When Spain appointed Luis de la Fuente as head coach in December 2022, few expected him to deliver the Nations League (2023), European Championship (2024) and World Cup (2026) in so short a time frame.
Spain had just been knocked out of the World Cup by Morocco in the last 16 in Qatar and the federation needed a replacement after Luis Enrique left his role.
“They went with this guy [De La Fuente] who understood the style and the system,” added Balague.
“It was a very risky decision – I don’t think anyone thought he would be so successful.”
It appeared risky because De La Fuente took charge of Spain, who have won three of the past five men’s European Championships – (2008, 2012, 2024) – without having managed a big club.
After retiring as a player in 1994, De La Fuente spent 15 years in different roles with a succession of different clubs, including managing in the lower Spanish leagues, youth roles and assistant coach positions – before he took charge of Spain’s youth teams.
“De la Fuente knew most of these players from the academies and they are growing as a team,” former Spain midfielder Juan Mata told BBC Sport.
“This is not only a team for the present, but also a team for the future.”
Since being appointed senior boss after stints in charge of the under-19s, under-21s and at Olympic level, De La Fuente has implemented a culture of respect for their rivals, for the process and preaching patience and calmness.
“Most of you are younger than me and you need to respect experience,” the 65-year-old told journalists at his pre-match news conference in New York on Friday.
“Once we finished the game, there were footballers who said ‘coach, now what else is there to win as we have won everything in all the categories’.
“We came to the conclusion that what remains is the next match in September because this team are relentless.”
The success of the national teams and Spanish coaches has spilled over to club football.
Despite Pep Guardiola’s decision to leave Manchester City after 10 trophy-packed years, at least a quarter of the managers who start the 2026-27 Premier League season are Spanish.
Spain are now unbeaten in their last 38 matches in all competitions, the longest ever run by any European or South American team in history.
As Africa’s economies expand and become more technologically advanced, governments face a growing challenge: protecting the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) materials used in healthcare, industry, research and mining from theft, diversion or misuse.
For decades, security discussions on the continent focused largely on armed groups, “terrorism” and conflict. But as healthcare systems expand, mining grows and trade accelerates, governments are managing increasing quantities of sensitive CBRN materials essential to development.
Their growing use is driving demand for stronger regulation, oversight and enforcement.
CBRN security covers radioactive sources used in cancer treatment, chemicals used in manufacturing and mining, biological materials handled in laboratories, and technologies with both civilian and security applications.
Most materials are used safely every day, but weak regulation, inadequate oversight or theft can allow them to be diverted for criminal or malicious purposes.
“The same materials that strengthen healthcare, scientific research, mining and industry can also become security risks if poorly managed,” Mubarak Aliyu, a Nigeria-based political and security risk analyst, told Al Jazeera. “The challenge is not to restrict development, but to ensure that innovation is matched by effective oversight, secure handling practices and robust regulatory systems that prevent diversion or misuse without slowing economic progress.”
Securing growth
Held July 14-16 in Tunis, Tunisia, the Africa Shield 2026 Regional Counterproliferation Workshop brought together more than 100 participants from across Africa, including law enforcement officials, military representatives, policymakers and national coordinators responsible for implementing United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1540, which requires states to prevent non-state actors from acquiring weapons of mass destruction and related materials.
The workshop was led by the International Counterproliferation Program of the US Defence Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), in partnership with the European Union Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Centres of Excellence Risk Mitigation Initiative and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute.
Now in its sixth edition, Africa Shield helps African governments strengthen their ability to prevent, detect and respond to CBRN risks through training, coordination and capacity building.
The workshop examined how governments can ensure that materials used for peaceful purposes remain secure as industries expand and cross-border links deepen.
The discussions highlighted a practical challenge: ensuring that the systems protecting these materials develop alongside the industries and services that depend on them.
From response to prevention
Africa Shield reflects a move from responding to CBRN incidents after they occur towards preventing vulnerabilities before they are exploited.
Rather than reacting only after a crisis, the programme focuses on reducing risks through stronger border controls, export monitoring, emergency preparedness and closer coordination between agencies.
Law enforcement, military and policy officials participate in discussions during the Africa Shield 2026 workshop in Tunis [Handout/Andrea Chaney/Defense Threat Reduction Agency]
Through partnerships with African governments and international organisations, Africa Shield contributes to the implementation of UNSC Resolution 1540.
Major Brittany Brown, the coordinator of DTRA’s Global Threat Reduction Africa Region Counter Weapons of Mass Destruction Program, said Africa Shield provides an opportunity for participating countries to “exchange expertise and lessons learned” while deepening partnerships to address increasingly complex transnational security challenges.
Brown said the programme had enabled African countries to “clearly demonstrate their ownership of the counterproliferation problem set”, describing it as “a critical multilateral investment” that strengthens cooperation across the continent.
Her comments reflect a wider shift in international security cooperation, with external partners increasingly focusing on strengthening national institutions and capabilities rather than creating long-term dependency.
