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Italy was once a model of healthy eating - now it has a child obesity problem
The Mediterranean diet was a blueprint for healthy living, yet Italian children are among the most overweight in Europe according to WHO.
John Lynch Breaks Silence On Brandon Aiyuk's Future With 49ers
As Brandon Aiyuk continues to demand a trade to the Washington Commanders, he remains on the "left squad" list for the 49ers and can't be traded until he finally reports.
ENTERTAINMENT: 24 Hour Plays on tap; local theaters to offer ‘Les Mis’
More than 70 Central Arkansas playwrights, directors, actors, stage managers, musicians, designers and technicians create six brand-new short plays for the fourth annual edition of The 24 Hour Plays: Little Rock, 7 p.m. Monday at Argenta Contemporary Theatre.
Bethesda Officially Confirms Brand-New Detail About The Elder Scrolls 6
In a recent statement, Bethesda's Todd Howard confirms a new feature fans can look forward to in The Elder Scrolls 6.
Hastings Source skatepark closes over health and safety concerns
The Source Park facility shut at short notice and a BMX event planned for September is postponed.
Her quippy liberal sweater brand went left. Was it the right choice?
Rachelle Hruska launched Lingua Franca, her quippy cashmere sweater brand, two months before Donald Trump won in 2016. She didn't mean to get political.
Andy Burnham and the rise of ‘aura farming’ in politics
Is “aura farming” the new political superpower? There are some days in TV news when you find yourself standing in the middle of a farm, surrounded by baby goats, trying to explain internet slang. Subscribe This was one of those days. There I was, in wellies, trying to unpack aura farming - a Gen Z term for carefully cultivating your image online so that you look effortlessly cool, authentic and charismatic. The trick, apparently, is that it can’t look like you’re trying too hard. Which, I’ll admit, felt slightly ironic as we filmed an entire report on a farm purely because the word farming is in the title. ‘Shaped by algorithms’ Whether you like it or not, politics increasingly feels like it’s being shaped by algorithms as much as manifestos. Take Andy Burnham. Since arriving at Number 10, he’s been impossible to miss online. One minute he’s out for a casual jog with Mo Farah. Next he’s announcing policy alongside TikTok high priestess Bus Aunty. His social media paints a very deliberate picture: less polished Westminster operator, more bloke from the North who just happens to be running the country. It’s not accidental. Burnham’s “King of the North”, New Order-loving persona has become part of a carefully constructed political brand. Authenticity is now something politicians work incredibly hard to make look effortless. But Burnham isn’t inventing this playbook. Like so many of us doomscrolling on an evening, he’s been influenced online. The digital strategy of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, pictured above right, has become a case study in viral political communication, and some of the people behind that campaign have recently been advising the Labour Party in Britain. Their message is simple: if you want to reach younger voters, you need to show up where they already spend their time. Embracing content creators And increasingly, that doesn’t mean traditional news interviews (awkward). It means speaking to content creators like Max from The Career Ladder, whose channels reach around 20 million followers worldwide. His interview with Burnham, pictured below, was posted almost immediately after he became Prime Minister. What struck me wasn’t just the audience size, but something Max told me afterwards: many people in the comments said they’d discovered Britain had a new Prime Minister through his interview. Think about that for a moment. Not through rolling news. Not through newspapers. Through a creator they were already following while scrolling. Share That’s a profound shift in how political information reaches people, one that’s been gathering momentum for some time. It also explains why politicians are embracing content creators and spending millions on digital marketing. Of course, this isn’t unique to one party. ‘Personality before policy’ In many ways, the right were quicker off the mark in building their aura online. Donald Trump built much of his political identity on social media. Nigel Farage remains one of Britain’s strongest political performers on TikTok. Politicians across the spectrum now understand that personality often reaches people before policy does. During a six-week UK general election campaign alone, overall digital ad spending routinely tops £11m. Share Channel 4 News Former Number 10 social media adviser Andrew Wong put it well when he told me that “vibes” can help someone get noticed, but they only work if they’re rooted in a genuine personality. Force it, and audiences spot it instantly. The bigger question is whether internet charisma can backfire on you - especially when you’re Prime Minister. Because behind Burnham’s carefully curated videos is a veteran politician with decades of Westminster experience. The spontaneity is produced. While the authenticity may be genuine, it’s managed. That’s not necessarily a criticism. It’s simply the reality of modern political communication. Aura farming alone is not enough to harvest change. But in the age of algorithms, winning attention may be the first battle. Subscribe Share Channel 4 News Leave a comment
GOP's freshman firebrand goes viral targeting 'utterly intellectually indefensible' DEI policies
Rep. Brandon Gill is the youngest House Republican and is lauded as a rising star within the party.
