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Molokhia cigarettes–hand‑rolled leaves of the popular green vegetable—are being used in Gaza as a makeshift substitute for traditional tobacco products, according to recent reporting by Al Jazeera.Molokhia Cigarettes Emerge Amid Tobacco ShortagesResidents cite blockade‑related scarcity of tobacco.Molokhia leaves are locally cultivated and readily available.The practice involves drying, shredding, and rolling the leaves like conventional cigarettes.Health Risks Associated with Molokhia SmokeCombustion of plant material releases carcinogenic compounds similar to those in tobacco smoke.Medical professionals warn of respiratory irritation, increased risk of chronic lung disease, and potential cardiovascular effects.No epidemiological data have yet been published for Gaza.Socio‑Economic Factors Driving the ShiftHigh unemployment and limited access to imported goods push vulnerable populations toward low‑cost alternatives.Humanitarian aid packages often prioritize food over tobacco, leaving a market gap.Potential Public Health InterventionsLocal NGOs could launch awareness campaigns about the dangers of inhaling Molokhia smoke.International agencies might consider including nicotine‑replacement therapies in aid shipments.Further research is needed to quantify usage rates and health outcomes.

The Face-Off Ilia Topuria shoved Justin Gaethje in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, as tensions spiked in the final news conference before their headlining bout at the UFC's White House event this weekend. Background and Expectations Topuria, the unbeaten Georgian-Spanish lightweight belt holder, is coming back from a nearly yearlong hiatus following his highly publicised divorce. Gaethje is the interim champion and a beloved American brawler who upset the highly touted Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 in January to earn the belt amid Topuria's absence. The Pre-Fight Trash Talk Earlier, Topuria, 29, said he was going to knock Gaethje out in the first round of their fight on Sunday night. Gaethje, 37, dismissed Topuria's threats by saying that his experience would be the decisive factor. The Event Details The event – named UFC Freedom 250 – is scheduled to take place on President Donald Trump's 80th birthday as part of the Republican president's plans to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The event features mixed martial arts bouts contested in an octagonal cage situated inside a 28m (92 feet) high claw-like structure erected in recent weeks on the White House's South Lawn. The Legal Battle Earlier on Friday, a federal judge declined to block Trump from hosting the event on the White House grounds. US District Judge Amit Mehta ruled against two Washington-area residents who argued in a lawsuit that Trump's administration exceeded its authority in staging the event, dubbed 'UFC Freedom 250,' by, among other things, failing to obtain congressional authorisation.

Summer Reading Surge: Guardian's Curated ListThe Guardian released a seasonal reading guide featuring **70** titles selected for their appeal during the summer months of **2026**. The list is positioned as a one‑stop resource for casual beach readers and avid bibliophiles alike.What the List Covers: Genres and ThemesLiterary fiction and contemporary novelsHistorical and speculative worksNon‑fiction titles on travel, nature and self‑improvementMemoirs and personal essaysGenre picks including mystery, thriller and romanceNumbers Behind the Recommendation: 70 Titles Across 5 CategoriesTotal books: 70Categories: 5 major genre groupsAverage publication year: 2022‑2025, highlighting recent releasesGeographic diversity: authors from North America, Europe, Asia and AfricaWhy This Matters for Readers and PublishersProvides a curated alternative to algorithm‑driven suggestions, reinforcing editorial authority.Boosts visibility for emerging authors and smaller presses featured alongside best‑sellers.Encourages seasonal reading habits, which can translate into higher sales during the traditionally strong summer market.Looking Ahead: Trends Shaping Summer Book ChoicesIncreasing demand for climate‑focused narratives and travel memoirs as readers seek escapism tied to real‑world issues.Growth of short‑form fiction and essay collections that suit portable reading devices.Continued crossover between literary and genre fiction, blurring traditional market boundaries.