Tunisia’s hosting of the workshop underscored the regional nature of the challenge. Positioned between North Africa, the Mediterranean and the Sahel, the country sits at the intersection of major trade and transport routes.
As those networks become more interconnected, the same corridors that facilitate commerce can also be exploited to move chemicals, radioactive sources and other controlled materials across borders.
The enforcement gap
The success of Africa Shield will depend not only on training and cooperation, but on whether governments can translate those efforts into stronger institutions and more effective enforcement.
Many African countries already have legal frameworks regulating chemicals, radioactive materials and strategic trade, but implementation remains uneven.
Authorities often face shortages of funding, specialised personnel and modern equipment needed to inspect shipments, monitor facilities and investigate possible violations.
Existing trafficking networks involving weapons, narcotics and other illicit goods demonstrate the difficulty of monitoring Africa’s vast borders and expanding trade routes. The same weaknesses could create vulnerabilities around the diversion and unauthorised movement of controlled materials.
The expansion of trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area adds another layer of complexity. Governments must strengthen security measures without undermining the trade and investment the agreement is designed to promote.
Managing that balance will require governments to strengthen security systems without creating barriers that slow legitimate trade.
“Monitoring shipments, securing materials and sharing intelligence across borders are daily struggles compounded by limited resources and exploited smuggling routes,” Phil Efe Benard, country director of the African Chamber of Content Producers (ACCP) Nigeria, told Al Jazeera. “We cannot rely solely on foreign partners. Building our own intelligence, forensic capacity and regional networks is essential, ensuring partnerships are built on African capacity, not dependency.”
Why it matters
Africa Shield reflects a broader evolution in Africa’s security priorities, expanding the focus beyond traditional threats to the institutions, regulations and technical expertise needed to safeguard increasingly modern economies.
For African governments, that means stronger customs systems, closer coordination between regulators, border agencies and security services, and greater investment in specialised capabilities.
For the challenge is ensuring that security and development advance together.
“Economic development and security should mutually reinforce each other. By enhancing oversight and promoting the responsible management of sensitive and hazardous materials, we can create an environment where innovation can thrive safely,” Kupagme told Al Jazeera.
Ultimately, Africa Shield is about more than preventing the misuse of controlled materials. It reflects a growing recognition that economic transformation brings new security responsibilities.
“One of the biggest obstacles is that CBRN security depends on consistent implementation rather than policy commitments alone,” Aliyu said. “Many countries still struggle with monitoring cross-border shipments, securing sensitive materials, enforcing regulations and sharing timely information with neighbours. Closing these gaps requires sustained investment, stronger institutions and greater trust between national authorities.”
Spain and Lamine Yamal have grown through the tournament to leave him with the world at his feet and football’s two greatest prizes in his pocket.
As well as having glorious natural gifts, he is also Spain’s lucky charm. They completed their domination of the international stage with Ferran Torres’ decisive 106th-minute strike in extra time.
Lamine Yamal has yet to lose for his country in the 28 competitive matches he has played. He has started 13 games at major tournaments and won all of them – the longest 100% win rate of any European player across major tournaments when starting.
He also became – along with 19-year-old Spain team-mate Pau Cubarsi – just the fourth and fifth teenagers to start a World Cup final and win, after Pele for Brazil in 1958, Italy defender Giuseppe Bergomi in 1982 and Kylian Mbappe with France in 2018.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente spoke afterwards of his “sincere gratitude” to Lamine Yamal.
“He has played great football that will help him to mature and be even a greater footballer than he already is,” he said.
“He really sacrificed for the collective good. This is very important in my squad. In my opinion he played a great World Cup.”
And this is not simply a special talent, it is a special talent with a special temperament.
He shrugged off Argentina’s obvious attempts to intimidate him as he regularly came into close contact with Nicolas Tagliafico in particular.
Former England goalkeeper and BBC Sport pundit Joe Hart summed it up well.
“Not only did Lamine Yamal not react,” he said. “He stood up to it. He was not rattled and he did not back down. He had the entire team trying to smash him.
“He just stayed real cool. It was real standout performance from him.
“Lamine Yamal is 19 years old. What a beautiful day for him. He’s 19 and has completed football.”
With virtually his whole career in front of him, and taking in the experience and influence of Spain team-mates such as his captain and player of the tournament Rodri, there is every chance Lamine Yamal will add more successes like this before he is done.
Economy passengers will continue to receive a complimentary beer or wine served with their main meal, but will now be required to pay if they want additional alcoholic beverages
04:15, 20 Jul 2026Updated 04:15, 20 Jul 2026
TUI Airlines has changed its rules on alcohol(Image: Getty Images)
A carrier has changed its rules concerning alcohol on board flights, leaving passengers with mixed responses.
TUI Airlines offers economy passengers up to three free alcoholic drinks on long-haul flights, but passengers will now have to pay for drinks from November 1.
Adults with existing bookings affected by the change will receive a £12.50 refund per flight, each way.
