$6B Budget for Next World Cup

🚨 FIFA are preparing a budget of around $6 BILLION for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. 💰 

The tournament will mark the 100th anniversary of the World Cup, with FIFA planning a landmark edition to celebrate a century since the inaugural tournament in Montevideo, Uruguay in 1930. 🏆🌍

And six countries have already secured their 2030 places after the global governing body for football officially confirmed the tournament’s unique hosting arrangement spanning three continents. Morocco, Portugal and Spain will serve as the main hosts of the expanded tournament, while Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay will stage special centenary celebration matches. 

A US official told The Intercept that recent attacks had wounded “far more” personnel than are reflected in the Pentagon’s current casualty count. They did not provide numbers but said “dozens” had received medical attention. 

According to ⁠Al Jazeera citing CENTCOM, the ongoing conflict with Iran has resulted in 17 confirmed US military deaths, one service member missing, and over 420 wounded. 

And reporting by The Intercept previously found that the Pentagon’s official tally of dead and wounded personnel is a gross undercount, stemming from what one US government official called a “casualty cover-up”. 

There's nothing new about this because it has always been the US practice!

On the Iranian side, at least 3,000 have been killed according to Iranian reports and Al Jazeera's live trackers, though independent monitors like the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) estimate around 3,684 fatalities, with more than 26,500 to 27,000 individuals injured. 

We should anticipate that devastating human losses across Iran will escalate under the weight of continuous US bombardments. CENTCOM already announced they finished their latest round of strikes on Monday, marking the completion of the tenth consecutive night of American air attacks on Iran. 

And US President Donald Trump warned Tuesday on Truth Social that the United States was "not finished" attacking Iran. 

I say it again! Iran should stop pussyfooting with the evil regime that is the US. It's time to declare war and go on the offensive. 💣💣💣

Donald Trump Edited Out of Spain’s Trophy Photo

US President Donald Trump has sparked fury after he "hijacked" Spain's World Cup trophy lift on Sunday. 

Trump, also joined by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, handed the trophy to Spain's captain Rodri (Rodrigo Hernández) after a deserved 1-0 extra-time win against Argentina. 

Before the match, when Trump was in Ankara, Türkiye for the NATO summit (July 7-8, 2026), he severely slammed Spain over its refusal to allow US forces to use Spanish bases for airstrikes on Iran, its failure to meet NATO defense spending targets, and its immigration policies. He has repeatedly described the country as a "terrible partner", a "wasted cause", and "hopeless", and once ordered Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to halt all trade and business with Madrid. 

And yet, the thick-skinned fella shamelessly tried to get into the World Cup final photo with Spain. This man has some sort of amnesia. He claims to hate Spain, yet he still wants to take a picture with them. 

The US president was seen next to the podium as Spain celebrated, but Rodri, as well as Infantino himself, appeared to gently guide him to the side of the stage. 

Trump was still in shot when the World Cup was hoisted aloft but the Spanish football association, however, uploaded the official World Cup-winning photo with the caption: "Dreams come true". The image appeared to have cropped Trump out. 

One fan commented on Reddit: "How long until Trump declares war on Spain because of this?" 

A second fan asked: "Is this filter available for everyday life? Asking for a friend". 

A third fan quipped: "The way the FIFA chairman had to skiddadle his a** over to him to GENTLY usher him away, like he was some toddler that would throw a tantrum if he was too direct". 

A fourth fan penned: "Well, he said that Spain is a bad country and that he doesn't want to trade with them. Lol. Why wouldn't they photoshop him out?" 

A fifth fan wrote: "He has to insert himself everywhere he doesn't belong". 

And, one fan chimed in: "Would have been funny if they just blurred him out".

La Roja Crowned World Cup Champs

I registered for the "Final World Cup @ HQ Bersama" gathering yesterday and early this morning (i.e., 03:00 AM Malaysian time), I watched my first and only 2026 FIFA World Cup event!

[Psst... I lost interest after both Scotland and Iran exited, following the group stage].

The crowning clash pitted defending champions Argentina against Spain.

La Albiceleste entered with the tournament's highest goal count (19), while La Roja boasted the tightest defense, having ⁠conceded just a single goal all tournament. 

