US economy grows at a sluggish 1.5% with inflation stubbornly high

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. economy expanded at a sluggish 1.5% pace from April through June as rising imports weighed on growth, yet consumers continued to spend. And the Federal Reserve’s favored measure of inflation grew more slowly last month. But it remained above the central bank’s 2% target at a time when Americans are frustrated about the high cost of living ahead of the midterm elections, now less than 100 days away.

Top Asia Pacific Breaking News: Latest Updates

KUMAMOTO, Japan (AP) – Rural communities in southwestern Japan were struggling to get their lives back to normal Thursday, two days after a powerful earthquake set off an explosion at a mall, toppled a factory chimney and flattened homes, killing at least 25 people.

Australian watchdog files legal action against Telegram

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) – Australia’s online safety watchdog has filed legal action against messaging app Telegram, saying the platform failed to remove extremist content including videos of white supremacist mass shootings in Buffalo, New York, and the New Zealand city of Christchurch as well as Islamic State group beheadings.

Editorials from The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and others

Editorials from The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and others

UEFA members to boycott FIFA competitions in protest of World Cup plan

GENEVA (AP) – FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private equity investors was hit hard Thursday by his former colleagues at UEFA, who agreed to boycott all the global soccer body’s competitions in protest.

US launches strikes on Iranian targets after foiled missile attack on US forces

US launches strikes on Iranian targets a day after it foiled missile attack on US forces

UK police arrests dozens at protest supporting banned group Palestine Action

LONDON (AP) – Dozens of people were arrested outside a London courthouse on Thursday after expressing support for Palestine Action, a protest group that has been banned as a terrorist organization by the British government.

Bodies brought to Gaza hospital after deadly Israeli strike

Bodies brought to Gaza hospital after deadly Israeli strike

Today in History: July 30, Jenner takes gold in Montreal

Today is Thursday, July 30, the 211th day of 2026. There are 154 days left in the year. Today in history: On July 30, 1976, Bruce Jenner, now known as Caitlyn Jenner, set a world record of 8,618 points and won the gold medal in the Olympic decathlon at the Montreal Summer Games.