Passengers in the premium cabin will not be affected.
Passengers took to social media to respond to the change.
One Tiktok user said: “Good, I am glad. I sat on a 10-hour flight to Mexico last year, a wedding group of about 20 adults where absolutely pissed before even getting on.
“TUI still served them for about 7 hours. I was fuming; it was like a flight to Ibiza with 18-year-olds.”
Another user said: “All alcohol should be banned from airports and aeroplanes, it causes too much trouble.”
Others were angered by the change, with one Tiktok user saying: “TUI are dead to me.”
Another said: “It shouldn’t have to be a blanket ban for everyone. People just need to have more control. Many just enjoy one or two drinks, and I don’t see an issue with that.”
“Sadly, some people ruin it for everyone else.”
Earlier this year, Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary told The Times that airports should be banned from serving alcohol to passengers prior early flights to reduce disruption.
A Ryanair spokesperson subsequently told Metro: “The problem is not drinking on board one-hour flights; the excessive drinking occurs in airport terminals where no limits are placed on alcohol consumption, especially during flight delays.
“Ryanair have several processes in place to manage disruptive passengers onboard, including crew’s discretion to limit the number of drinks permitted to be purchased inflight.”
Ryanair introduced a €500 fine for disruptive passengers in June 2025.
Intoxication is a regular cause of trouble on aircrafts. Civil Aviation Authority statistics for 2019 showed that there were 390 occasions when airlines reported “difficulty in controlling intoxicated, violent or unruly passengers”.
By 2023, the number had risen to 1,245 incidents, and in 2024 it remained over 1,000.
Being drunk on a plane is a criminal offence and can be punished by a fine of up to £5,000 and two years’ imprisonment.
Robbie Williams headlined the World Cup 2026 closing ceremony alongside Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini
22:20, 19 Jul 2026Updated 22:33, 19 Jul 2026
Robbie Williams left World Cup viewers distracted(Image: JUAN MABROMATA, AFP via Getty Images)
The World Cup 2026 closing ceremony dazzled audiences around the globe ahead of one of the most anticipated finals in recent memory, as Spain prepared to face Argentina for football’s greatest prize.
Robbie Williams headlined the spectacular pre-match entertainment, taking to the stage alongside Nicole Scherzinger and Italian superstar Laura Pausini to set the scene for a historic occasion.
The star-studded ceremony served as the perfect curtain-raiser before Spain and Argentina kicked off in the World Cup Final, with millions of fans tuning in from across the world to watch the spectacle unfold.
Yet while the occasion was steeped in sporting drama, many viewers found their attention drawn elsewhere — specifically to Robbie Williams and the bedazzled blue tracksuit the Angels hitmaker chose for his moment in the global spotlight.
Within minutes of his set getting underway, social media was awash with reactions, with some fans struggling to even recognise the pop icon.
“I didn’t recognize Robbie Williams,” one viewer admitted, while another marvelled, “love seeing Robbie Williams.”
Others were simply fixated on his bold fashion choice. “I’m feeling the @robbiewilliams bedazzled track suit…,” one admirer wrote.
Some fans were also struck by a rather unexpected resemblance. “Robbie looks a bit like Paulie from The Sopranos,” with another joking, “Why has Robbie Williams come dressed as Donald Trump reports the Daily Star.
Someone else added, “Robbie Williams is absolutely brilliant before the start of the World Cup.”
Elsewhere, for the first time in World Cup history, there was a half-time show featuring performances by Madonna and Justin Bieber.
While some viewers were loving the performances, especially from Madonna, other fans, including pundit Wayne Rooney, were not as keen.
NEW YORK — Eliezer Alfonzo jumped on a first-pitch cutter, keeping his hands inside to send it into shallow center field.
Two weeks after making his major-league debut under tragic circumstances, Alfonzo recorded his first major-league hit.
It was a heartwarming moment early in the Dodgers’ 2-1 loss Sunday to the Yankees. By dropping the series finale, the second game of a doubleheader Sunday at Yankee Stadium, the Dodgers settled for a series win instead of sweep at Yankee Stadium.
With starting catcher Will Smith sidelined indefinitely because of a neck injury, Alfonzo has served as the backup to catcher Dalton Rushing for the past two weeks.
The morning of Alfonzo’s debut, his sister and stepmother, who had been missing since two powerful earthquakes devastated Venezuela last month, were found dead. Alfonzo still played, honoring them on the field.
Alfonzo’s familiarity with the Dodgers pitching staff from the time he spent on the major-league side in spring training this year has helped provide some measure of stability in Smith’s absence. But he had yet to contribute on the offensive side, going 0 for 9.
Until the third inning of Game 2 Sunday.
Alfonzo rounded first base, kissed his closed right hand and pointed to the sky. Then he turned to the visitors dugout, grinned and lifted both fists above his head.
His teammates made sure to get the ball back. And Teoscar Hernández held it up to show him.
