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• Winston Duke is confirmed to return as M'Baku for the upcoming "Black Panther 3." • The film will introduce David Jonsson as a new star in the franchise. • This casting update marks a significant addition to the ensemble for the next installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Wakanda storyline.

• The Spanish national football team returned to Madrid on July 20, 2026, where the city mayor organized a massive heroes' welcome to celebrate their World Cup performance. • The sporting community is mourning the death of Kevin Keegan, the legendary former England player and manager. • These events mark the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to the tournament's competitive play and official live coverage.

Vice-president and second lady announced birth of Alec Neel Vance, their fourth child, in social media statementVice-President JD Vance and his wife, second lady Usha Vance, on Sunday announced the birth of their fourth child, the first born to a sitting vice-president in more than 150 years.Born on Sunday, Alec Neel Vance joins older siblings Ewan, nine; Vivek, six; and Mirabel, four. Continue reading...

Campaigners feel vindicated by some of report’s conclusions but are unconvinced by its verdict on VIP laneIn the slightly incongruous setting of south London’s splendid Kia Oval cricket stadium, Naomi Fulop gathered her strength to give the assembled British media her response to the damning findings of Heather Hallett’s latest Covid inquiry report.Reading a statement from her mobile phone, her voice quivering just a little, as fellow members of the Covid Bereaved Families for Justice (CBFFJ) group stood alongside her, Fulop recalled the terrible time when her mother died from coronavirus in January 2021. It was in the second lethal wave of the pandemic, a vaccine still a far-off aspiration, during the third national lockdown. Like so many other people, Fulop believes her mother died because those caring for her did not have adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), a belief supported by the findings of Lady Hallett, a former court of appeal judge. Continue reading...

• The Supreme Court has expanded presidential removal power over the administrative state, marking a significant shift in the balance of power between the executive branch and federal agencies. • While the ruling is viewed as a victory for republican principles, the author notes that the decision includes specific qualifications and limitations that elected leaders must now navigate. • A key point of contention is the case of Trump v. Cook, involving the president's attempt to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, which the author describes as a disappointment.

Amnesty International says Albanese has opportunity to ‘reaffirm mutual commitment’ to rule of law as thousands in diaspora expected at stadium eventGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Indian prime minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to Australia in three years has sparked calls for the federal government to raise human rights concerns, as excitement builds within the nation’s Indian diaspora.Modi’s visit begins on Wednesday evening and marks his third since becoming prime minister. It will see him return to Melbourne after more than a decade, with a stadium event expected to attract more than 20,000 people. Continue reading...

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a ceremonial welcome in Jakarta to begin high-level bilateral talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. • The discussions aim to strengthen the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, focusing on critical sectors including trade, defense, connectivity, and maritime security. • This meeting is significant as both nations seek to deepen diplomatic ties and enhance strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

• The film "Welcome to the Jungle" experienced significant growth on its second Saturday, officially crossing the Rs 100 crore mark at the Indian box office. • In separate news, renowned Padma Vibhushan awardee and Pandavani legend Teejan Bai has passed away at the age of 70. • Prime Minister Modi and President Murmu have issued official tributes to honor Bai's legacy and contributions to Indian art.

• Akshay Kumar's action-comedy 'Welcome to the Jungle', directed by Ahmed Khan, reached a global box office milestone of Rs 154 crore gross by Day 9. • The film has also achieved a domestic net collection of Rs 100 crore, supported by an ensemble cast including Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal. • The movie's momentum is currently facing a challenge as it enters its second weekend amidst a clash with YRF's big-budget spy-thriller 'Alpha'.

Emails sent between MP Anoulak Chanthivong’s staff take cautious approach to AI giant arriving in Sydney – despite the government’s encouragementGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe NSW technology minister’s office removed a reference to being “absolutely thrilled” about OpenAI opening a Sydney office after staffers joked a dystopian Skynet could be headed for the city within five years.Artificial intelligence giant OpenAI announced its first Australian office in August last year, before opening in December. Continue reading...

• Akshay Kumar's film "Welcome To The Jungle" has nearly reached a worldwide box office collection of ₹130 crore by its sixth day of release. • The movie's financial performance is being closely monitored as it approaches a highly anticipated box office clash with the film "Alpha." • These updates are part of a real-time entertainment tracking report covering the global $2.83 trillion industry, including OTT and cinema trends.

Victims say hearing Keir Starmer’s acknowledgment of their suffering was emotional but want more mental supportThis summer’s World Cup fever vividly takes Ann Keen back to 1966 and the day England won the tournament – she was 17 years old and it was the day she told her father she was pregnant. “It was the worst thing that could ever have been said to him. I was told I’d put shame on the family and I must be sent away,” the former Labour MP said.“I was in an unmarried mother’s home where I had to scrub the steps from morning until night. It was all about punishment. Even in the delivery room I was told I couldn’t have anything for the pain, because I was a bad girl. And when NHS staff are telling you that, you start to believe it.” Continue reading...

• The UN launched its first global, independent scientific assessment on Wednesday to evaluate the opportunities, risks, and impacts of artificial intelligence. • The report highlights that AI agent systems will soon automate complex tasks that currently take human programmers days or weeks to complete. • Experts warned of urgent threats to labor markets and cybersecurity, specifically citing "sycophantic AI behavior" that reinforces user beliefs and has been linked to documented deaths.

• Astrophysicist Ray Jayawardhana has officially begun his tenure today as the 10th president of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). • Jayawardhana, who previously expressed his lifelong passion for space exploration, highlighted his early connection to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) through its educational outreach. • His appointment is significant as he leads one of the world's premier scientific research institutions and oversees its critical relationship with NASA and JPL.

