Gagik Tsarukyan, Armenia's wealthiest businessman and opposition politician, is building the world's tallest Jesus Christ statue atop a mountain overlooking Yerevan. The 101-meter statue aims to boost tourism and promote Christianity as Armenia's brand, despite opposition from the Armenian Apostolic Church and environmentalists.
Heavy rain in South Korea's Gangwon Province on Saturday led to restricted access to Mount Seorak national park trails and the disruption of the Gangneung Danoje Festival. While a heavy rain warning was lifted, strong winds and high waves persist off the east coast.
Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook faced over $1.3 million in legal and security costs due to attacks from the Trump administration, including accusations of mortgage fraud by Bill Pulte. Cook denied the claims, asserting political motivation. A Supreme Court case stemming from her firing by Trump could impact the Fed's independence.
An RJD MP has sent a legal notice to the Ram Mandir Trust demanding details on donations and expenditures, amid allegations of financial irregularities. The Trust denies wrongdoing, while opposition leaders call for an investigation.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Matt Booty informed staff of significant financial challenges, with plans to cut costs by potentially closing Ninja Theory, Double Fine, and Compulsion Games. This follows a memo citing over $20bn in investments yielding declining revenue and a "hardware component crisis."
Starbucks Korea will close over 2,000 stores for mandatory history and social sensitivity training after a promotion on May 18, the anniversary of the Gwangju massacre, sparked public outrage and boycotts. The closures will cost an estimated $1.4m in lost sales.
Western Australia Police are flying accused criminals to major courthouses for bail hearings due to the closure of over 20 regional courts between June and August. The closures stem from a security dispute between the Justice Department and police, who previously provided security for these circuit courts.
WA Police are using their Air Wing to transport accused criminals from remote communities to major courthouses due to regional court closures. A security dispute between the Justice Department and police has led to over 20 courts closing between June and August, forcing bail hearings to be moved.
UK manufacturers face a "heavy drag" on competitiveness due to the highest electricity prices in the G7. Make UK and TUC call for expanded government relief, costing £3bn, to cover all manufacturers, as current schemes are too narrow.
A lightning strike at a Hong Kong swimming pool during a thunderstorm warning has led to calls for mandatory closures of outdoor public venues and improved safety protocols, as experts highlight the risks associated with water conductivity.
Mexico opened the World Cup with a win against South Africa, fueled by a passionate home crowd at the Azteca stadium despite logistical challenges. Shakira headlined the opening ceremony, and the team's strong start suggests they could pose a challenge in later rounds.
A GoFundMe for Bryan Mansell and his father, involved in a dispute over a missing $200,000 LEGO collection with Bricks & Minifigs, was restored after briefly disappearing. The fundraiser had raised over $457,000.
Japan's izakaya restaurant-bars are experiencing record closures due to rising costs and changing consumer habits. While some traditional establishments struggle, chains like HUB are expanding by adapting marketing strategies and catering to tourists.
Berlin grapples with a severe oak processionary moth caterpillar infestation, closing parks and sports grounds due to toxic stinging hairs causing health issues, with critics calling for a coordinated response amid predicted worsening conditions.
Dua Lipa and Callum Turner are celebrating their wedding in Palermo, Sicily, after exchanging vows in London. The event has drawn a mix of pride and disruption among locals, with some welcoming the economic boost and others lamenting road closures and mass tourism impacts.
India's RERA, enacted in 2016, aims to bring transparency and accountability to the real estate sector, protecting homebuyers' interests through mandatory project registrations, disclosure requirements, and penalties for non-compliance.
US public health authorities at state and local levels have been weakened following backlash against COVID-19 restrictions, leaving them less equipped to handle future disease outbreaks. Laws in several states have limited emergency declarations, quarantine powers, and mandates, while funding and staffing cuts further hamper response capabilities.
Four out of ten home foreclosures in Spain in Q1 2026 are linked to mortgages signed between 2005-2008, reflecting the lingering impact of the property bubble. Total foreclosures on primary residences rose 37.2% year-on-year.
The Ironman European Championship in Hamburg on Sunday will lead to significant road closures affecting traffic and public transport. Major routes for the cycling and running events will be blocked from early morning until late evening, with limited access to the main train station and disruptions on S-Bahn and U-Bahn lines.
Popular Kakadu attractions Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls will remain closed for the rest of the year due to cyclone-damaged road repairs. Traditional owners requested the closure for safety and infrastructure upgrades, impacting local tourism operators.
Typhoon No. 6 made landfall in Wakayama Prefecture and moved south of the Japanese archipelago, causing heavy rain in Tokyo. Level 4 warnings for sediment disasters and heavy rain were issued in Ota, Shinagawa, Toshima, Suginami, Chofu, and Hachijo, leading to evacuation orders for approximately 243,000 households in Shinagawa and other areas. Many schools were closed or moved to online classes.
Typhoon No. 6 led to temporary school closures, including online classes, for 5,378 educational institutions across 23 prefectures on the 3rd. Yokohama City saw over half of its schools close.
Typhoon No. 6 brought heavy rain and flooding to Mie Prefecture, Japan, causing road closures, power outages, and school cancellations. No casualties have been reported.
Typhoon No. 6 caused road closures and flooding in Mie Prefecture, Japan. Over 300 people evacuated, 12,200 households experienced power outages, and 579 schools closed. No human casualties were reported as of August 3rd, 8 AM.