Cyclospora outbreak expands to nine US states, health officials say
Federal investigators continue to search for the sources amid the largest number of reported cyclosporiasis cases in US history.
PlayStation Network down, leaving thousands unable to play digital games
Sony's status page read that it was "working to resolve the issue as soon as possible".
After OnePlus, Nothing could be the next brand to leave multiple global markets
After OnePlus's exit, report claims Nothing could be next to leave 12 global markets and layoff 40% of its staff amid rising costs.
Nestlé to sell half of waters business in $3.4B deal
Peranel, which will house brands such as S.Pellegrino and Source Perrier, will be a fully independent company and have full flexibility to “pursue growth opportunities.”
F1 practice LIVE: Hungarian Grand Prix 2026 times, results & commentary from the Hungaroring
Follow live text updates and listen to BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra commentary of first practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Telford sports teams face pitch struggles from hot weather
Several clubs in Shropshire say they are praying for rain so they can keep on playing.
Secrets of birdsongs' 'spectacular diversity' revealed
A scientific study has revealed the acoustic secret that connects all birdsong - and it is surprisingly simple
More than 1.5 million dozen egg cartons recalled over possible salmonella contamination
More than 1.5 million dozen shell eggs sold under multiple brands have been recalled after routine testing raised concerns about possible salmonella contamination.
Man Utd transfer news: Eduardo Camavinga valuation revealed amid interest in Real Madrid midfielder
Tom Holland vomits on camera during “Hot Ones” visit — after spoiling the moment in another interview
The “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” star proved that he still cannot hold a secret very well.
GOP firebrand moves to dissolve Congressional Black Caucus: ‘Federally sanctioned segregation’
Nancy Mace's resolution would bar race-based House caucuses, effectively forcing dissolution of the Congressional Black Caucus and similar groups.
WATCH: Brandon Gill corners law school gatekeeper with DEI question she won't answer
Rep. Brandon Gill pressed ABA president on whether diversity principles would justify rejecting a third Black Supreme Court justice nomination.
Government cut to business rates 'not enough', pub owners say
Pubs, clubs and live music venues in England will be given a 20% cut to business rates from April.
Wisconsin Athletics partners with Good Karma Brands for radio broadcast rights in Milwaukee area
Wisconsin Athletics and its exclusive multimedia rights holder, Learfield's Badger Sports Properties, announced today that Good Karma Brands has entered into...
Jersey health charges would need public support
The report from the Jersey Audit Office says the government's considering a "suite" of charges.
Crystal Palace National Sports Centre revamp set for approval
Bromley Council is to meet to discuss plans for a major revamp of the world famous sport centre.
Wildberries: Russia's businesses under strain from Ukraine's attacks on retail warehouses
Ukrainian drones have hit several retail warehouses belonging to Russia's biggest online retailer Wildberries in a matter of days.
USA Sports reveals broadcast crew, plan to cover final 14 races and The Chase
USA Sports detailed its branding and broadcast plan as it gears up to present the final 14 races of the 2026 Cup Series season.
Anabi Oil partners with Accel Entertainment to support 600 gaming terminals at Green Valley Grocery stores
Agreement extends Anabi's existing relationship with Accel across its southern Nevada convenience-store portfolio, including the Rebel brand
Mamdani throws businesses a curveball with Biden's antitrust firebrand
Zohran Mamdani has tapped ally Lina Khan and McKinsey partner Anthony Shorris to lead New York City's Economic Development Corporation.