Alfonzo’s two-out single didn’t start a rally. But in the bottom of the fourth, he helped squash one.
Dodgers right-hander Edgardo Henriquez’s command was faltering, to the tune of back-to-back walks and a wild pitch. Then with runners on second and third, he induced José Caballero to hit a grounder to third baseman Max Muncy.
Anthony Volpe, the Yankees’ baserunner on third, took off on contact. Muncy threw on the run to Alfonzo, who was set up on the inside of the basepath. Alfonzo made a diving tag on Volpe to prevent a run.
Throwing a bullpen game, the Dodgers (63-37) used seven pitchers, who combined to limit the Yankees (55-44) to two runs through eight innings. Brock Stewart had a standout performance, entering the fifth with no outs and the bases loaded and retiring three straight batters. He then threw a clean sixth. Alex Vesia struck out the side in the seventh.
Utility man Tommy Edman’s pinch-hit homer in the eighth tied the score. But the next inning, Yankees star Jazz Chisholm Jr. hit a solo homer off Evan Phillips.
Rho Tae-ak (L), former head of the National Election Commission, bows to Yoon Sang-hyun, chief of a parliamentary special committee during a plenary session of the committee tasked with investigating an unprecedented shortage of ballots reported during the 03 June local elections, at the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, 23 June 2026. Photo by YONHAP / EPA
July 19 (Asia Today) — A South Korean parliamentary committee investigating a ballot shortage during the June 3 local elections is divided over whether to publicly recount about 2.48 million ballots stored at a counting center in Seoul.
The ruling Democratic Party argues that the recount should begin promptly because establishing a special counsel investigation would take time.
The opposition People Power Party says lawmakers should first pursue legislation authorizing a special counsel to determine who was responsible for the ballot shortage.
The National Assembly’s special investigation committee is considering a public recount of 2,476,661 ballots stored at the Olympic Park counting center in Seoul’s Songpa District.
The disagreement over whether to prioritize the recount or the special counsel investigation could determine how the committee proceeds with its inquiry.
Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun of the People Power Party, who chairs the committee, said the recount and special counsel investigation should proceed simultaneously.
“A recount and a special counsel investigation are not alternatives,” Yoon wrote on Facebook.
“A public recount is a process for verifying the facts before the people, while a special counsel investigation is a process for determining responsibility in accordance with the law and principles,” he said.
Yoon said a recount could not replace a special counsel investigation and that an investigation could not eliminate the need for a recount.
“Transparent verification and a thorough investigation must proceed together,” he said.
Other People Power Party members of the committee have indicated that establishing a special counsel investigation should take priority.
Rep. Choi Bo-yoon told reporters that lawmakers had not determined the legal procedure under which a recount could be conducted.
“We have to question whether it is appropriate to set the recount schedule first under these circumstances,” Choi said.
She said the People Power Party wanted discussions on a special counsel to proceed quickly so the necessary legislation could be passed.
Rep. Seo Beom-su, the committee’s opposition secretary, was reportedly coordinating opinions within the party and considering a compromise.
The Democratic Party argues that an open, manual recount should be conducted first to resolve questions surrounding the ballot shortage.
Democratic Party floor leader Han Byung-do said his party had proposed an immediate public recount and manual count to ensure no doubts remained.
“The People Power Party, which had demanded a recount, has now changed its position and says a special counsel investigation must come first,” Han said during a party policy meeting at the National Assembly.
Han accused the opposition party of lacking genuine interest in determining whether voters’ political rights had been violated.
The committee is expected to discuss whether to conduct the public recount and what verification procedures to use during its second hearing Wednesday.
Iranian media report blasts in cities in the far north and far south, including Tabriz and Chabahar.
Published On 20 Jul 202620 Jul 2026
The United States has launched strikes on Iran for a ninth consecutive night, with Iranian media reporting explosions in multiple cities, including Sirik, Jask, Tabriz and Chabahar.
The attacks on Monday came as the US military announced the death of a third soldier in recent days and as a month-old ceasefire agreement between Tehran and Washington unravelled amid a struggle for control of the Strait of Hormuz.
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In a statement, the US military said the latest strikes were aimed at “degrading Iranian military capabilities used to attack commercial vessels and mariners transiting the Strait of Hormuz”.
Iran’s IRIB state broadcaster said several explosions were heard in the port cities of Mahshahr and Imam Khomeini, in the southwestern Khuzestan province. It reported further explosions near the cities of Sirik and Jask in the Hormozgan province on Iran’s southern coast, as well as near the city of Khvormuj in the Bushehr province.
Three explosions were also heard near the city of Tabriz in northwestern Iran, IRIB added, while air defences were activated in the southeastern cities of Konarak and Chabahar in the Sistan and Baluchestan province, according to the semi-official Fars news agency.
Tehran promises retaliation
Al Jazeera’s Tohid Asadi, reporting from the Iranian capital, Tehran, said the latest US strikes had again targeted Iran’s southern coast. He added that the explosions in Tabriz, if confirmed, mark the first time the northwestern city has come under attack since the recent escalation began.
