time, causing problems for Japan’s economy.
Key Facts
The dollar was above 163 yen last week but dropped to about 156 yen after market interventions.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Japan’s Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama confirmed their countries had intervened in currency markets.
The interventions involved Japan buying yen with help from the U.S. Treasury Department.
Japan wants a stronger yen because a weak yen makes imports more expensive and drives inflation higher.
Earlier attempts this year to strengthen the yen had little effect.
President Trump said the intervention showed good financial cooperation and friendship between the U.S. and Japan.
The interventions aim to reduce sudden and large changes in the yen’s value.
Japan’s finance ministry said it will act again if needed to stabilize its currency.
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The band Massive Attack was banned from Singapore after displaying a Palestinian flag during a concert. The Singapore police investigated the band for breaking laws about showing foreign flags and supporting political causes, and banned them from returning.
Key Facts
Massive Attack displayed a Palestinian flag at their concert in Singapore on July 29.
Singapore prohibits showing foreign flags or national symbols in public without permission.
After the flag was shown, the police detained the band members, questioned them, and searched some hotel rooms.
The police said the band broke the Foreign National Emblems Act and the Public Order Act.
The band was given stern warnings and banned from re-entering Singapore or performing there again.
Singapore warned that bringing foreign politics into the country could harm racial and religious harmony.
Massive Attack said they supported freedom of expression and human rights, and called for support for Palestine.
The band thanked Singapore’s people but urged the government to allow more freedom for political expression.
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Heat alerts are in place across much of England as temperatures are expected to reach up to 34°C, starting Monday. The UK Health Security Agency warns that high temperatures could affect health and social care services and increase health risks, especially for vulnerable people.
Key Facts
Amber heat alerts cover London, the South East, East of England, and East Midlands from Monday 9:00 BST to Wednesday 9:00 BST.
Yellow heat alerts cover the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, West Midlands, and South West.
The North East is the only English region without a heat alert currently.
Temperatures could hit 34°C in London and nearby areas on Monday, with most of southern and eastern England reaching around 30°C or higher.
Scotland, Northern Ireland, and western parts of Britain will have cloudier weather with rain and possibly heavy showers or thunderstorms.
A cold front will bring cooler weather and rain later in the week, mainly affecting Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Despite some rain, drought conditions are likely to continue in southern England due to a very dry July.
The weather in August is predicted to be mostly warm and dry with occasional showers, especially in northern UK.
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Kenya’s Maasai Mara wildlife reserve is facing environmental challenges due to expanding tourist camps. Conservation groups have taken legal action to stop new construction, fearing it harms animal habitats and disrupts the annual migration of wildebeest and other species.
Key Facts
The Maasai Mara attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, supporting Kenya’s economy and local jobs.
Luxury camps and lodges are being built inside and near the reserve, raising concerns about environmental damage.
Conservation groups have filed court cases to halt construction and expansion of tourism facilities in protected areas.
The Ritz-Carlton Maasai Mara Safari Camp is specifically challenged for being built in an ecological zone without a valid environmental license.
The annual migration of over a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles between the Serengeti and Maasai Mara is being disrupted.
Wildebeest numbers decreased significantly from 58,000 in 2023 to 34,200 in 2025 according to government surveys.
The legal case tests Kenya’s ability to protect wildlife while maintaining tourism, a major part of its economy.
Experts emphasize that protecting nature should be prioritized over tourism development in the Maasai Mara.
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A 14-year-old boy in Malaysia is going on trial for allegedly killing a 16-year-old girl at their school last October. The case has raised concerns about the influence of social media on young people in Malaysia.
Key Facts
The accused boy is 14 years old and pleaded not guilty to murdering his 16-year-old schoolmate.
The girl, Yap Shing Xuen, was found stabbed multiple times in a school toilet near Kuala Lumpur.
A note was found on the boy when he was arrested, which has added to concerns about social media influence.
Malaysian law keeps the identity of minors involved in crimes confidential.
If found guilty, the boy could face 30 to 40 years in prison and corporal punishment, but not the death penalty.
The case has sparked a national debate about the negative effects of social media, especially influences like the manosphere and incel culture.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim linked school violence to mobile phone and social media use and promised stricter controls.
Malaysia recently banned children under 16 from having accounts on major social media platforms to protect them from harmful content.
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Japan and the United States have worked together to buy Japanese yen to stop its value from falling to a 40-year low. Both countries said they are ready to take more joint actions if needed to keep the yen stable and support the global economy.
Key Facts
Japan and the U.S. confirmed a rare joint intervention to buy yen and support its value.
The yen had dropped to levels not seen in 40 years, causing higher prices for imports in Japan.
President Donald Trump said the U.S. supports Japan as a sign of friendship and economic stability.
This is the first joint yen intervention since 2011, after the earthquake in Japan.
Japan’s Finance Ministry and the U.S. Treasury Department said they will keep watching the situation and may act again.
Japan may have spent nearly $59 billion buying yen in markets before the official joint action.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent supports Japan's efforts and encourages Japan to raise interest rates.
The Bank of Japan signaled it might raise interest rates soon but has kept its current policies steady for now.
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The Sudanese army used drones to attack a traditional court in a village controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in North Darfur. The strike killed 35 people and wounded several others during a local court session.
Key Facts
The drone attack happened in Garra al-Zawaya village in North Darfur on Sunday afternoon.
Around 35 people were killed and many others wounded in the attack.
The village is controlled by the RSF, a paramilitary group fighting the Sudanese army since April 2023.
Four tribal leaders and two RSF commanders were among those killed.
The RSF condemned the attack and said 37 people died with 50 wounded.
Both sides in the conflict have increased the use of drones in fighting.
UN reports say over 1,000 civilians were killed by drone strikes in Sudan in early 2026.
The war between the army and RSF has caused tens of thousands of deaths and displaced millions.
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Malaysia is introducing new rules to make hiking safer after more people got lost or needed rescue while hiking. The government will require guides in risky areas, ban some short but difficult hikes, and check hikers’ health and insurance before they start.
Key Facts
In the first five months of 2026, Malaysia saw 52 cases of lost hikers, nearly 30% more than the previous year.
Many hikers try to look like pro trail runners on social media by carrying very little gear, risking their safety.
“Compressed hikes,” or very short but tough hikes, have become popular on social media but are now banned in many dangerous mountain areas.
Guides will be mandatory in 189 high-risk hiking locations across Malaysia.
Hikers must complete health checks, declare medical history, and have insurance before hiking.
Some states will not approve compressed hikes, and others require multi-day climbing for certain trails.
The government wants to reduce accidents and expensive search and rescue operations.
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At least five women abused by Mohamed Al Fayed, former owner of Harrods, have been officially recognized by the UK Home Office as victims of modern slavery. The recognition comes after investigations into trafficking and sexual exploitation linked to Al Fayed and his brother, with ongoing police inquiries into possible co-conspirators.
Key Facts
Five women abused by Mohamed Al Fayed have received official status as modern slavery victims from the UK Home Office.
These women were recognized through the National Referral Mechanism, the UK system for identifying slavery victims.
The cases include trafficking within the UK and internationally, with some abuse occurring inside Harrods.
The survivors are members of a group called No One Above, supported by the anti-slavery charity Unseen.
One survivor described the formal recognition as shocking but important for acknowledging her experience.
Mohamed Al Fayed owned Harrods from 1985 to 2010 and died in 2023 without facing charges.
The Metropolitan Police investigation, called Operation Cornpoppy, is looking into whether others helped Al Fayed commit crimes.
So far, 154 victims have reported sexual assault, rape, exploitation, or trafficking related to Al Fayed and his associates.
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