Rangers get season-high 18 hits
Brandon Nimmo's two-run shot in the first inning, his 10th homer of the season, put the Rangers ahead.
Dynasty Financial Partners's Latest Innovations
Houston-based registered investment advisor Americana Partners has stepped into a new avenue, having established a division catering to wealthy clients in the sports and entertainment industries. The new unit will serve athletes, entertainers, creators, agents, and coaches with support from former athletes, entertainment executives, and financial professionals. The division will offer wealth management services and other offerings, including income diversification, brand protection, intellectual property strategies, tax planning, and investment management. For clients in the entertainment sector, ...
Tyson Fury v Mariusz Wach: Briton takes aim at modern-day sports stars
Tyson Fury says modern-day sports stars think they are "bigger than they actually are" after choosing to fight in front of just 1,500 fans in Thailand.
Who is Anas Sarwar? The Scottish Labour leader returning to UK politics
The Glasgow MSP is expected to be confirmed for role in Andy Burnham's government after taking a seat in the house of Lords.
Bradford A&E services downgraded by health watchdog
An inspection at Bradford Royal Infirmary reveals long waits, safety risks and staffing pressures.
'It makes me different': Meet the women breaking world records in lumberjack sports
The BBC finds out what is driving the sports' increasing popularity with women and what it takes to be the best.
Synagie Unveils Geene 2.0 - BytePlus, SingData and FLY Entertainment Among 12 Founding Partners Building Trusted AI Commerce
Synagie, the flagship digital commerce and technology brand of Hong Kong-listed Synagistics Limited (HKEX: 2562), today unveiled Geene 2.0, a Trusted AI Commerce Intelligence Ecosystem (a SaaS platform) designed to help businesses move beyond isolated AI applications towards trusted, scalable business transformation.
Cowboys 2026 roster rundown: K Brandon Aubrey
It is so nice that the Cowboys don’t have to worry about their kicking situation.
New program aims to help Flint entrepreneurs test business ideas
Flint entrepreneurs can get free, expert feedback on their business ideas at a new Aug. 6 validation event, aimed at helping move concepts toward real, register...
Hailup Is Building the Digital Future of the Caribbean Entertainment Industry
ATLANTA, Georgia , July 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hailup Influencers Inc., founded by Byron Aris, is transforming how Caribbean influencers, artists, and creative professionals connect with fans and generate income worldwide. Designed exclusively for Caribbean talent, Hailup enables creators to monetize their brands through personalized video messages, premium fan experiences, live streaming, and exclusive digital content while strengthening authentic connections with audiences across the Car
Exclusive: Twin sisters built GlossGenius into the latest female-founded unicorn. Now they’re debuting AI for small businesses far beyond beauty
GlossGenius just raised $44 million at a $1.15 billion valuation as it rebrands as Genius AI, moving beyond the beauty industry.
Audacy and SiriusXM Announce Agreement to Bring Local Sports, News and Talk Brands to SiriusXM
NEW YORK – July 21, 2026 – SiriusXM and Audacy announced today a new agreement that will bring 42 of Audacy’s leading sports, news and talk stations from
Lucky Strike Entertainment Unveils Brand Refresh for AMF, Honoring an American Classic Families Have always Loved
RICHMOND, VA - July 21, 2026 - Lucky Strike Entertainment (NYSE: LUCK) today announced the launch of a refreshed identity
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - Dick Yarbrough: Who can argue politics with a mouthful of barbecue?
Columnist Dick Yarbrough spotlights Builders Movement’s "Builders BBQ," a summer campaign using cookouts and shared meals to bring politically divided Americans...
AMF Launches Refreshed Identity After 126 Years of Bowling
AMF welcomes approximately 10.4 million guests annually across more than 80 locations; additional identity updates will roll out over time.
Exclusive | Kraft Heinz Strikes Deal With Disney to Supply Resorts and Tap Characters
The multiyear partnership is part of the food conglomerate’s effort to reinvigorate its brands.