“We are having yet another night of exchange of fire,” he said. “The Iranian side is also talking about retaliatory strikes, with Iranian media reporting a new wave of missiles from the province of Lorestan targeting US military assets across the region.”
Earlier, Kuwait reported confronting “hostile drone threats”, while air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain for a second time on Sunday. Sirens also sounded in Jordan, where the military said it shot down three Iranian missiles. Kuwait’s government said a desalination plant had been attacked for the second day running on Sunday, causing a fire, in what it said was a direct strike on vital civilian infrastructure.
Both Iran and the US have also taken aim at shipping traffic, with Washington saying it is enforcing a naval blockade on Iranian ports, and Tehran saying it targets vessels violating its rules on navigating the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Sunday that four vessels had attempted to transit the strait via an “unsafe route” with US backing after ignoring IRGC warnings. It said two had abandoned the attempt, while the other two were involved in an “accident”. It did not elaborate.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it has redirected six commercial vessels and disabled another ship to ensure “full compliance” with its blockade.
Earlier, CENTCOM also said that an American soldier was killed in northern Iraq on Saturday during a “controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance” from a downed Iranian drone. It added that “unidentified remains” had been found at the site of a deadly Iranian attack in Jordan on Friday and that “an examination process to verify the remains is ongoing”.
Two US soldiers died in Friday’s attack, while a third was reported missing in action.
The latest deaths bring the number of US service members killed since the war began to 17, while more than 420 have been wounded.
The conflict, which began when the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, has killed thousands of people, mostly in Iran and Lebanon, and led to major disruptions to energy supplies and fears over global inflation.
Fans of the Game of Thrones spin-off series are champing at the bit for the next episode of Season 3
House of the Dragon Season 3 episode 5 will be an explosive watch(Image: COURTESY OF HBO)
House of the Dragon Season 3 is certainly ramping up the action – and this week promises to be no different.
WARNING: This article contains major spoilers from House of the Dragon Season 3
Despite Rhaenyra Targaryen (played by Emma D’Arcy) taking the Iron Throne, war looks inevitable after Ormund Hightower (James Norton) pulled a fast one by betraying the new queen and taking over Tumbleton as his soldiers abused the locals.
Ormund’s tactical move puts Rhaenyra in a predicament as she will have to choose whether to burn Tumbleton to end this threat to her rule, or let the Hightower troops remain as the town after they raised their banners for her.
She has also been left reeling after Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) presented her with the burnt head of a man, whom he claimed was responsible for Jace Velaryon’s (Harry Collett) death at the Battle of the Gullet.
He was hiding the fact his daughter Rhaena Targaryen (Phoebe Campbell) was accidentally behind the death and this lie is likely to come back and haunt him.
Here’s a look at exactly when British fans can watch the forthcoming episode of House of the Dragon and what to expect.
What time is House of the Dragon Season 3 episode 5 released?
House of the Dragon Season 3 episode 5 will be released on Monday, July 20 at 2am British Summer Time on Sky Atlantic, and streaming platforms NOW and HBO UK & Ireland.
The episode airs at exactly the same time as HBO in the USA, which is Sundays at 9pm Eastern Standard Time.
This means that there’s no delay between American and British broadcast.
Even if fans don’t stay up to the wee hours of the morning to catch House of the Dragon, it’ll be available to watch when they do wake up.
Sky Atlantic also helpfully airs House of the Dragon episodes on Mondays in the traditional 9pm primetime slot for those who prefer linear broadcast.
Watch House of the Dragon with Sky’s TV and Netflix deals
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TV lovers can now get Sky TV and Netflix for £15 per month with the new Essential TV bundle.
This delivers live and on-demand TV without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like House of the Dragon
HBO has already released a teaser trailer to whet fans’ appetites ahead of the next episode.
Rhaenyra says: “My patience has its bounds.” This suggests she’s planning to burn Tumbleton to take out her enemies.
Ormund gloats as it appears the pieces are falling into place for his grand scheme.
Meanwhile, Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) appears to be fighting fit again in Harrenhal after his brush with death – thanks to Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin).
Aemond tells Alys: “Rhaenyra’s defiled our great house… diminished the Iron Throne. She is no queen.”
The battle lines are drawn as various armies come together to fight on various fronts.
House of the Dragon Season 3 airs weekly on Mondays in the UK on Sky Atlantic, NOW and HBO Max UK & Ireland
This article examines the historical origins of Nicaragua’s Sandinista Revolution Day, highlighting the rise and fall of the Somoza family dynasty. The narrative explains how Anastasio Somoza García seized power in 1936, initiating a decades-long hereditary dictatorship that maintained authority through U.S. backing and the suppression of political rivals. Over time, the regime faced growing opposition from the Sandinista National Liberation Front, a socialist group that drew inspiration from past resistance leaders. By the late 1970s, long-standing social unrest among students and workers escalated into violent military confrontations against the government. Ultimately, the text illustrates the …
July 19 (UPI) — Extensive search and rescue missions were underway in Peru’s mountainous central Andean highlands Sunday following a deadly 5.1 magnitude earthquake.