I picked Spain to triumph. And they did! They won their second FIFA World Cup title by defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time. 

Substitute striker Ferran Torres scored the decisive winning goal in the 106th minute, breaking the deadlock after a grueling, highly physical match. The Argies were bullies on the field.

I had dinner first in the vicinity. Nasi Kandar Mamak Kitchen, located at No. 32-1, Jalan PP16/2, Perdana Industrial Park in Taman Putra Perdana, Puchong, Selangor. It was only about 750 meters from HQ Bersama, and therefore, it was convenient for me. 

I had my usual. With extra rice, double portions. And air sirap ais. Altogether RM13.50.

At HQ Bersama, I had the privilege of being up close and personal with Bersama's Rafizi Ramli as he broke down the realities of modern Malaysian politics. Especially the shenanigans of the "dinosaur" parties.

Fede and Magui Recognized as Sentient Beings

On the facade of a sushi restaurant in a chic Buenos Aires neighborhood, two goldfish (Carassius auratus) in a glass display case would go largely unnoticed apart from the occasional child who would tap against the glass. 

One day, someone took a closer look at the tank, which was exposed to the sun and street noise. It would change the fate of the pair of small fish, named Fede and Magui, who were later recognized in an Argentine court as sentient beings that had rights. 

“Anyone passing by and stopping to look could see it wasn’t suitable for the fish”, said Matías Trufero, lawyer for the NGO Jaulas Vacías, an anti-speciesism sanctuary that houses more than 200 rescued animals. 

He said that’s why Jaulas Vacías (Empty Cages) decided to file a complaint with the courts, arguing that the conditions of these fish violated Law 14.346, which penalizes animal abuse in Argentina. With the help of specialists, they built a legal case and almost immediately convinced the court to move the fish to a more suitable place. 

The landmark court ruling, which sided with the plaintiffs, was handed down in Buenos Aires on July 13, 2026. 

Trufero, the main promoter of this change, said the restaurant staff did not object to the ruling. CNN has contacted the restaurant for comment. 

Having two fish in a glass display case is “more or less the same as putting two polar bears in a cage inside a sauna”, said Carlos José Aga, one of the specialists who helped with the rescue and offered to adopt them. Magui and Fede were moved from their 40-liter display case and into a 2,500-liter fish tank at Aga’s house. The court ruled that the fish would remain in the care of their adopter. 

“Fish are like astronauts, they travel in their own environment with careful monitoring of all their vital parameters, and when they arrive at the place, those conditions must be reproduced with great accuracy to avoid imbalances that could lead to a decrease in their immunity”, Aga explained. 

“Now they are doing very well”, he said. But rescuing the fish was only part of the process. 

“At the beginning of the case, we requested that, in addition to removing the fish to a safe and suitable location, they be declared subjects of law”, or “sentient beings”, Trufero explained. 

In other words, they wanted the fish to stop being recognized merely as “objects” under the law and become beings with rights. Such a ruling sets a precedent for similar animals in inadequate conditions to lead a dignified life. 

For anyone wondering if it’s illegal to keep goldfish at home, Trufero said the answer depends on the situation. “It’s not illegal per se to keep a fish in a fish tank. However, it is illegal to keep them in conditions that cause mistreatment or cruelty. For example, inadequate space, insufficient food, and other acts punishable by law”, Trufero said about the legislation in Argentina. 

“Furthermore, if it’s an exotic species, keeping could be prohibited if it falls under local wildlife laws”, regulations that also exist in many other countries, he said. 

The first habeas corpus petition filed on behalf of a non-human animal was in 2005 for Suiza, a chimpanzee in Brazil, who died before being transferred to a sanctuary. 

From then on, similar cases began to occur in other countries, including Argentina. One of the best known was that of Sandra, an orangutan born in Germany who lived in the Buenos Aires Zoo for 20 years until 2014, when she was declared a “non-human person” by a judge thanks to legal action brought by environmentalists. 

The ruling held that her captivity and exhibition violated her rights, even though she was well fed and did not suffer mistreatment. 