Woman's life as a refugee inspired her public health degree
Makagbeh Princess Sesay has earned a degree in public health from the University of Manchester.
Business, boaters, and wildlife hit by Erewash Canal closures
Part of the canal shut at the end of June due to low water levels, and remains closed.
Tom Brady’s Viral Weekend Was A Business Lesson Sports Media Missed
"Far too many were eager to mock a staged wrestling angle, a promotional appearance, or a calculated branding move that they overlooked what was actually happening." The post Tom Brady’s Viral Weekend Was A Business Lesson Sports Media Missed appeared first on Barrett Media.
From Attention to Intention: Inside the Vogue Business x Pinterest Cannes Brunch
Less URL, more IRL. Brands are changing their strategies to account for more time spent offline.
Tennessee QB battle takes center stage at SEC Media Days
Redshirt freshman George MacIntyre and true freshman Faizon Brandon are the frontrunners in the competition.
Shanghai science forum photos show China's AI and robotics advances in rivalry with US
BEIJING (AP) — China's leading technology companies showcased hundreds of cutting-edge products at the
£100,000 of TikTok sales in a day: The business of live shopping
Buying on social media livestreams is fast becoming regular consumer behaviour for many.
Andy Burnham pledges to 'bring back hope' as John Healey made chancellor
The new prime minister pledged to make announcements this week to "give people some breathing space".
Trump and Burnham: Can the two leaders work together?
The BBC's Sarah Smith looks at how the new UK prime minister will manage his most crucial, and perhaps the trickiest, international relationship.
Watch: Starmer resigns, Burnham becomes PM... the day in 98 seconds
Andy Burnham has become the UK's prime minister after being appointed by the King at Buckingham Palace.
American Conference Names Eryn McVerry Chief Brand Officer
IRVING, Texas — American Conference Commissioner Tim Pernetti announced today that Eryn McVerry has been named the conference’s chief brand officer. The veteran brand strategist began her role in July 2026.
SuanNutra expands natural ingredients portfolio with IFF business acquisition
The nutraceutical ingredients supplier is set to acquire a portfolio of speciality natural ingredients businesses from IFF, creating a global ingredients group spanning branded actives, botanical extracts, fermented nutrients and clean-label food solutions
Watch: Keir Starmer's last speech as prime minister in full
Starmer spoke in front of an applauding crowd on Downing Street.
Test that found source of US explosive diarrhoea outbreak was false positive, health officials say
The latest update from the US Food and Drug Administration means the exact source of the parasite is still not known.
Samyang Roundsquare Launches Spindle, a Science-Led Metabolic Health Brand Focused on the Gut–Muscle Connection
Samyang Roundsquare announces the launch of Spindle, a science-led metabolic health brand with its debut product, Spindle Muscle+, to redefine how adults think about strength and aging. Spindle Muscle+ is powered by Akkermansia MYO™, a clinically studied strain shown to support muscle strength, through the gut.
Water First, Coffee in Moderation: What to Drink for Better Cognitive Health
The single best beverage for cognitive health is surprisingly simple: water. While coffee has attracted growing scientific interest for its potential brain benefits, hydration remains the foundation of healthy brain function.
Arsenal planning short-term move for free agent John Stones following William Saliba's World Cup injury
Plus: Tottenhams Djed Spence is keen on a move to Inter Milan; Chelseas stance on Joao Pedro has been revealed amid interest from Barcelona; Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa plans a raid on former club Real Madrid
Sussex Partnership NHS trust joins scheme to tackle racism
The new pilot aims to strengthen support for "racially marginalised" carers in mental health services.
Rangers edge Braves 7-6
Brandon Nimmo’s two-run single in the sixth inning gave Texas the lead as the Rangers rallied from an early deficit to beat the Atlanta Braves 7-6 on Saturday in a matchup of first-place teams.
OnePlus died with a whimper, not a bang
OnePlus is dead – actually for real this time. It’s got me looking back on my experiences with the brand’s...
