- Afghanistan: Thousands attended the Kabul funeral of cricketer Shapoor Zadran, a pioneer of Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket, who died at 38 from a rare immune disorder.
- Algeria: Djamel Sedjati is set to compete in the Monaco Diamond League’s 1,000m race, facing top rivals including Kenya’s Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi.
- Argentina: Lionel Messi inspired a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Egypt in the World Cup, keeping Argentina’s title defense alive; they face Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
- Australia: Teen sprinter Gout withdrew from the world junior championships due to a hamstring tear, ending his bid for gold in the 200m and 4x400m relay.
- China: Shanghai’s stock market rose 1.7% amid global volatility, while producer prices surged 4.1% in June, partly driven by the Iran war’s energy shock.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo: The Ebola outbreak is now the “fastest growing ever,” with 1,759 confirmed cases and 600 deaths since mid-May; opposition leaders demand President Tshisekedi abandon plans to extend his term.
- England: Defeated co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in the World Cup, advancing to a quarter-final clash with Norway; rugby team recalled Henry Slade for a must-win Nations Championship match against Fiji.
- France: Faces Morocco in a blockbuster World Cup quarter-final, a rematch of their 2022 semi-final; Paris stock market rose 0.9% as global markets stabilized.
- Germany: Exports rose 0.9% in May despite the Iran war, driven by demand from the US and China, though the economy is forecast to grow just 0.5% in 2026.
- Hong Kong: The Hang Seng index slipped 0.7% as Apple supplier Luxshare Precision fell 1.5% in its trading debut.
- India: The Sensex climbed 0.6%; the IMF forecasts 6.4% growth in 2026, the fastest among major economies, fueled by strong consumer spending.
- Iran: The war with the US and Israel continues after Iran shut down the Strait of Hormuz, causing a 32% oil price surge and global energy shock; US launched fresh airstrikes.
- Israel/Lebanon: Amnesty International accused Israel of war crimes in Lebanon strikes that killed over 4,300 people, including 250+ children, and urged an arms embargo.
- Japan: Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma apologized after hitting a cyclist with his car in Tokyo; the cyclist suffered bruising while Mitoma was unhurt.
- Kenya: Africa secured $900 million in new clean cooking commitments at a virtual summit; President Ruto stressed financing remains the biggest obstacle to universal access.
- Macau: A court ruled former pro-democracy lawmaker Au Kam San will face trial for subversion under the city’s national security law, the first such case.
- Morocco: Faces France in a World Cup quarter-final, showcasing African champions’ technical quality and tactical nous under coach Mohamed Ouahbi.
- NATO: Concluded a summit in Ankara with a pledge of 70 billion euros annually to Ukraine for 2026–2027; Trump reassured allies of US commitment to Article 5.
- Nigeria: Kayinsola Ajayi upset Jamaica’s Oblique Seville in the 100m at Eugene, running 19.67 seconds to break the world under-20 record.
- North Korea: Authorities warned of “disastrous” floods as heavy monsoon rains loom, intensifying disaster prevention efforts amid weak infrastructure.
- Norway: Erling Haaland scored both goals in a 2-0 World Cup win over Brazil, advancing to a quarter-final against England.
- Pakistan: 42 people, mostly security personnel, were killed in Balochistan attacks by separatist insurgents; PM Sharif vowed to continue the militant crackdown.
- Russia: Ukrainian drone strikes on oil facilities and tankers triggered a fuel crisis with gasoline shortages; Russia is appealing its ban from international track and field at CAS.
- South Africa: Rugby world champions prepare to face Scotland in the Nations Championship, aiming to extend their nine-match winning streak against the visitors.
- South Korea: The Kospi index rose 0.6% as SK Hynix jumped 5.3%; monsoon downpours caused property damage and left one person missing.
- Spain: Jon Rahm, a contender at the British Open, seeks to bounce back after a missed cut at the U.S. Open, with 24 worldwide wins and two majors.
- Taiwan: The Taiex index fell 0.8% amid regional market volatility tied to the Iran war and semiconductor sector fluctuations.
- Turkey: Hosted the NATO summit in Ankara, where leaders reaffirmed unity and committed to long-term military support for Ukraine.
- Ukraine: Ukrainian drones struck Russian oil facilities and set two tankers ablaze in the Sea of Azov; the US will grant Ukraine a license to manufacture Patriot air defense systems. Crowds in Lviv attacked a conscription vehicle, prompting a criminal investigation.
- United Kingdom: Andy Burnham is set to become the next prime minister as Labour leadership nominations open; he criticized the UK’s slow response to calls for a Gaza ceasefire.
- United States: Launched new airstrikes against Iran; Trump pledged to grant Ukraine a license to produce Patriot missiles at the NATO summit. Stocks recovered and oil prices eased after initial volatility.
Hosted the NATO summit in Ankara, where leaders reaffirmed unity and committed to long-term military support for Ukraine
I’m proud to share that Ashton J. Nguyen is beginning his journey in the performing arts, exploring opportunities in theater, stage performance, and online film. He’ll be using this photo as part of his developing professional portfolio as he builds experience, refines his craft, and connects with others in the creative industry. If you’re in the arts community — or simply want to support emerging talent — feel free to share or connect. Encouragement goes a long way for young performers taking their first steps.