In 2016, the Buenos Aires Zoo was transformed into an eco-park, removing animals from display and relocating many of them to sanctuaries. Sandra was sent to the Center of Great Apes in Wauchula, Florida in the USA, in 2019. 

“The importance of declaring these animals subjects of law lies in the fact that they cease to be considered a thing, an object”, Trufero explained. 

In cases of cruelty and mistreatment, they can be considered victims and not things, which radically changes the way the future of animals is defined. 

The case of Fede and Magui opens a door for these types of fish, very common in homes and businesses, to be legally protected. 

“A subject with a legal right can do little or nothing for themselves unless there are people who speak on behalf of those who cannot speak and enforce the law”, Aga emphasized, adding that Fede and Magui have already settled into their new home.

China’s H1 Resilience: GDP Up 4.7%

For years, the dominant narrative in many Western capitals has been that China's rise would eventually slow or even stall. Concerns over debt, demographic decline, a struggling property sector and geopolitical tensions have fueled repeated predictions that China's best days are behind it. 

Despite gloomy predictions on China's future, the country continues to chart steady growth, posting a 4.7% GDP expansion in H1 2026 to stay within Beijing's target range.

The dust settles on the World Cup semi-finals yesterday, solidifying the monumental matchups that dictate who is left standing in the hunt for glory. 

On Tuesday, La Roja produced an absolute masterclass in control to secure their place in just their second World Cup final – they won 2-0 – and yes, Les Bleus got blown away. 👏👏👏

And on Wednesday, Argentina impressively knocked the Three Lions out of the semi-final. La Albiceleste won 2-1 after scoring two dramatic late goals. England actually scored first in the 55th minute, but the Argentines equalized 30 minutes later before they headed home the winner in stoppage time. 👏👏👏

Just as I predicted, it'll be either Argentina or Spain that gets crowned champions on Sunday! 😁😁😁

Law School's Ban on Laptops and Smartphones

A US university have announced a ban on laptops and smartphones for incoming law students in an effort to combat AI usage. 

The new policy will prevent first year students at the University of Chicago Law School from accessing any electronic devices during classes, starting from the 2026-2027 academic year. 

The ban is part of the law school’s strategy to develop “AI-resilient pedagogy and assessments” in an effort to elevate “essential human skills that distinguish excellent lawyers” in the AI era. 

“We need to ensure that our students actually learn to think critically, strategically, and independently without relying on AI”, the law school’s new AI strategy states. 

I can expect other academic institutions to follow suit.

There's been a lot of fixtures, a lot of football and it's already 100 games into the FIFA World Cup. 

It is said the quarter-finals were all quite closely contested – I didn't even bother watching any of the games – and the four teams left to compete in the semi-finals are France against Spain, and Argentina against England.

The Opta supercomputer predicts France to emerge as the winners of the 2026 edition. 

I know I've said I don't care, but IF I HAVE TO CHOOSE, I'd pick Argentina or Spain.

Philippines Prepares to Fight Alone

This news flew under the radar. It may have been overlooked eight months ago, yet it still matters today.

If war breaks out, General Romeo Brawner Jr. (left), chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) declared his country will fight alone. Tayo muna ang lalaban, he had said on November 04, 2025. 

Addressing troops at the opening of the ⁠AJEX DAGIT-PA military exercises, Brawner clarified the military's strategy under the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. 

But there's a caveat. It's only for 20-30 days. The Philippines believes its allies – the USA under the ⁠Mutual Defense Treaty, along with Japan and Australia – will have rushed to the Perla del Mar de Oriente by then to save them! 😅😅😅

The AFP chief has been regularly talking up war with China, his country's declared threat. I prefer to call a spade a spade. China is his foe, period.

Thirteen Argentina followers are roaming the streets of Buenos Aires proudly sporting their team’s jersey – but they’re not on two legs, they’re on all fours, letting out the occasional bark. 

As Argentina rides World Cup fever, a dog walker has added his pack to the local fanbase. 

Thirty-three-year-old Nahuel Meneghini, walks the streets of the capital’s city center with the dogs wearing the team’s jerseys, leashes and collars in support of La Albiceleste. 