The Peruvian National Police said they were actively conducting search, rescue, emergency response and security operations in the Junin region after Saturday’s temblor, which had its epicenter in the Chongos Bajo district of Chupaca province, about 200 miles east of Lima.
More than 250 personnel from the Peru’s emergency services, K-9 and medical units, as well as other specialized teams, were also in the rugged highlands as the government issued a preliminary report of five dead, 21 injured and more than 300 affected by the quake.
It struck at 9:21 p.m. Saturday local time.
“I deeply regret the consequences of the earthquake that occurred in Junín,” Peruvian President-elect Keiko Fujimori said in a statement. “I express my most heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have passed away and my solidarity with those who have been affected.”
The national volunteer firefighting corps were similarly dispatched to the region to aid the National Police in search and rescue operations, debris removal, evacuations and pre-hospital care for those in the hardest-hit areas, the interior ministry said.
The health ministry, meanwhile, sent a brigade of specialists brigade to begin providing medical care to those affected, joining local teams already present in Junin.
“The Ministry of Health maintains continuous monitoring of the emergency and will continue to mobilize the human, logistical, and medical resources necessary to safeguard the lives and health of the affected population,” officials said.
HOLLYWOOD’S Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner shared a kiss at the World Cup final as a host of celebrities have turned out in force.
Spain and Argentina battle it out in this year’s final which is being played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner enjoyed a kiss at the World Cup 2026 finalCredit: AFPVictoria and David Beckham was spotted in the crowd with Tom CruiseCredit: AFP
Make-up mogul Kylie, 28, was among a list of A-listers in the crowd, along with her Interstellar actor boyfriend Timothee, 30.
Kylie wore a plunging black long sleeve top and black jeans, while the Dune star went for a blue and white jersey top and black trousers.
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The pair were spotted holding hands while they watched the tense game, before enjoying a kiss in the stands.
The famous duo were joined by a number of other famous faces in the crowd, including the likes of Tom Cruise and David and Victoria Beckham.
Ellie Goulding was spotted with her new partner Beau Minniear in the standsCredit: Shutterstock EditorialBritish-US actress Anya Taylor-Joy wasCredit: AFP
The Beckhams looked stylish with David sporting a navy suit and Victoria in a white vest top and white jeans.
The pair were seen smiling and laughing with good pal Tom Cruise, 64, in the stands.
The I Need Your Love hitmaker Ellie Goulding, 39, was spotted in the crowd with her boyfriend Beau Minniear, who was seen with a disposable camera.
Split actress Anya Taylor-Joy was sat in the row behind and she looked chic in a satin one-shoulder beige midi dress.
She was seen chatting with her US musician and actor husband Malcolm McRae.
Other big names included Robbie Williams and Ayda Field.
It’s been a tense World Cup final between Spain and Argentina so far – but the star-studded half-time show livened up the crowd.
Justin Bieber, Shakira and Madonna are just a few blockbuster names who performed at the interval.
This follows the huge closing ceremony that saw Robbie Williams, Post Malone and IShowSpeed rock the stage.
But fans have flooded social media to brutally hit out at the tournament’s closing ceremony.
Nicole Scherzinger and actor Tom Cruise were also involved as the curtain was brought down on the tournament.
But the performances did not go down well in the stadium or at home – leading to fans heading onto social media to slam Fifa.
One said: “The worst closing ceremony ever. Even the fans look bored.”
Another added: “I’m crying what a terrible ugly closing ceremony.”
A third chimed in: “That closing ceremony was so underwhelming.”
A fourth noted: “A completely forgettable closing ceremony is finally and thankfully over.”
And a fifth comically claimed: “The crowd has gone absolutely mild at this closing ceremony.”
The Spanish first arrived in Colombia in 1499, founding the first permanent settlement in 1510. Under the reign of King Charles III (reigned 1759-1788), resentment in the colonies was growing as the Spanish insisted that the colonies could only trade with Spain, limiting their growth and also as the Spanish support for the Americans in the US war of independence increased taxation. This had led to small, ineffective rebellions.
Following the Napoleonic Wars and the turmoil in Europe, Criollos (natives born from Spanish descent) who wanted independence seized their chance.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) welcomes North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui (R) during their meeting in the Moscow Kremlin, Russia. Photo by ARTEM GEODAKYAN / EPA-EFE
July 19 (Asia Today) — North Korea is intensifying engagement with China and Russia as South Korea, the United States and Japan broaden their cooperation to include the overseas deployment of small modular reactors.
The diplomatic activity follows events marking the 65th anniversary of the North Korea-China Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance.
North Korea received a senior Chinese delegation for the anniversary and dispatched Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui to Russia, signaling efforts to manage relations with both of its principal partners.