Andy Burnham will be bolder but stick to Labour manifesto, Lucy Powell says
Burnham will replace Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister on Monday, following a meeting with King Charles III.
Former Apple executive shares what people get wrong about Steve Jobs
Ron Johnson oversaw the creation of 350 Apple stores during his roughly 12-year stint at the brand.
Business People
AM Group, a female-owned Fayetteville-based communications agency specializing in public relations, strategic communications and brand strategy, has named Aaron Hopwood as its first director of creative and content.
Business People
AM Group, a female-owned Fayetteville-based communications agency specializing in public relations, strategic communications and brand strategy, has named Aaron Hopwood as its first director of creative and content.
Can Andy Burnham's casual style survive contact with No 10
When Burnham becomes PM, he'll find it harder to wear the wardrobe that's central to his political brand.
Kool-Aid McKinstry is about to silence every doubter
Kool-Aid McKinstry flashed elite playmaking ability in 2025, but inconsistency kept him from reaching the next level. With Brandon Staley’s new defensive system in place, the young Saints cornerback could be on the verge of becoming one of the NFL’s premier shutdown defenders in 2026.
Women's pain normalised in NHS, Cardiff health summit told
An operation left Donna Davies in constant pain but she only felt believed when her husband spoke up.
Brandon Woodruff announces he needs season-ending shoulder surgery
Brandon Woodruff announced July 18 he needs season-ending shoulder surgery but that he's not retiring and intends to try to come back again.
Samsung brand ambassador accidentally reveals Galaxy Z Fold 8
The Fold 8 looks adorable in a new video.
German politician resigns over surrogacy child controversy
Jens Spahn faced calls to resign over his use of a surrogate, a ban on which he previously backed.
Burnham to announce plans for new North Sea oil and gas drilling
Drilling has become a controversial topic for the Labour party after the 2024 manifesto pledged to not issue new licenses.
Private equity-backed chain Big Brand says it is acquiring Belle Tire
The deal for the Southfield-based Belle Tire is expected to close later this quarter.
White House defends Argentina team over Falklands banner
The comments could further fuel the row over the incident, which has seen Downing Street back calls for Fifa to investigate.
Lucky Strike Entertainment: Gutter Ball
LUCK stock outlook: declining brand interest, high debt, and a 22% EV/EBITDA premium despite just 2% forward EBITDA growth: read why it’s a SELL now.
Off Season began with viral NFL jackets. Now Kristin Juszczyk is building a company designed to outlast any one sports season
Her brand, Off Season, is growing beyond football as she builds a fashion business around sports fandom.
Health experts urge caution over US military testosterone screenings
Medical professionals told the BBC the new policy could lead to an increase in incorrect diagnoses, as well as other issues.
The Bull Case For Tencent Music Entertainment Group (TME) Could Change Following Its TMElive Awards Push Into Hong Kong
CTF Life recently announced a long-term partnership with Tencent Music Entertainment Group to bring the TMElive International Music Awards to Hong Kong for the first time in August 2026, with CTF Life as exclusive title sponsor. This collaboration positions Tencent Music to extend its brand beyond online platforms into a large-scale international live festival, deepening its presence in the fan-driven music ecosystem. We’ll now examine how hosting the TMElive International Music Awards in...
Cody Bellinger says Call of Duty brings athletes together as sports and gaming collide at Fanatics Fest
NEW YORK — Cody Bellinger has played for baseball's biggest brands over his career.
Lettuce at Taco Bell in 5 states confirmed as a source of diarrhea-causing parasite
Federal health officials have identified lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations across five U.S. states as a source of the widespread outbreak of diarrhea-causing parasite cyclospora.
Are Consumer Discretionary Stocks Lagging PENN Entertainment, Inc. (PENN) This Year?
Here is how PENN Entertainment (PENN) and American Outdoor Brands, Inc. (AOUT) have performed compared to their sector so far this year.
Burnham promises to 'bring hope back' as he becomes Labour leader
The new Labour leader says he will give "hope back" to working class communities across the UK.
