Queensland Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek is under scrutiny over a series of politically connected appointments to Cultural Centre boards. Critics say the moves raise concerns about transparency and merit-based selection.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has appointed former FTC chair Lina Khan to lead the board of the NYC Economic Development Corporation (EDC), alongside Anthony Shorris as president and CEO. Mamdani aims to combine urban business growth with his progressive affordability agenda, emphasizing economic development and justice.
The U.S. State Department launched a $750 pilot program in Mexico for B1/B2 visa applicants, offering expedited interview appointments within 10 business days. This voluntary program requires prior MRV fee payment and guarantees an interview slot if available, not the visa itself. It is not yet available in India, but other locations are expected.
Jürgen Klopp has been appointed head coach of the German national football team, signing a contract through the 2030 World Cup. He replaces Julian Nagelsmann, aiming to rebuild the team and reconnect with fans after Germany's third consecutive World Cup failure to reach the last 16.
A 42-year-old priest has been ordained as bishop for the Catholic diocese of Chifeng, China, filling a nearly two-decade vacancy. The ordination, presided over by Bishop Paul Meng Qinglu, was conducted under the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association, following a previous bishop's ordination without papal mandate.
Elon Musk admitted getting "carried away" by politics during his alliance with Donald Trump, serving as head of Doge. In an Economist interview, he shared controversial predictions on AI, UK civil war, and the Ukraine war, reflecting on his wealth and influence.
Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar has spoken out on nationwide NEET paper leak protests, urging society to uphold meritocracy and ensure students' hard work is rewarded. He reflected on his father's values, emphasizing that cheating is unacceptable. Other cricketers, including Shikhar Dhawan, Mohammad Kaif, and Irfan Pathan, also voiced support for students, with Kaif condemning police action against protestors in Delhi.
The French Football Federation is set to announce Zinedine Zidane as the new men's national team coach on Tuesday, succeeding Didier Deschamps. Zidane, a former Real Madrid boss and France legend, is widely expected to lead Les Bleus in upcoming UEFA Nations League matches.
The global landscape of passport strength is evolving, reflecting geopolitical shifts and inequalities. While overall mobility has increased due to more visa-free agreements, significant disparities persist, with some passports offering extensive access and others severely limiting travel, impacting individuals' lives and global interactions.
A doctor in Shenyang, China, gained significant social media attention after a video showed him pushing his bicycle through deep floodwaters to perform two scheduled surgeries during the heaviest rainfall since 1951, highlighting his dedication.
Andy Burnham, the new UK Prime Minister, has appointed several prominent critics of his predecessor, Keir Starmer, to key cabinet positions. This move comes despite Burnham's pledge to end factionalism within the Labour Party, rewarding figures like Anas Sarwar, Ed Miliband, John Healey, and Wes Streeting for their past challenges to Starmer's leadership.
Oleg Murachev, Deputy Regional Security Minister of Zaporozhye, stated that Ukraine lacks military commanders capable of defeating Russia and that Mikhail Drapaty's appointment as AFU commander-in-chief will not affect Russia's special military operation. This follows President Zelensky's official removal of Alexander Syrsky and appointment of Drapaty, alongside other command changes.
Italy's football federation head, Giovanni Malago, confirmed discussions with Pep Guardiola for the national team coaching vacancy, stating financial 'exceptions' could be made. The talks follow Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup, with other candidates like Pirlo and Mancini also considered.
Ed Miliband's appointment as UK Foreign Secretary by PM Andy Burnham has angered Washington, with the White House expressing deep concern over Miliband's past criticisms of Trump. UK readers, however, largely view the US reaction as overreach, asserting Britain's sovereignty.
Anas Sarwar's appointment to Andy Burnham's government, alongside other former critics of Sir Keir Starmer, underscores the internal divisions and lingering resentments within the Labour Party following Starmer's resignation.
AgiBot had eyed a Hong Kong listing this year, targeting a HK$40-50 billion valuation, with CICC and Morgan Stanley as potential joint sponsors. Separately, Innolight's IPO, aiming to raise US$8 billion, attracted over 30 cornerstone investors for a July 30 debut, potentially the city's biggest listing in seven years.
John Healey's unexpected appointment as Chancellor by new PM Andy Burnham, following his resignation over military spending, signals the new government's rapid policy implementation, including a VAT cut on energy bills. This move, alongside other cabinet changes, suggests a reward for past rebels and a strategic play ahead of a potential snap election.
Ed Miliband's appointment as UK Foreign Secretary sparks "deep concern" from the White House due to his past scathing remarks about Donald Trump, including calling him "racist." New PM Andy Burnham is warned Miliband faces "serious diplomatic repair" with the US.
Former Australia opener and coach Justin Langer is the leading candidate for England's Test head coach position after Brendon McCullum's sacking. The ECB aims to appoint a new coach before next month's Pakistan series, with Langer's franchise commitments posing a potential hurdle.
Anthony Taylor, 47, has retired from elite refereeing after a distinguished 20-year career, officiating 831 matches including 432 Premier League games and major international finals. He cited intense pressure and constant scrutiny, expressing gratitude to colleagues and family.
Shares in UK defence companies, including Babcock, BAE Systems, and Rolls-Royce, surged after Andy Burnham appointed John Healey as chancellor, sparking investor hopes for increased military spending. An analyst, however, cautioned against immediate windfalls due to competing demands.
Andy Burnham's new cabinet includes surprise appointments like John Healey as Chancellor and retains key figures such as Shabana Mahmood as Home Secretary, amidst a mix of experienced and rising stars across various portfolios.
Reg Tayler has been named head coach of the world champion Australian women's rugby sevens team, succeeding Tim Walsh. Tayler will lead the squad in its two-year preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, aiming for a gold medal.
In his first Downing Street speech, Burnham pledged to end rough sleeping with an extra £340m, announced a new 10-year plan for Britain, and revealed initial cabinet appointments, including John Healey as Chancellor, surprising Westminster. He emphasized the need for UK stability.