The moves are widely viewed as an attempt to strengthen alignment among North Korea, China and Russia as Seoul, Washington and Tokyo expand their security and economic cooperation.
The three allies recently signed a memorandum aimed at encouraging cooperation among their civilian nuclear industries and supporting the deployment of small modular reactors in third countries.
The Korean Central News Agency said Choe left Pyongyang aboard a government aircraft Saturday at the invitation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry also said Choe was making an official visit to the country.
It was Choe’s first visit to Russia in about nine months and the first major high-level exchange between the countries since the April opening of a memorial in North Korea honoring troops sent to support Russia.
Because the trip was not tied to a major anniversary or previously announced diplomatic event, analysts said Choe could be preparing for a possible visit to Russia by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly invited Kim to visit Russia during their June 2024 summit and again when the leaders attended events in China marking the anniversary of the end of World War II in Asia.
Possible subjects for Choe’s talks include a visit by Kim, recent developments in North Korea-China relations and coordination involving the Tumen River region, where the three countries share geographic and economic interests.
Park Won-gon, a professor of North Korean studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, said military and diplomatic accomplishments are easier for Pyongyang to demonstrate than economic achievements.
“If Chinese President Xi Jinping visits North Korea and Kim Jong Un subsequently visits Russia, North Korea could present those events as major diplomatic accomplishments,” Park said.
“Practical trilateral cooperation among North Korea, China and Russia has not progressed smoothly, but the Tumen River project could become a vehicle for cooperation among the three countries.”
China ties show signs of recovery
Relations between North Korea and China also appear to be recovering rapidly around the treaty anniversary.
Kim and Xi exchanged messages, a North Korean delegation traveled to China and Wang Huning, chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, led a Chinese party and government delegation to North Korea.
The exchanges could expand cooperation in economic affairs, science and technology, public health and culture.
Wang’s visit to the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area was particularly notable because the resort is one of Kim’s priority development projects.
Analysts have questioned whether Russian tourists alone can generate enough demand to make the resort financially sustainable.
Wang’s visit has therefore raised the possibility that the two countries discussed bringing larger numbers of Chinese tourists to the site.
Tourism is considered an area in which China may be able to support North Korea without directly violating the main restrictions imposed by U.N. Security Council sanctions.
Oh Gyeong-seop, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification, said attracting Chinese visitors is crucial to the resort’s prospects.
“Bringing in Chinese tourists is an issue that can avoid U.N. Security Council sanctions and is therefore critically important for North Korea,” Oh said.
“Large numbers of Chinese tourists are necessary to revitalize the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area, so related discussions are likely to have continued.”
North Korea’s renewed engagement with China and Russia does not necessarily indicate that the three countries have established a formal trilateral alliance.
Their interests frequently differ, and analysts say much of their coordination remains bilateral.
The latest exchanges, however, demonstrate Pyongyang’s effort to strengthen diplomatic, economic and strategic ties with Beijing and Moscow while South Korea, the United States and Japan deepen their own cooperation.
JD and Usha Vance welcome a baby boy, the first child born to a sitting vice president in more than 150 years.
Published On 19 Jul 202619 Jul 2026
United States Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, have announced the birth of their fourth child.
In a statement, Vance and his wife said their son was born on Sunday at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
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“We are excited to announce that our baby boy, Alec Neel Vance, was born this morning,” the statement said.
“Usha and the baby are happy and healthy, and our kids are overjoyed to meet their little brother,” it added.
Vance, an Ohio native, and Usha, the daughter of Indian immigrants, met while attending Yale Law School, where they graduated in 2013.
Their first son, Ewan, was born in 2017, followed by another son, Vivek, in 2020. The couple’s daughter, Mirabel, was born in 2021.
Alec Neel Vance is the first child born to a vice president in more than 150 years.
The last time a sitting vice president became a new father was in the 1800s.
Schuyler Colfax and his second wife, Ellen Wade, had a son, Schuyler Colfax III, in 1870, when Colfax was serving as vice president, according to the White House Historical Association.
Vance, a former US Marine, is a passionate advocate for Americans to have more children. He repeatedly expressed alarm about declining birth rates in the US as he launched his political career in 2021 with a bid for a US Senate seat from Ohio.
As vice president, he said in Washington at the 2025 March for Life anti-abortion rally, “I want more babies in the United States of America.”
The newest addition to Vance’s family was part of a recent mini baby boom among top members of President Donald Trump’s administration.
White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller’s wife, Katie, recently gave birth to the couple’s fourth child, and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt had her second child with her husband, Nicholas Riccio, in May.
ECO-conscious pop superstar Ed Sheeran has installed a £20,000 root cellar in his sprawling mansion’s garden.
The singer, 35, has set up the trendy structure near his vegetable patch to keep the produce cool.