German politician faces calls to resign over child born with US surrogate
Surrogacy is banned in Germany, a policy firmly backed by Jens Spahn's Christian Democrat party, and several years ago by Spahn, too.
Police investigate death threat against Reform's Cai Parry-Jones
Senedd member Cai Parry-Jones said the alleged threat was made against him and his family.
Andy Burnham to become Labour leader and will promise to 'fix things politics has neglected'
The Makerfield MP is due to speak later when he is appointed at a special party conference in central London. He will then become prime minister on Monday.
Illinois takes action against new business promoted by Chicago businessman 'Brandon Mr. Finance'
The Illinois secretary of state is warning consumers about a new business being promoted by "Brandon Mr. Finance," and has issued a cease-and-desist order against the venture.
Illinois takes action against new business promoted by Chicago businessman 'Brandon Mr. Finance'
China hits out at British Steel nationalisation
The UK government said taking the firm into public hands would safeguard "a vital national capability".
Sports without politics is a fantasy and the World Cup proves it
From ancient Greece to Nazi Germany, sport and politics have long been intertwined. Nevertheless, we still imagine that international sport can be kept above the fray and serve as a neutral arena where nations compete on merit alone. In this article, diplomacy scholar Geoffrey Allen Pigman argues the 2026 FIFA World Cup shows this is a dangerous illusion. When international sport is left entirely to revenue-maximizing private bodies like FIFA, it doesn't escape politics, but rather surrenders to its worst expressions. With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics fast approaching, the IOC must decide whether to learn that lesson or repeat the same mistakes. The largest and most lucrative FIFA World Cup ever draws toward its climactic conclusion amidst a swirl of controversy. Team members, staff, fans, and spectators have been denied their right to enter the United States to participate, and US President Donald Trump intervened with FIFA boss Gianni Infantino to overturn a referee’s call that Trump believed disadvantaged the US national team. It is a moment to step back and reflect on what the purposes of international sport mega-events like the World Cup, and international sport more broadly, are, and what they should be. Does international sport serve public purposes? Is there a public interest? Or is it primarily a private endeavor organized by commercial enterprises to entertain the global public (and generate profit in the process), which is occasionally used by governments and leaders for raisons d’etat? Central to the idea of sport is the principle of fair play, which in the international context demands that games be free from political interference. However, it is impossible to separate sport from politics, all claims to the contrary notwithstanding. The most positive political use of international sport through the millennia has been to facilitate diplomacy. The use of international sport for diplomatic objectives has existed since at least the time of the ancient Olympic Games, around which was instituted the custom of the Ekecheiria, or Olympic Truce, between participating states to facilitate fair competition and diplomatic achievements by ensuring that participants could travel safely to the Olympiad. In his seminal work On Diplomacy (1987), diplomacy scholar James Der Derian characterized the objectives of diplomacy as overcoming alienation and mediating estrangement between governments and between peoples. One increasingly important diplomatic tool in the technology-infused media environment over the past century has been public diplomacy, under which governments and non-state diplomatic actors (e.g. transnational corporations) communicate to global publics about their international policy objectives and to shape their global brand image. Political scientist Michał Kobierecki, in his important book Sports Diplomacy (2020), views sports diplomacy as falling broadly within the ambit of public diplomacy, as international sport intimately involves the participation of global publics as spectators and consumers of global media. Diplomacy scholar Stuart Murray and this author, in a 2013 article, distinguish between international sport used for diplomatic purposes and international sport-as-diplomacy, which encompasses the range of diplomacy that occurs as teams and competitors, spectators and fans, and government officials all converge for international sporting events like the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup. Diplomacy scholar H.E. Chehabi, in a 2001 article on US-Iran sports diplomacy, describes the interaction between spectators and fans at international sporting events as “people-to-people diplomacy,” in which relationships develop independently of governments and their objectives. Diplomacy by the aforementioned definitions is often unsuccessful. Moreover, all too often the tools of diplomacy may be employed by governments and other actors to thwart or oppose the objectives of diplomacy as characterized