“I did it out of love for them and for Argentina. And for the World Cup”, said Meneghini – known as “Nano” – while speaking to The Associated Press on Thursday during a walk with the canine group. The dog walker, also dressed head-to-toe like a fan, skilfully managed all the leashes, guiding the dogs along the narrow sidewalks of the capital’s San Cristóbal neighborhood. 

FYI, Argentina defeated Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time on Friday, in the Round of 32 clash at the ⁠2026 FIFA World Cup.

While I'm mostly indifferent to the World Cup, I still keep an eye on the results. 😉

The US Crisis That Cannot Be Ignored

The United States national debt that now stands at $38.4 trillion will very soon be growing faster than the economy itself.

Indeed, it has reached a precarious milestone, hitting 100% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and placing the nation on a trajectory that could trigger six distinct types of fiscal crises, according to an ominous new warning issued Thursday by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB).

With the national debt now effectively equal to the size of the entire US economy, the non-partisan watchdog’s latest report, “What Would a Fiscal Crisis Look Like?” outlined a dangerous future ahead. 

“If the national debt continues to grow faster than the economy”, the report said, “the country could ultimately experience a financial crisis, an inflation crisis, an austerity crisis, a currency crisis, a default crisis, a gradual crisis, or some combination of crises. Any of these would cause massive disruption and substantially reduce living standards for Americans and people across the world”. 

The report warned that unless policymakers enact a “thoughtful pro-growth deficit reduction package”, disaster likely lies ahead.

”The United States is deeply indebted, and its finances are on an unsustainable long-term trajectory”, the report concluded. While it’s “impossible” to know when disaster will strike, “some form of crisis is almost inevitable” without a course correction, the CRFB said.

Among the most alarming scenarios detailed is the “Austerity Crisis”. In this potential future, a loss of market confidence would force lawmakers to enact abrupt, massive spending cuts or tax hikes to quell panic. While deficit reduction is necessary, the CRFB warned that rapid implementation of such austerity measures during a weak economy could trigger the worst economic contraction in nearly a century. 

As an example of such an austerity crisis, the CRFB pointed to Greece in the 2010s during the Great Recession, when economic weakness led to an “untenable spike” in borrowing and bond yields, prompting a painful set of austerity measures that decimated the economy and pushed the unemployment rate to record levels. Portugal and Spain had similar, less severe crises during this period. 

Beyond forced austerity, the watchdog identified five other crisis scenarios:

1. Financial Crisis: If investors lose confidence in the US Treasury market, interest rates could spike uncontrollably. This would devalue existing bonds, potentially triggering cascading failures at banks and financial institutions.

The report cited the 2023 collapse of Silicon Valley Bank as a “small-scale” preview of how rapid rate increases can destabilize the banking sector. More broadly, though, it pointed to 2007 as a famous example of a financial crisis, driven by collapsing valuations of subprime mortgage-backed securities, leading to a Global Financial Crisis where hundreds of financial institutions closed, housing values declined by one-quarter, output shrank 4%, unemployment rose to 10%, and the economy took years to recover.

2. Inflation Crisis: To avoid default or bank failures, the Federal Reserve might be pressured to “monetize” the debt – printing money to buy Treasury bonds. This could spark spiraling inflation, eroding savings and purchasing power, similar to historical crises in Argentina or the Weimar Republic (Germany during the 1919–1933 period).

3. Currency Crisis: Reckless fiscal policy could lead to a sudden depreciation of the US Dollar, undermining its status as the world’s dominant reserve currency. A weakened dollar would erode American geopolitical power and make imports significantly more expensive. 

4. Default Crisis: Although considered “very unlikely”, a failure to pay interest or principal on the approximately $31 trillion in debt held by the public would be “catastrophic”. A default would freeze global credit markets, crash stock markets, and likely plunge the world into a deep recession.

5. Gradual Crisis: Perhaps the most insidious scenario is a slow decline where no acute event occurs. Instead, high debt crowds out investment, slowing growth over decades. Congressional Budget Office (CBO) models suggest this trajectory could leave real income per person 8% lower by 2050 than it would be otherwise. 