Ed Sheeran has installed a £20,000 root cellar in his sprawling mansion’s gardenCredit: GettyThe cellar is the latest addition to Ed’s pad in Framlingham, Suffolk, dubbed ‘Sheeranville’Credit: Bav Media
The cellar is partially dug into the earth and covered by an earth mound for insulation — making it look like a Hobbit hole from Tolkien’s fantasy tales.
It uses the earth’s natural insulating qualities to keep contents at a cool 8C to 15C without electricity and can be used to store veg, cheese and wine.
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The cellars, which can hold 3,000 litres, are a growing trend among celebrities, including US actress Jennifer Garner. Hollywood star Gwyneth Paltrow also had the high-end Groundfridge on her Goop brand’s gift guide.
Ed’s model features solarpowered ventilation and lights up when opened, just like a fridge. It costs £15,500 plus installation fees.
German Health Minister Jens Spahn (R) and his husband Daniel Funke (L) arrive for a state banquet in honor of the queen and crown prince of Denmark at Bellevue Palace in Berlin on November 10, 2021. On Saturday, Spahn, now a member of the Bundestag, resigned his post after the couple used a surrogate in the United States to have a baby. File Photo by Clemens Bilan/EPA
July 19 (UPI) — Jens Spahn, a member of Germany’s Bundestag, has resigned his post amid uproar over his use of a surrogate to have a baby.
The leader of the center-right Christian Democrats in parliament quit abruptly Saturday, The New York Times reported. The move came three days after he announced the birth of his child, Georg, with husband Daniel Funke.
“Georg is our greatest joy,” Spahn, 46, told the German newspaper Bild. “This feeling is almost impossible to put into words.”
The couple faced criticism for the decision to use surrogacy to have a baby because the practice is outlawed in Germany — a law Spahn and fellow Christian Democrats voted to keep in place in February. Spahn and Funke used a surrogate in the United States to welcome their son.
In 2015, Spahn wrote that “as a gay man and a Christian, I find it personally very hard to warm to the idea of a rented womb,” The Guardian reported.
In an appearance on a podcast, Spahn said he struggled with the decision to use surrogacy but ultimately put his family first, the Times reported.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, also a member of the Christian Democratic Union, called on Spahn to step down Saturday. Other regional members of the party also sought his ouster.
Ferran Torres scores the only goal of the game as Spain win their second World Cup.
Published On 19 Jul 202619 Jul 2026
Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute to lift Spain to their second World Cup title with a 1-0 win in extra-time over 10-man Argentina in the final.
Torres’ deserved winner on Sunday came 16 years and eight days after Andres Iniesta also scored in extra time to lift the Spaniards to their first World Championship with a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands.
It came on La Roja’s 20th shot on the contest against a defending champion Argentina that failed to manage any to that point and struggled to wrest possession away from their superior Iberian opponents.
That was true at even strength and became more difficult when La Albiceleste’s numbers were reduced when Enzo Fernandez’s late challenge of Pau Cubarsi left referee Slavko Vincic no choice but to produce a second caution just before the end of normal time.
Spain remain the only nation ever to win a European Championship and World Cup in successive tournaments, having now done so a second time. They are also the first World Cup champion ever to concede only once across an entire tournament.
Lionel Messi’s Argentina failed to earn a title for the first time in three major tournaments, having also captured the 2021 and 2024 Copa Americas either side of their 2022 World Cup triumph.
The 39-year-old, eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi finished the competition with eight goals and four assists, but had little time on the ball until Spain finally took the lead and never seriously looked like lifting his side to another great moment as he has so many times in the last two World Cup cycles.
Messi looks dejected after the match [Lee Smith/Reuters]
Emi Martinez made 11 saves for La Albiceleste, who fell short in their bid to be the first consecutive World Cup champions since Brazil won the 1958 and 1962 titles.
What had felt so difficult for the first 105 minutes suddenly looked easy after 37 seconds of play in the second period of extra time.
Pedro Porro curled in an outswinging cross from the left to the back post, Nico Williams won the header and nodded it back into space, and Torres hammered a half-volley at last past the flailing Martinez.
It was his only goal of the tournament, making him the seventh player to score during a tournament in which his side never trailed.
Asked about his goal, Torres said after the game: “Honestly, I didn’t think too much. I just saw the ball coming to me, and I just shot with the power of all the Spanish people.”
Torres celebrates scoring for Spain [AFP]
The win made Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, at 65, the oldest coach ever to lead a team to the World Cup title.
“We are world champions,” de la Fuente said. “It was together we reached this stage.”
There was some pushing and shoving after the final whistle, which was quickly cleaned up and Spain commenced its celebration as most Argentina players sat on the turf in disbelief.
Cooler heads prevailed, and Spain’s players lined up minutes later to form an honour guard of sorts for Argentina’s squad to walk through on their way to the stage for the runner-up medals.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted Spain were the better team.
“They were the better side – that’s the truth – but I’ll cherish the memory of them [his side], of what they achieved, and of the value of making it this far,” Scaloni said.
“We have to place immense value on this because it takes so much effort.”
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