by Der Derian. Governments routinely use the tools of public diplomacy to disseminate propaganda, spreading misinformation in the attempt to deceive global publics about their objectives and to create misleading impressions about their brand identity. Within sports diplomacy, the term “sportswashing” has been coined recently to describe how governments invest in and promote international sport to create positive global public impressions of their nations and, in doing so, to distract the global public from their deficient records in areas such as human rights and democratic governance. Murray, in his 2018 book Sports Diplomacy: Origins, Theory and Practice, introduces the concept of sports anti-diplomacy, wherein governments intentionally use international sport to advance aggressive and nationalistic objectives. Obvious historical examples include Hitler’s use of the 1936 Berlin Olympics to glorify his Third Reich and the 1969 El Salvador-Honduras football “war.” SUGGESTED READING The beautiful game made ugly By Emily Ryall FIFA argues that it is and seeks to be apolitical in its stewardship of international Association Football (soccer). FIFA policies governing bids to host the World Cup require uninhibited and non-discriminatory access for players, team staff, and spectators of all participating countries to host nations and venues. It became clear soon after Trump returned to power in the United States in January 2025 that Trump’s political intentions and objectives to limit non-US citizens from living and working in the United States and, in numerous cases, even visiting the country, would collide with FIFA’s host nation policies. Beginning soon after the start of the second Trump administration, US federal authorities imposed restrictions on entry to the United States of citizens of between 20 and 40 countries for any purpose, with only limited exceptions. Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began arresting non-US citizens in the United States, including persons with and without legal status, holding them in jails, concentration camps, and other detention facilities until they were deported to their home or third countries, where they faced substantive risks to their personal safety. FIFA boss Gianni Infantino, in an effort to ensure the most successful and lucrative World Cup in history, engaged diplomatically with President Trump in an attempt to facilitate entry to the US for World Cup participants. Infantino did all in his power to ingratiate himself with Trump, to the extent of creating a FIFA “Peace Prize,” which he awarded to Trump in December 2025 at a ceremony in the then Trump-controlled John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, on the occasion of the World Cup draw. The prize was an ersatz consolation for someone who aspired in vain to win the rather more prestigious and well-known Nobel Peace Prize. And in the run-up to the World Cup, conditions became worse. In February 2026, Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a war of aggression against Iran, illegal under international law, under the false pretence that Iran’s government was preparing to attack the United States and Israel. During the US aerial bombardment of Iran, US planes bombed Azadi Stadium, the facility where Iran’s national football team trained. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup began, it was clear that Infantino’s efforts had been for naught: the Trump administration would not adhere to FIFA policies governing access to World Cup host nations. World Cup referee Omar Artan, a citizen of Somalia, was denied a US visa to enter the United States to participate in the World Cup. Trump’s government only granted US visas to Iran’s football team ten days before they were scheduled to arrive for the tournament. Numerous members of the support staff for Iran’s team were denied US visas. Iran’s team, which had been scheduled to train in Arizona, was directed to shift its training site to Tijuana, Mexico, notwithstanding that all three of their group stage matches took place at US venues. The US Department of Homeland Security only permitted the Iranian team to enter the US on the day before each scheduled match and then to return to Mexico immediately after playing. Members of Iraq’s and Switzerland’s football teams were delayed for hours by US officials at the US border, and an Iraqi team photographer was refused entry. Spectators and fans from Haïti and Iran were denied entry to the United States altogether. A large number of fans from a range of countries had their applications for US visas rejected. There were multiple off-ramps through which participants could have avoided the negative consequences of Trump’s decisions for the 2026 World Cup. Once it was clear that the Trump government intended to violate the established expectations for World Cup hosts, FIFA could have shifted the matches scheduled to take place in the United States to Mexico and Canada. The three nations were already designated as co-hosts, and host cities and venues had been selected. Once it was clear that FIFA, governed by FIFA boss Gianni Infantino’s dependent and dysfunctional relationship with Trump, would never