Controversy

Red Devils beat USA to advance to World Cup last-eightTeam had been angered by suspension of red cardFor Belgium, Monday’s 4-1 victory over the United States was doubly sweet. They advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals, as well as overcoming what they saw as injustice off the field.The buildup to the match had been tinged with controversy after Fifa had suspended the red card US striker Folarin Balogun was given in the last 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina. That meant Balogun was free to play against Belgium instead of serving a one-match ban. When it emerged that Donald Trump had lobbied for Balogun’s red card to be overturned, Belgium – and other nations – were outraged: Uefa called the decision “incomprehensible and unjustifiable”. Continue reading...

• Director Na Hong-jin, known for *The Wailing* and *The Chaser*, has released a new trailer for his upcoming alien thriller titled *Hope*. • Produced by Forged Films and Plus M Entertainment, the film is scheduled to premiere in South Korean cinemas on July 15. • The movie will expand to United States theaters on September 9, with distribution handled by Neon.

• The Opposition, led by the Congress party, plans to demand formal debates on the NEET controversy and rising inflation during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. • These key issues were identified by Masood as the primary focal points for the Opposition's agenda when the session commences on July 20. • The push for these discussions highlights growing political tension over educational irregularities and the economic burden of price hikes on the public.

• Police and fire authorities have launched an investigation into an online community following threats to install explosives at a baseball team's facility. • The security threat emerges amidst an ongoing controversy surrounding the team's connection to the May 18 pro-democracy movement. • Authorities are conducting searches to identify the suspects and ensure public safety at the venue.

• Anthropic's AI model, Mythos Lite Fable 5, has sparked cybersecurity concerns due to its reported ability to identify software vulnerabilities and assist in exploit development. • The controversy is further intensified by reports of hidden tracking markers within the AI, raising alarms about surveillance and data privacy. • These developments have led to a standoff with U.S. authorities, highlighting the growing tension between AI innovation and national security risks.

Network says it was ‘no longer possible’ for Stefanovic to host Today, days after Today host interviewed far-right activist on independent podcastKarl Stefanovic is leaving Nine immediately, the network said in a statement on Friday.It was presented as a joint decision by the broadcaster and network, however it follows days of controversy after the highly-paid Today presenter used his independent podcast series to interview British far-right activist Tommy Robinson. Continue reading...

• A new data investigation claims The New York Times contributed to the political controversy surrounding transgender rights by framing the issue as a debate rather than a lived reality. • The analysis suggests that the publication's editorial approach shifted the narrative, potentially fueling polarization over trans identities and rights. • In response, a representative stated that the volume of coverage is simply a reflection of real-world developments, including medical studies and proposed legislation.

• World Cup analyst and manager Emma Hayes used her jacket to share a pointed message during Sunday's coverage following a wave of sexist trolling. • The controversy stemmed from criticism regarding ITV's aesthetic choices, specifically involving a kitchen setting that Hayes and others viewed as sexist. • By addressing the issue publicly on air, Hayes highlighted the ongoing challenges and gender-based prejudices faced by women in sports broadcasting.

• Custodians of a prominent Hindu religious institution in Bangladesh announced the indefinite suspension of construction for the country's largest proposed Ram murti. • The project, detailed in a June 15, 2026, report by Hindu Voice, was intended to be a landmark monument but has instead become a center of national controversy. • This suspension highlights the ongoing tensions and challenges surrounding the establishment of large-scale Hindu religious symbols within the region.

• FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the pricing of World Cup tickets, stating the average cost is below USD 500. • He argued that these prices are consistent with broader trends in U.S. sports, citing high ticket fluctuations seen in NBA Finals matchups. • The comments address growing public frustration over ticket accessibility and costs ahead of the 2026 tournament.

• Indian smartphone brand Ai+ issued a public statement asserting that "trust must be earned every single day" following a controversial tech investigation. • The company claimed it is "learning and evolving" and has implemented improvements, though it failed to directly address allegations regarding rebranded hardware and Chinese-linked apps. • The response comes amid growing scrutiny over the brand's manufacturing claims, privacy practices, and reports that it sent legal notices to content creators.

• New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis arrived in Singapore for high-level talks on trade and security. • TVNZ political editor Maiki Sherman was excluded from the press pack following her five-day suspension from parliament over an incident involving banging on a National MP's door. • The suspension stemmed from allegations of aggressive behavior toward National whip Stuart Smith during Luxon's caucus confidence vote, investigated by Speaker Gerry Brownlee.

• Trinamool Congress challenged Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) removing 89 lakh voters—11.6% of electorate—slightly above TMC's 2021 winning margin. • Bengal's 294-seat election pits Mamata Banerjee's TMC against BJP, testing saffron expansion in a BJP-resistant state. • High-voltage campaign and disputes heighten stakes as counting ensures make-or-break outcomes for regional power dynamics.

Prime minister says ‘you never hear from … the people who are supportive, loyal and just want to get on with the job’Good morning and welcome to today’s live coverage of UK politics.Despite several calls for his resignation from within his own party, Keir Starmer told the Sunday Times that the “vast majority” of the Labour party are supportive of his leadership. Continue reading...

Rosemarie Milsom, who formed and runs Newcastle writers festival, will take over from Louise Adler after the literary festival imploded over invitation to Randa Abdel-FattahIn January, as the implosion of Adelaide writers’ week made headlines around Australia and the world, Rosemarie Milsom was watching closely.The Adelaide festival board, which oversees AWW, had overridden the literary festival’s director, Louise Adler, and disinvited the Palestinian-Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah over past comments she’d made about Israel and Zionism. This decision resulted not in a quieter, less-controversial festival as the board members may have hoped, but a boycott by 200-odd writers, the resignation of Adler – followed by the whole board – a potential defamation lawsuit against the South Australian premier and the collapse of AWW. Continue reading...

Sharon Simmons, photographed delivering McDonald’s to Trump on Monday, lobbied for the ‘no tax on tips’ policy in 2025Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxThe DoorDash delivery driver who had a turn in the national spotlight on Monday by bringing a fast-food order to Donald Trump at the White House has publicly touted the president’s so-called “no tax on tips” policy before – causing some to question the encounter’s authenticity and the company to confirm it was a stunt.Sharon Simmons had lobbied in July 2025 in favor of the policy, which DoorDash supports, testifying in Congress that she was based in Nevada and driving for the delivery platform because her husband’s cancer treatments had made it difficult to make ends meet otherwise. Continue reading...

• Markwayne Mullin appeared before the Senate Homeland Security Committee on March 18 for his confirmation hearing as Trump's DHS nominee, replacing fired Secretary Kristi Noem, and pledged to secure funding for the department amid a Democratic standoff over immigration enforcement constraints. • Mullin defended Trump's mass deportation agenda against Democratic concerns about aggressive enforcement operations, while Republican Sen. Rand Paul challenged Democrats' criticism and Mullin stated "We just don't get along" with Paul during heated exchanges. • Democrats, led by Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan, expressed reservations about Mullin's readiness, citing reports that DHS officers have been accused of smashing car windows, roughing up bystanders recording activities, and detaining immigrants in poor conditions.