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Minister Gayton McKenzie has pulled state money from a dozen flagship festivals, putting thousands of jobs on the line. Opposition parties say the move is a political stunt that uses pandemic‑era accounting to justify the cuts. Organisers are being steered toward the opaque Mzansi Golden Economy Fund, sparking fears of patronage and a cultural backlash.

Dean of Theology Voddie Baucham says he’s been asked to run for Southern Baptist Convention president but isn’t sure he qualifies because he serves as a missionary in Zambia. The move has sparked debate among conservative Baptists about rules, leadership style and the denomination’s global reach.

In a candid France Football interview, Mohamed Salah admitted there was off‑field tension with former Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane, while insisting their professionalism never slipped. The pair still logged impressive assist numbers, helping the club win league and European titles. Salah remains a Liverpool goal‑machine; Mane now plies his trade in Saudi Arabia.

Osasuna host newly‑promoted Elche at Estadio El Sadar on 25 September 2025. The home side rides a six‑game winning streak while Elche comes in unbeaten from five league outings and a solid away record. Head‑to‑head data leans toward Osasuna, but recent form makes the result anyone's guess. Experts split between a home win, an upset or a draw, with betting markets favoring low‑scoring affairs. Key players Budimir and Silva could decide the outcome.

Elche host Real Oviedo at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero as both fresh faces in La Liga look to cement their top‑flight status. The hosts sit ninth and unbeaten, while the visitors fight to climb out of the relegation zone. Home form, recent results and head‑to‑head stats shape a tight preview that leans towards an Elche win, but Oviedo’s history adds intrigue.

World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz survived a painful ankle scare in his Japan Open debut, receiving on‑court treatment before beating Sebastian Baez 6‑4, 6‑2. The Spanish star admitted he was frightened but continued after the medical team strapped his foot. His resilience turned a risky moment into a solid win, keeping him in the tournament.

Al Nassr fell 3-2 to Kawasaki Frontale in the AFC Champions League Elite semi‑final on 30 April 2025. A last‑minute miss by Cristiano Ronaldo sealed the upset. Despite heavy investment and dominant possession, the Saudi side couldn't break through. The loss adds another trophy‑less season for the 40‑year‑old star as Al Nassr lag behind league leaders.

Millwall have completed a loan deal for Austrian international Thierno Ballo from Wolfsberger AC, with an option to buy. The 23‑year‑old brings three seasons of Bundesliga experience and a recent Austria cap. Formerly a Chelsea academy product, Ballo arrives as Millwall's tenth signing this window, aiming to boost the flanks amid injury concerns.

Just before the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris, online posts claim Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal is the winner, but the leak shows glaring errors. Fans and journalists question its authenticity while a rescheduled PSG‑Marseille match forces many nominees to miss the gala. The drama adds another layer to an already tense award night.

Chelsea’s Cole Palmer saw his flawless penalty record snapped when Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen saved his spot‑kick. The 23‑year‑old had converted 12 straight penalties before the dramatic dive. The miss came amid a goal‑scoring drought from open play, but Palmer remains a key attacker for the Blues.

Lockheed Martin is pushing a Ferrari-like F-35 upgrade that could fold sixth‑generation tech into the stealth jet at roughly half the price of a new platform. CEO Jim Taiclet says talks with the Pentagon are at a high level and may reach the White House soon. The plan follows Lockheed’s loss of the NGAD contract to Boeing and could retrofit hundreds of jets while keeping costs and timelines in check.

Ireland’s central bank has stepped back from approving Israeli government bond prospectuses, ending its role when the current document expires on September 2, 2025. Luxembourg’s CSSF approved a fresh 12‑month prospectus on September 1, enabling continued EU-wide offers. The change follows protests in Ireland over “war bonds” and raises fresh questions about oversight, politics, and investor access.