Panama declares emergency over banana region unrest

On July 26, Israel announced humanitarian corridors for aid in Gaza but simultaneously intensified violence, resulting in over 1,054 deaths at distribution points since December 2023. Critics argue that the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, funded by the U.S., is ineffective and serves as a facade for Israeli military actions, exacerbating the starvation crisis instead of alleviating it. Want More Context? 🔎

Ontario craft brewers and distillers expressed relief following the implementation of provincial alcohol tax cuts on August 1, which lower taxes and markups for spirits, ready-to-drink beverages, and local beer. However, they caution that these reductions may not lead to lower prices for consumers. Want More Context? 🔎

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, 32, has been charged with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault involving three women, following a court appearance where he was granted conditional bail. Despite the charges, he continued to play for Arsenal during two Premier League title challenges, leading to criticism from campaigners advocating against sexual violence. Want More Context? 🔎

The Trump administration's ICE is apprehending immigrants at different rates across blue and red states, with a focus on community arrests in Democratic areas, while predominantly targeting prisons in Republican ones. This disparity has intensified under Trump's policies, leading to increased community arrests in states like Massachusetts, where most detainees lack criminal records. Want More Context? 🔎

The case for an RBA interest rate cut is weak, as inflation remains within target, and a rate cut would further distort economic allocation and penalize savers while rewarding inefficiency. Calls for easing are driven by flawed economic models and political convenience, risking further currency depreciation and undermining the RBA's commitment to price stability. Want More Context? 🔎

The UK's Financial Conduct Authority has fined former fund manager Neil Woodford £46mn for mismanagement of his Equity Income fund, which collapsed in 2019, leaving 300,000 investors with losses of approximately £3.6bn. Woodford received a personal fine of £5.9mn and has been banned from senior management roles and managing retail investor funds due to the inappropriate investment decisions made during the fund's operation. Want More Context? 🔎