Event

• Rebel fighters besieging El Obeid, Sudan, are using drone attacks that have put approximately 500,000 civilians at risk of large-scale atrocities. • The ongoing conflict has displaced over 14 million people internally and pushed millions toward famine while severely limiting humanitarian access. • Sudan is facing a public health crisis with concurrent outbreaks of malaria, dengue fever, and cholera, the latter causing 120 deaths and 1,102 cases since Monday.

• The CDC is providing updates on Ebola outbreaks currently affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. • The agency is also preparing its "activation" strategy for the upcoming 2026 World Cup to manage public health risks. • These efforts highlight the CDC's role in monitoring global infectious disease threats and coordinating health safety for major international events.

• The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has announced the creation and activation of a special communication channel aimed at preventing the escalation of tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. • MFA spokesperson Al-Ansari confirmed during a press briefing that the mechanism is currently operational to facilitate conflict resolution. • This initiative is critical because the Strait of Hormuz is a vital global maritime chokepoint for oil shipments, where instability can trigger international economic shocks.

Figure in John Hutton’s west screen, considered a 20th-century masterpiece, cracked by ladder used in lighting rigDeep cracks have appeared in one of the huge angels etched into John Hutton’s west screen of glass panels at Coventry Cathedral after a major music event.It has prompted concern that the increase in cathedrals hosting outside events, a big source of revenue, risks damaging some of the UK’s most important religious architecture. Continue reading...

• The Asian economic calendar for July 1, 2026, highlights key events including the release of China's manufacturing PMI, though ING warns that domestic demand remains weak. • In the currency and commodities markets, the Japanese Yen has plummeted to its weakest level since 1986, raising concerns over potential government intervention, while Gold Futures are testing a critical decision zone between 3,989 and 3,995. • Micron has seen a massive 800% rally, leading analysts to issue a unanimous "Strong Buy" rating based on the ongoing AI boom, despite warnings regarding potential valuation traps.

• Global markets are focused on key economic indicators today, including French and German CPI figures, Canada's GDP, and US Job Openings and Consumer Confidence data. • Asian stocks have reached record highs as investors shift toward growth, causing the US dollar to dip and gold prices to decline. • The Japanese yen has fallen to its weakest level since 1986, prompting market speculation regarding potential government intervention.

President unveils plans for Dallas summit, in break with tradition of conventions only in presidential election yearsDonald Trump has announced that Republicans will stage their first ever national convention ahead of the midterm elections, a move aimed at energizing voters as the party fights to hold its narrow congressional majorities in November.The two-day gathering will take place in Dallas on 9 and 10 September, marking a break from the longstanding tradition of holding national conventions only during presidential election years. Trump confirmed the plans on Tuesday in a Truth Social post, describing Dallas as “One of my favorite places in the World”. Continue reading...

• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a renewed global commitment to combat terrorism by addressing its root causes rather than relying solely on security measures. • Guterres warned that terrorist threats are evolving, emphasizing that a rights-based approach is essential to prevent radicalization and ensure long-term stability. • The initiative matters as it seeks to shift the international strategy toward prevention, arguing that ignoring socio-economic grievances can inadvertently fuel extremist recruitment.