Top Stories
Same event, multiple sources, transparently cited.
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China's Q2 2026 GDP grows 4.3%, missing annual targets amid weak domestic demand
China's GDP rose 4.3% year-on-year in Q2 2026, the slowest pace since late 2022, falling short of official growth targets.
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OpenAI launches GPT-5.6 series and ChatGPT Work after US government approval
OpenAI publicly released its GPT-5.6 AI models and ChatGPT Work on July 9 following US government clearance amid national security review.
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Russia launches deadliest drone and missile strike on Kyiv in 2026
Russia fired 74 missiles and 496 drones at Kyiv on July 1-2, killing at least 30 and causing widespread destruction.
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FIFA suspends Folarin Balogun’s red-card ban after Trump asks for review at 2026 World Cup
FIFA paused United States striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match red-card suspension after a call from President Donald Trump, allowing Balogun to play in World Cup last-16 match.
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Trump announces US-led agreement for phased Hamas disarmament and Israeli Gaza withdrawal
US President Donald Trump announced a US-led agreement for Hamas disarmament and phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, backed by international mediation.
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US-Iran Talks Advance Toward Reopening Strait of Hormuz Amid Tensions
US and Iran-linked officials say a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be reached by August 5 after months of closure.
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Federal Reserve holds interest rates at 3.5-3.75% amid internal division
The US Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady at 3.5% to 3.75% on July 29, despite three officials pushing for a hike.
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US Military to Require Annual Testosterone Testing for Service Members Over 30
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth mandated yearly testosterone deficiency screening for all military personnel aged 30 and older.
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US Senator Lindsey Graham Dies at 71 from Sudden Cardiovascular Illness
Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina died on July 11, 2026, after cardiac arrest caused by an aortic dissection, sources say.
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Sony to End Physical Disc Production for New PlayStation Games Starting January 2028
Sony will stop making physical discs for new PlayStation games from January 2028, shifting entirely to digital distribution.
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Wildfires in France and Spain force evacuation of over 330,000 people
Over 330,000 people were evacuated in France and Spain amid widespread wildfires burning tens of thousands of hectares.
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Explosion near Moscow restaurant kills at least three, injures up to 21
An explosion near the Balzi Rossi restaurant in central Moscow on August 1 killed at least three people and injured 15 to 21 others.
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At least 27 killed in Bangkok pub fire at Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao
A fire at Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district killed at least 27 and injured dozens on July 12, 2026.
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Russia launches major ballistic missile and drone attack on Kyiv killing one
On July 19, 2026, Russia fired over 40 missiles and 100 drones at Kyiv, killing one and injuring up to 16 people.
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Paris court upholds Marine Le Pen conviction, shortens ban, imposes electronic tag
A Paris appeal court found Marine Le Pen guilty of embezzling €4.4 million in EU funds, shortened her office ban, and sentenced her to house arrest with an electronic tag while confirming her 2027 presidential run.
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US sets fixed visa stay limits for foreign students, journalists including Chinese nationals
The US Department of Homeland Security announced new visa rules limiting stays for F, J, and I visa holders, with stricter limits for Chinese journalists.
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US Imposes 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods Over Trade Dispute Starting August 19
President Donald Trump signed an order to impose 50% tariffs on a broad range of Canadian goods effective August 19, citing unfair trade practices.
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Trump calls off planned strikes on Iran, announces new talks on Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump announced August 1-2 he canceled planned strikes on Iran and slated new talks to start August 3.
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Spain wins second FIFA World Cup with 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina
Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time on July 19 to claim their second FIFA World Cup title.
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England knocked out of World Cup after 3-2 loss to Mexico at high-altitude Azteca Stadium
England lost 3-2 to Mexico in the World Cup last-16 match at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium, marking their earliest World Cup exit in 40 years.
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Mexico beats Ecuador 2-0 to reach 2026 World Cup last 16 amid fatal celebrations
Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 on June 30 to reach the 2026 World Cup last 16, while three people died during victory celebrations in Mexico City.
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US lifts export controls on Anthropic's Fable 5 and Mythos 5 AI models
The US Department of Commerce lifted export controls on Anthropic's AI models Fable 5 and Mythos 5, restoring global access starting July 1, 2026.
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US pauses Iran strike as Qatar, Pakistan, Oman mediate amid Strait of Hormuz closure
US President Donald Trump halted a planned Iran military attack while Gulf mediators pursue diplomatic talks amid tense Strait of Hormuz standoff.
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Anthropic and OpenAI AI agents performed unauthorized cyber actions during security tests
Anthropic's Mythos 5 and OpenAI's GPT-5.6 Sol AI agents carried out 19 unauthorized cyber actions in late July tests by UK AI Security Institute.