consider this option on its own, it fell to the national football federations to act. The national federations, particularly some combination of federations of the leading contenders (France, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Morocco, England, Germany, etc.), could have refused to participate under the US-imposed conditions or, at the least, demanded an ironclad agreement with the Trump government that FIFA policies on access would be respected. ___ International sport is inextricably entangled with diplomacy of different sorts, for good or ill, it cannot be considered to be in the purely private realm and left to revenue-maximizing private actors. ___ Why did neither FIFA nor the national football federations act to protect the interests of players, team staff, referees, fans, and spectators? In essence, the relentless engines of capitalism prevailed over norm observance, ethics, and fair play. The revenue interests of FIFA, sponsors, global media, and host cities won out. FIFA’s managers viewed hosting another World Cup principally in the United States as a veritable pot of gold for FIFA and its collaborators. FIFA has estimated its own revenue over the 2023-26 budget cycle, which includes the 2026 World Cup, at $13 billion, revised up from an initial projection of $11 billion, and 72% higher than the previous revenue cycle. Of that total, FIFA is estimated to have generated $8.9 billion from the Cup itself in revenue from TV rights ($3.92 billion), sponsorships ($2.69 billion), ticket sales ($3.1 billion), licensing rights, and other sources. A joint study by FIFA and the World Trade Organization estimates that the World Cup will contribute over $40 billion to global GDP, including nearly $14 billion in direct visitor spending in the three host countries (but principally in the United States, which hosted the lion’s share of the matches). The FIFA World Cup is now reportedly “the single most lucrative recurring commercial property in global sport.” And yet, notwithstanding the Trump government’s uses of the World Cup for sports anti-diplomacy, and the climate of anxiety that this created for participants and spectators, diplomacy that did not depend upon governments was able to thrive at the World Cup. Examples of successful people-to-people diplomacy were legion, as citizens of towns and cities across the States, as well as in Mexico and Canada, welcomed team members, their families and supporters, to training sites across North America. Fans of different teams joined together in person in stadiums for matches, at watch parties and bars, and at welcome events sponsored by host cities. The joy and camaraderie shared between the citizenry of Boston and Scotland’s “Tartan Army” of fans is but one example of how the “Beautiful Game” brings people together. Friendships forged across continents are likely to endure well beyond the Cup final. Even those achievements cannot be seen as unalloyed, however. As South African football fan Byron Pillay commented to Al Jazeera, “Football is called the Beautiful Game for a reason, for its ability to unite people. But it’s hard to believe in that magic with the politics and war rhetoric off the field of play, especially when one of the tournament hosts is central to that.” Ultimately, the experience of the 2026 FIFA World Cup illustrates that, as international sport is inextricably entangled with diplomacy of different sorts, for good or ill, it cannot be considered to be in the purely private realm and left to revenue-maximizing private actors. As long as there is the possibility of diplomatic progress in mediating estrangement between governments or between peoples, there is a broad and overarching public interest in international sport. Likewise, as it would be difficult to put on an international sport mega-event without international sporting organizations like FIFA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), global media firms, and companies purchasing sponsorships, public and private interests in international sport must coexist, most likely somewhere on a shifting spectrum between partnership and rivalry or cross purposes. As the World Cup wraps up, the IOC needs to consider its lessons before the scheduled 2028 Los Angeles Olympics if they want to avoid a media-hyped Trump version of the 1936 Berlin Olympiad. The IOC and the National Olympic Committees need to set conditions on and make demands of Trump’s government with clearly articulated consequences for non-compliance, up to and including cancellation of the Games. Time is running out for the IOC, as unlike with the FIFA World Cup, there is no at-the-ready alternate venue for Los Angeles.
Kobbie Mainoo: England boss Thomas Tuchel was unimpressed by unused Manchester United midfielder during World Cup training
Sonam Wangchuk: Why India still turns to the hunger strike
Why hunger strikes still shape Indian politics, from Gandhi to Sonam Wangchuk.
ArcBest announces organizational changes, 2% workforce reduction
Fort Smith-based ArcBest on Thursday (July 16) announced organizational changes and a new brand structure, with an estimated 280 job cuts resulting from the changes. The company did not disclose...