Donald Trump’s Department of Justice announced on Friday evening that it has approved the $111 bn merger of Paramount Skydance, controlled by the Ellison family, with Warner Bros Discovery, the parent of CNN and HBO. The decision marks a pivotal step for a deal that promises to reshape the U.S. media landscape. DOJ Clears $111 Billion Paramount‑Warner Bros Merger The antitrust division concluded its eight‑month review, stating the transaction is “not likely to result in harm to competition or American consumers” across three core areas: streaming video on demand (SVOD), linear television, and studio film production. The agency reviewed over two million documents from more than 80 custodians. Financial Scale and Synergy Targets of the Deal $111 billion total transaction value. Funding includes a combined $24 billion from three Gulf sovereign‑wealth funds. Paramount projects $6 billion in synergies, citing stronger positioning against dominant tech platforms. Regulatory Scrutiny and Industry Competition Concerns While the U.S. approval is a major win, the merger faces parallel reviews: The UK Competition and Markets Authority opened an investigation with a deadline of 7 August to assess competition impact. European regulators are examining the Gulf funding sources, also due by July. Australia’s competition authority has already cleared the deal. Journalists at CBS News and CNN have warned that merging the two newsrooms could lead to significant job cuts and raise editorial‑independence questions, especially given the involvement of David Ellison and his father Larry Ellison, longtime Trump associates. Potential Legal Challenges and Future Media Landscape State attorneys general, led by California’s Rob Bonta, have signaled intent to file a lawsuit, and Bonta reiterated that “the merger … remains under investigation by my office.” Meanwhile, critics such as Craig Aaron of Free Press and Senator Elizabeth Warren argue the consolidation threatens competition, jobs, and democratic discourse. If litigation proceeds, the merger could be delayed or altered, leaving the industry in a state of uncertainty as both legacy broadcasters and streaming giants vie for audience share.

The Battle for World Cup Broadcasting Supremacy The World Cup has kicked off, and with it, the battle for broadcasting supremacy between the BBC and ITV. The two networks have taken vastly different approaches to covering the tournament, reflecting their unique styles and priorities. ITV's Celebrity-Driven Coverage ITV has opted for a celebrity-driven approach, broadcasting from New York with pundits such as Gary Neville, Ian Wright, and Roy Keane. However, this approach has been criticized for being distracted by ambient noise and lacking depth in their analysis. The inclusion of Adam Richman from Man Vs Food has also raised eyebrows. The BBC's Journalistic Approach In contrast, the BBC has taken a more journalistic approach, broadcasting from Salford with a focus on in-depth analysis and commentary. The BBC's coverage of Canada's opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina featured a montage, and an American narrator welcomed viewers. Gabby Logan anchored the broadcast, accompanied by pundits Wayne Rooney, Micah Richards, and Olivier Giroud. A Clash of Styles The BBC's approach has been praised for its more nuanced and informed analysis, with a focus on the issues surrounding the tournament, such as Gianni Infantino's Fifa, Trump, Iran, visas, and ticket prices. Meanwhile, ITV's approach has been criticized for being more superficial and lacking substance. The Verdict Ultimately, the conclusion from the opening shots of the battle of the terrestrial broadcasters is that if ITV retains the more punchy pundits, the BBC's production can offer merits made more achievable by working from home. The World Cup broadcast battle has only just begun, and it will be interesting to see how both networks adapt and evolve throughout the tournament.

The Trillion-Dollar Quest UK Business Secretary Peter Kyle has set an ambitious goal to nurture the UK's first trillion-dollar firm, a target that has raised eyebrows given the current market value of the largest UK companies. The goal is part of a broader effort to support fast-growing companies through a new 'concierge service' designed to help them navigate Whitehall bureaucracy. Investment Strategy and Risks Kyle's strategy involves increased risk-taking with public money through investment vehicles like the British Business Bank (BBB) and the National Wealth Fund (NWF). The BBB, for instance, can now make direct investments of up to £150m in a single company. A recent example is the £100m investment in Oxford Quantum Circuits, a quantum computing company. However, critics argue that this approach risks blurring the lines between political ambitions and professional investment decisions. The Data Analysis The largest company on the London Stock Exchange, HSBC, is worth £235bn. Arm Holdings, a UK chip designer listed in the US, is worth £280bn. The British Business Bank can now invest up to £150m in a single company. The National Wealth Fund has committed £599m to Rolls-Royce small modular reactors. The Impact Analysis The push for more aggressive investment has sparked concerns about the potential for political interference in investment decisions and the risk of losses with public money. While the goal of supporting UK startups and scale-ups is seen as reasonable, the emphasis on 'betting big' and finding a trillion-dollar company has raised concerns about the strategy's feasibility and the criteria for investment. The Prediction As the UK government continues to implement its interventionist industrial policy, the success of this strategy will depend on balancing ambition with disciplined investment practices. The focus should be on creating a supportive environment for startups and scale-ups while maintaining strict risk criteria to ensure the effective use of public funds.

