Bergen County borough on the NYC fringe
Smoke from more than 800 active wildfires in Canada has blanketed parts of the US Midwest and Northeast and made air quality hazardous in cities including Chicago, Detroit and New York. Officials have issued health alerts, advised people to stay indoors, and warned that smoke will linger into the weekend before forecast rain helps disperse it.
Norway's football federation has said it will ask its board to consider filing an ethics complaint to FIFA over the decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s automatic one‑match World Cup ban after a phone call from US President Donald Trump to FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The IOC has also said it will not open a probe because the complaint falls outside its remit.
Spain defeats Argentina 1-0 in extra time to claim the World Cup title, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal. The match features a tense post-final scuffle that FIFA is reviewing; Unai Simón records a standout defensive performance.
The Brazil midfielder has joined Premier League champions Arsenal on a four-year deal, with Newcastle accepting a fee after extensive talks. Guimarães has left Newcastle, where he captained the side and helped win the 2025 EFL Cup, and will bolster Arsenal’s midfield options as they defend their title.
Chelsea has completed the signing of Emi Martínez on a three-year contract for 7.5 million pounds. The goalkeeper has declared he is ready to help the club win titles, following a career at Aston Villa and success with Argentina.
The Los Angeles Rams have added two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald returns from retirement, forming a fearsome pass-rush duo alongside Matthew Stafford as they pursue a second Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium.
US private equity firm Clearlake Capital has moved close to buying Todd Boehly and Mark Walter’s stakes in Chelsea, valuing the club at about £5bn. The deal follows Mark Walter’s attempt to raise cash to repay insurers amid a US federal tax-fraud investigation; Clearlake already controls day-to-day operations and will obtain full ownership if partners consent.
Pro-Palestinian backlash to Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour has led to Macklemore’s removal from the lineup and to radio stations in Ireland halting Sheeran’s music, with supporters planning protests and ticket resale prices dropping in some markets.
Ed Sheeran’s U.S. Loop Tour is facing a widening withdrawal of opening acts amid a backlash over his apolitical stance on Palestine. Macklemore has been dropped, after calling for a “free Palestine,” with other artists following in solidarity. Public figures accuse Sheeran of silence while the controversy unfolds.
NFL line judge Jeff Seeman has been suspended for two games and referee Adrian Hill for one game after incidents involving profanity toward Cardinals' Trey McBride and Minnesota's Eric Wilson during Week 4. The league cites unprofessional conduct and commits to ensuring on-field professionalism, with the NFL Referees Association planning discussions on disciplinary standards.