• Ahmed Khan's 'Welcome to the Jungle' has crossed Rs 100 crore worldwide in its first 4 days. • The film, led by Akshay Kumar, has performed well despite sharing screens with Shahid Kapoor's 'Cocktail 2'. • 'Welcome to the Jungle' is the third instalment in the 'Welcome' franchise and has appealed to family audiences with its nostalgic value.

• Akshay Kumar's film *Welcome to the Jungle* has earned ₹93 crore globally within its first three days, becoming the third-highest Bollywood opener of 2026. • The movie collected ₹63.75 crore domestically during its opening weekend, while overseas gross earnings reached ₹16.70 crore. • This strong performance highlights the film's immediate commercial appeal and its ability to compete with the year's top releases.

• Governor Gavin Newsom hosted the first public preview of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, a new addition to the California Science Center. • The facility is designed to honor California's history of aviation and space exploration, highlighting the contributions of engineers, astronauts, and scientists. • The center aims to foster curiosity and learning for future generations by showcasing the state's commitment to science and innovation.

• On June 26, 2026, reviews and netizen verdicts were released for the comedy film "Welcome to the Jungle," starring Akshay Kumar and over 30 other actors. • The film's release is part of a broader trend of high-budget ensemble comedies within the $2.83 trillion global entertainment industry. • This coverage matters as it gauges the commercial viability and audience reception of a major star-studded production.

• Governor Gavin Newsom hosted the first public preview of the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, a new addition to the California Science Center. • The facility is designed to showcase California's history of aviation and space exploration, highlighting the contributions of local engineers, astronauts, and scientists. • This expansion underscores the state's commitment to science, education, and innovation by providing an immersive learning environment for future generations.

• The UN human rights chief formally praised a new peace treaty signed between the United States and Iran on June 13, 2026. • The accord aims to resolve decades of conflict between the two nations and serves as a critical step toward establishing broader regional stability. • This diplomatic breakthrough is significant as it signals a mutual intention to settle long-standing differences and move forward in peace.

Analysts say lengthy, painstaking negotiations over region’s root tensions are required to make ceasefire stickMiddle East crisis – live updatesIn much of the Middle East, news that the US and Iran had come to a fragile agreement was greeted with relief tempered with doubt that any deal would resolve the turbulent region’s deep problems or even prevent a future return to war.In Kuwait, a frequent target of Iranian drone strikes during the 15-week conflict, Iyad Joumma, a 37-year-old Jordanian engineer, spoke for many. Continue reading...

Artan deemed a threat to national security by US officials‘I promise you that I will attend the next one’The World Cup referee from Somalia who was denied entry to the US arrived on Wednesday in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, where he was received by a crowd of supporters and officials.Omar Artan was due to be the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup after making Fifa’s final list for the tournament. He is one of Africa’s top referees and was named the continent’s best male referee in 2025. Continue reading...

Royal Kennel Club figures show significant declines in registrations of French bulldogs, bulldogs and pugsSquashed-face dogs including pugs and French bulldogs are declining in popularity, data suggests, with experts hopeful the trend reflects a growing awareness of the health problems such breeds face.According to breed registration statistics from the UK’s Royal Kennel Club (RKC), there were 1,400 registrations of French bulldogs in the first three months of 2026 – a 37% drop compared with the same period in 2025. Bulldog registrations dropped by 34% and pug registrations by 43% with only 126 of the breed registered in the first three months of 2026. Continue reading...

• South Korea experienced a significant tourism boom in April, with Seoul alone welcoming over 1.5 million foreign visitors. • China emerged as the primary driver of this surge, leading other major contributing markets including the United States, Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines. • The influx of tourists resulted in a massive economic boost, with total visitor spending soaring to 1.15 trillion won.

• Hungary has officially decided to remain a State Party to the Rome Statute, withdrawing its previous notification to leave the International Criminal Court (ICC). • The decision was formally communicated by the Hungarian Government to the Secretary-General of the United Nations on May 29, 2026, following a statement from the Assembly of States Parties on May 25, 2026. • This move is significant as it signals Hungary's renewed commitment to ending impunity for the most serious international crimes.

• The Taliban administration has officially welcomed China's expanded role in managing Afghanistan-related discussions and draft resolutions at the United Nations. • This diplomatic shift indicates a growing reliance on Beijing to mediate Afghanistan's international standing and navigate complex UN processes. • The move is significant as it signals a strategic pivot toward China for legitimacy and political support amidst ongoing global isolation.

There is hope that a change to building regulations could resurrect music clubs, which have been hit by rising rents, social shifts and noise disputesA move by the German government to reclassify nightclubs to distinguish them from amusement and adult entertainment facilities could give a much-needed boost to the country’s struggling nightlife, industry advocates say.Under a fundamental change to building regulations approved by Friedrich Merz’s cabinet last week, nightclubs will be formally recognised as providing cultural and artistic value, making it more difficult for developers to evict venue operators in favour of new construction. Continue reading...

Choreography of back-to-back visits appeared deliberately mirrored but China made sure the differences were noticedDays after Donald Trump was greeted in Beijing with a military band, an honour guard and dozens of youths waving American and Chinese flags, Vladimir Putin arrived in China to an almost identical spectacle.The choreography of the two welcomes appeared deliberately mirrored, designed to showcase Beijing’s ability to host leaders from Washington and Moscow with equal grandeur. Continue reading...