Japan is the classic example of a gradual crisis, with the CRFB noting that it has sustained extremely high levels of debt for several decades, avoiding an acute crisis but with real GDP only growing 10% (0.5% per year) over the past two decades.

The report noted that a crisis does not require a single “tipping point” but can be sparked by various catalysts, including a recession, a “poor” Treasury auction in which demand for US debt falters, or a breach of the debt limit. 

The warning comes as the fiscal situation deteriorates. Interest costs on the debt surged to roughly $1 trillion last year, consuming a near-record 18% of federal revenue – an amount comparable to the entire Medicare budget. “With debt at 100% of GDP”, the report argued, “the US has less fiscal space than any time in history in case of another war, pandemic, or recession”.

World's Longest One-way Flight

At 02:19 AM on Thursday Beijing time, China Eastern Airlines flight MU745, carrying 282 passengers, departed from Shanghai. After a stopover in Auckland, New Zealand, it continued its journey to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. 

As the world's first commercial air route connecting cities geographically located on the opposite side of the Earth, the route sets a new record for the world's longest one-way flight.

It also stands as the latest example of China's concrete efforts to enhance connectivity and cooperation within the framework of Global South collaboration, Chinese experts said. Spanning approximately 20,000 kilometers and crossing both the Eastern and Western Hemispheres as well as the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, the route shortens the travel time between China and South America by more than four hours, according to the release China Eastern Airlines sent to the Global Times on Thursday.

With Boeing 777-300ER, the newly launched route is scheduled to operate two round-trip flights per week. 

In addition to achieving the longest flight distance globally, it fills the gap in direct flights from Shanghai to major South American cities, establishes a "southbound corridor" flight path across the Pacific Ocean, and reshapes air travel connectivity among three continents. 

Due to the very long route distances and aircraft performance limits, flights between China and South America currently require transit stops, the airline said, noting the new route reduces travel time from nearly 30 hours to roughly 25, offering both shorter flights and more convenient connections. 

China Eastern Airlines are leveraging the new flight route to deepen their strategy of integrating passenger and cargo services. Simultaneously, their logistics subsidiary have activated a direct channel for shipping fresh produce from Argentina to China. On the return leg, the belly hold of the aircraft will be utilized to carry 2.1 tons of Argentine cherries and 10.5 tons of chilled Chilean salmon back to the Chinese market.

Deep-sea Expedition Discovers Potential New Species

An offshore canyon in Argentinian waters, Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon, that’s twice as deep as the Grand Canyon recently turned up potential new-to-science species when scientists embarked on the first-ever high-tech dive to the region. Using the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s remotely operated vehicle, ROV SuBastian, the expedition was livestreamed as it captured alien-looking squids, Barbie-pink lobsters, a lumbering king crab carrying 100 hitchhiking barnacles, and a "Patrick Star" lookalike sea star with some serious junk in the trunk, if you know what we mean. 

Sounds like quite the adventure, right? Well, it would seem nearly 4 million people agree with you, as the livestream of the Argentinian-led expedition on board Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor (too) proved to be a smash hit. 

“The deep sea and its awe-inspiring life – from bright corals to mesmerizing octopuses – has captivated an entire nation, thanks to a team of passionate scientists and the millions of people watching their work, via livestream”, said Wendy Schmidt, co-founder and president of Schmidt Ocean Institute, in a statement. “Argentina is showing the world the power of deep-sea exploration to not only spark wonder, but to remind us how much of our planet remains to be discovered and protected”. 

The expedition marked the first time we’ve been able to dive into the Mar del Plata Canyon – which at 3,500 meters (11,483 feet) deep is twice the depth of the Grand Canyon – and get a good look around using a high-tech ROV. The sophisticated sampling tools and cameras onboard SuBastian have provided an unprecedented glimpse into this biodiversity treasure trove, so it’s hardly surprising that the 21-day expedition may have discovered around 40 new-to-science species. 

The work now begins to confirm that, but here’s a delicious highlights reveal of what SuBastian saw on its travels:

 

“This expedition has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me, and I’m honored to share it with colleagues I’ve worked with for a decade”, said Chief Scientist Dr Daniel Lauretta of CONICET and Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales Bernardino Rivadavia. “It’s my first time getting to work with an ROV. The image quality captured by ROV SuBastian has been outstanding and helps us better understand the complexity of this habitat and the remarkable biodiversity it supports”.

