‘They gave us bread instead of fear’: How Soviet soldiers shaped German childhoods after WWII

Portugal and Spain are facing off in the Nations League final in Munich, kicking off at 8pm BST. The Guardian is providing live updates, and readers can chime in with their thoughts via email. There’s a playful nod to another major sporting event happening simultaneously, but the focus here is on this high-stakes football clash between two Iberian rivals.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just any match—it’s a final between two fierce neighbors with a long footballing history. The Nations League might not have the prestige of the Euros or World Cup, but it’s still a competitive trophy, and bragging rights are on the line. For fans of either team (or just great football), this is must-watch drama.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is in a last-minute tug-of-war over funding for policing and local councils, with the Home Office pushing for more money just days before a major spending review. The review is expected to funnel billions into the NHS, defense, and tech—but tensions are flaring behind the scenes as departments jockey for their share.

Editor’s Note: Budget battles like this aren’t just bureaucratic squabbles—they directly affect how much cash ends up in critical services like policing or community programs. With Reeves under pressure to balance competing demands, the outcome could shape everything from crime rates to pothole repairs. It’s a high-stakes game of musical chairs, and not everyone will get a seat.

Turns out, those hefty tariffs North America slapped on imports might be doing more harm than good—even the United Steelworkers union, which you’d expect to cheer for protectionist policies, is calling them out for hurting workers instead of helping.

Editor’s Note: Tariffs are often sold as a way to shield domestic jobs, but when the very workers they’re meant to protect say they’re backfiring, it’s a sign the policy might be flawed. This isn’t just political noise—it’s a real-world example of how well-intentioned economic moves can misfire, with ripple effects for jobs, prices, and global trade tensions.

After days of choking wildfire smoke, skies are finally clearing across most of Quebec and Ontario—but the relief isn't universal. While major cities like Montreal and Toronto catch a break, parts of the Prairies, northern Ontario, and eastern Quebec are still dealing with hazy, unhealthy air.

Editor’s Note: Wildfire smoke has been a recurring nightmare this summer, disrupting daily life and health for millions. This update is a mixed bag—good news for some, but a reminder that the crisis isn't over yet. It underscores how interconnected (and vulnerable) we are to climate-driven disasters, even hundreds of miles from the flames.

This opinion piece argues that American aid to Africa isn't just charity—it’s a smart investment with both ethical and strategic benefits. The author pushes back against skepticism, insisting that foreign assistance strengthens global stability and reflects shared values, rather than being a handout.

Editor’s Note: With debates raging over the effectiveness of aid, this perspective challenges the idea that it’s wasteful. It’s a timely reminder that generosity abroad can foster long-term partnerships and address global challenges—something voters and policymakers often overlook in budget debates.