The Unbreakable Bond of Brotherly Love In a heartwarming display of sibling support, Guéla and Desiré Doué, brothers from Côte d'Ivoire and France respectively, are making headlines at the World Cup. The brothers, born to a French mother and an Ivorian father, have always been inseparable. A Family Rooted in Football The Doué brothers' love for football runs deep. Guéla, who plays for Côte d'Ivoire, and Desiré, who plays for France, have been involved in football since they were young. They were both signed by Rennes' youth academy after Guéla's trial, with Desiré doing keepy-ups on the sidelines at just five years old. Sibling Rivalry Takes a Backseat Despite playing for different teams, the brothers are showing immense support for each other. In a recent match, when Guéla scored for Côte d'Ivoire, the camera immediately panned to Desiré on the opposition bench, who wore a wry smile. The brothers even embraced at the end of the match, with Desiré happy for his older brother's achievement. The World Cup's Sibling Phenomenon The Doué brothers are not the only siblings at the World Cup. There are six other pairs of brothers playing in the tournament, with some playing for the same team and others for different nations. The brothers' bond is a testament to the power of family and support in the world of football. A Potential Reunion on the Horizon With Côte d'Ivoire and France potentially facing off in the knockout stage, Guéla and Desiré Doué could become the next pair of brothers to play against each other at the World Cup. Only once before have brothers played each other in the tournament's history, with Jérôme and Kevin-Prince Boateng facing off in 2010 and 2014.

The Exhibition's Concept The 'Project a Black Planet' exhibition at the Barbican in London aims to explore the concept of Panafrica through art and culture. The exhibition features works by various artists, including Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, El Anatsui, and Abdias Nascimento. The Artist's Vision Lynette Yiadom-Boakye's contribution to the exhibition is notable, with her paintings of fictional people that resemble portraits. Her work invites viewers to ponder the connections between young contemporaries and their idealized ancestors. The Curatorial Approach The exhibition's curatorial approach has been criticized for prioritizing academic theory over artistic expression. The show is structured as a series of essays, with artworks chosen to illustrate specific arguments. This approach has resulted in a disjointed and tedious viewing experience. The Impact of Négritude The exhibition's focus on Négritude, a French cultural movement that emerged in the early 20th century, is an important aspect of the show. However, the curators' approach to this concept has been criticized for being overly theoretical and lacking in artistic flair. The Future of Panafrica Despite the exhibition's shortcomings, the concept of Panafrica remains an important and timely idea. The exhibition's exploration of this concept, albeit flawed, highlights the need for continued artistic and cultural exchange between Africa and the diaspora.

The Alarming State of Bee Populations Last winter, commercial beekeepers lost more than 60% of their colonies, marking their worst losses on record. This decline is not just an environmental issue but also a significant threat to the US food system, which relies heavily on bees for pollination. The Role of Industrial Agriculture Managed honeybees are essentially gig workers in agriculture, contributing over $15bn to the US food system and pollinating more than 130 types of fruits, nuts, and vegetables. However, their management is grueling and involves being trucked cross-country, fed supplements, bred for productivity, and exposed to pesticides. The Impact of Almond Pollination The annual almond bloom in California is a prime example of the challenges faced by bees. Beekeepers truck more than 2m bee colonies to the state, which is over 95% of the country's commercial colonies, to pollinate 1.4m acres of blooming almonds. This event poses significant risks, including the spread of parasitic varroa mites and exposure to agrochemicals. The Financial and Environmental Consequences The consequences of bee declines are far-reaching. Beekeepers may charge farmers more for their pollination services or have fewer bees to offer, leading to smaller harvests, more expensive fruits and vegetables, and less diversity in the produce aisle. The problem is exacerbated by the loss of floral oases where beekeepers historically produced honey and the reduction in bee research funding. A Call to Action To support bees, it is crucial to restore and increase funding for pollinator research, maintain and plant more conservation lands, and require pesticide labels to better disclose sublethal toxicities. The time has come for the food system to take responsibility and make changes to protect these vital pollinators.