Beyond being a treat for the eyes, the data collected from the expedition can contribute to conservation management for the region. Already, we’ve seen evidence that humans are having an influence on deep-sea canyon environments, as the team spotted shoes, plastic bags, and fishing gear in SuBastian’s footage. Fingers crossed, we can come together to do better for the Barbie lobsters and Patrick Star, the big-bootied sea star. 

“This cruise underscores the power of ocean exploration and science in igniting the imagination”, said Schmidt Ocean Institute’s Executive Director, Dr Jyotika Virmani. “It was inspiring for us to see Argentinians fall in love with their own deep sea, and we are grateful to the science team, who balanced the demands of seagoing science with their passion to share their research with millions”.

Russia Reveals Condition for Joining BRICS

BRICS applicants can’t join in sanctions against any of the economic bloc’s member states, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Thursday, outlining a key condition for joining the grouping.

 

The group that started as an informal association of Brazil, Russia, India and China in 2006 have since expanded to nine member states – including South Africa on December 24, 2010 and Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and UAE on January 01 this year. Note that Argentina rejected the membership while Saudi Arabia has kept the decision to join pending. 

 

And in the BRICS 2024 Summit in Kazan, Russia later this month, they're expected to discuss further expansion.

 

"One needs to pursue a sovereign policy, have a significant role in international and regional affairs, build good-neighborly and friendly relations with the BRICS countries, and not join in illegitimate sanctions against members of the association", Ryabkov (left) emphasized, when asked about conditions for aspiring members.

 

"The doors to BRICS remain open, but expansion should not become an end unto itself. Russia’s objective this year has been to 'ensure organic and full integration' of the recently accepted members into the 'multifaceted architecture of the BRICS partnership', while maintaining the dynamics and effectiveness of the international association’s mechanisms and formats", he added. 

 

Methinks, Malaysia will be accepted.

Tourists Outnumber Locals Five to One In This Destination

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tourists to the Galapagos Islands will be asked to pay twice as much in entry fees from this year amid concerns that a rise in visitor numbers is putting pressure on the ecologically sensitive destination. 

 

Ecuador’s Ministry of Tourism have announced the new fees, which will take effect on August 01, 2024. The entry fee will go from $100 to $200 for nationals of almost all countries, except for other members of the South American trade bloc Mercosur, which includes Argentina, Brazil, and Peru. Mercosur members will now have to pay $100 per person, up from $50. Children under age two can visit for free, regardless of nationality. This is the first increase in Galapagos entry fees since 1998. 

 

“The Galapagos Islands are not only a national treasure but a global one. It is our collective responsibility to protect and preserve this unparalleled ecosystem for future generations”, Niels Olsen (left), Ecuador’s tourism minister, said in a statement shared with  the Galapagos Conservation Trust. 

 

Olsen added that the additional money will go toward conservation efforts for the islands, which are 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) off the coast of mainland Ecuador. 

 

The Galapagos are a UNESCO World Heritage site comprised of more than 100 islands. The islands, nicknamed a “living museum”, are home to many rare or endangered plants and animals. 

 

Only some 30,000 people live on one of the Galapagos islands, but about 170,000 tourists visit in a typical year. 

 

The Galapagos Conservation Trust, a UK-registered charity focused on promoting conservation and sustainability on the islands, have warned of ecological consequences from rising visitor numbers. 

 

“Recent years have seen worrying growth in the number of visitors to the Islands, driven by a sharp increase in land-based tourism”, they said on their website. “This is pushing waste management systems to the limit, exacerbating water and food insecurity, and increasing the threat of devastating invasive species being introduced to the Islands”. 

 

Celtic reclaimed top spot in the Scottish Premiership yesterday when they beat St Johnstone 3-1.

 

A fortieth-minute header by Kyogo Furuhashi put the former ahead before the Japanese international turned provider for Nicolas Kuhn in the forty-sixth minute. Substitute James Forrest made it three for Celtic before Saints netted a consolation late on in the 81st minute.