Donald Trump has met First Minister John Swinney to discuss whisky tariffs and the situation in Gaza as his four-day visit to Scotland draws to a close.
A Scottish government source said the two leaders had a “very good conversation” which lasted between 15 and 20 minutes on the US president’s Balmedie Estate earlier.
Following the meeting, Swinney told BBC Scotland News that he believes the North Sea oil and gas industry is being “overtaxed”.
Trump later opened a new course at his Aberdeenshire golf resort and called Swinney a “terrific guy” during the ceremony. He told the crowd how his Lewis-born mother returned to her homeland “religiously” every year after she emigrated to New York aged 18.
Trump said: “We love Scotland.”
The president said he would play a round on his new golf course “very quickly” before returning to Washington DC to “put out fires all over the world”.
He added: “We’ve stopped about five wars. That’s much more important than playing golf.”
The US president raised the issue of oil and gas taxation during his meeting with Swinney.
Earlier on his Truth Social platform, Trump called North Sea oil a “treasure chest for the United Kingdom” and said taxes were too high on oil and gas production.
The Scottish government previously supported a windfall tax on the profits of various energy companies, but it has become increasingly critical of the impact the levies are having on oil and gas producers.
After his meeting with Trump, Swinney told BBC Scotland News the industry was “overtaxed”.
He would not be drawn on whether there should be a “presumption against” new oil and gas exploitation, arguing that the key point is that any new extraction must be compatible with climate change targets.
On whisky tariffs, Swinney said: “When the president came to Scotland at the end of last week, I think his view was that the trade deal with the UK was done and dusted.
Floods in Beijing have submerged roads and left residents stranded
At least 30 people have died in Beijing and more than 80,000 were evacuated to safety, Chinese authorities said, as heavy rains and floods ravage roads and houses in northern China.
Eight other people died after a landslide on Monday in Chengde city, about three hours northeast of Beijing.
China is dealing with a summer of extreme weather. Record heatwaves hit the country’s eastern region earlier this month while floods swept the country’s southwest.
Against the backdrop of the massive floods in northern China, President Xi Jinping has called for “all-out” rescue efforts and told authorities to prepare for “worst-case and extreme scenarios”.
“No effort should be spared to search for and rescue those missing or trapped, to transfer and resettle residents in affected areas, and to reduce casualties to the greatest extent possible,” the president said on Monday.
Chinese authorities have allocated 200 million yuan ($28m; £21m) for recovery efforts, including repairing transportation and other infrastructure.
The outskirts of Beijing, including the suburban districts of Miyun and Huairou, were hit hardest by the torrential rain.
The floods have damaged dozens of roads and disrupted power to more than 130 villages. Videos show rescuers wading in chest-deep floodwaters to reach stranded residents, as well as helicopters and drones ferrying food and other aid to the disaster zone.
Beijing is no stranger to flooding, particularly at this time of year. One of the deadliest in recent memory occurred in July 2012, when 190mm of rain drenched the city in a day, killing 79 people.
This summer, floods have wreaked havoc across swathes of China.
Buildings at one of Zaporizhzhia's prisons were destroyed by an airstrike
A Russian airstrike on a prison in a frontline region in southeastern Ukraine has killed 17people and wounded 42others, Ukrainian officials say.
The overnight attack in Zaporizhzhia also damaged surrounding homes, regional leader Ivan Fedorov said. Russian forces launched eight strikes using high-explosive aerial glide bombs, he added.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Russia’s “deliberate strike” on the grounds of a correctional facility, accusing Moscow of killing Ukrainians when a ceasefire “could have long been in place”.
Zaporizhzhia is one of four eastern regions in Ukraine that Russia claims to have annexed since 2022, although the region is largely under Ukrainian control.
Ukraine’s justice ministry said four bombs hit the Bilenke penitentiary, destroying the dining hall, administrative headquarters and quarantine area. All those killed and wounded were inmates, it added.
Russian forces have frequently targeted Zaporizhzhia since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Ukraine’s human rights commissioner said attacking a prison was a gross violation of humanitarian law as people in detention did not lose their right to life and protection.
US President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum to Moscow on Monday, warning that Russia had “about 10 or 12 days” to agree a ceasefire or face sweeping sanctions. Speaking during a visit to Scotland, Trump told reporters he would “announce it probably tonight or tomorrow,” adding, “there’s no reason to wait, if you know what the answer is”.
Zelensky praised Trump’s “very important words” and said that Russia was “wasting the world’s time”.
The Catholic Organisation for Social and Religious Advancement (COSRA) at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, New-Tafo, in Kumasi, has donated foods and other relief items worth over GH¢10,000 to the inmates at Missionaries of Charity Sisters of Mother Theresa New Life Home at Mbrom, a suburb of Kumasi.
The items donated to the Home include; five bags of Rice, a gallon of cooking oil, a bag of sugar, pampers, toiletries, five crates of eggs, four cartons of milk, milo, sardines, soap, detergents, powder and second hand clothes.
The donation forms part of the organisation’s 25th Anniversary Celebration.
Mr. Kelvin Kwame Acquah and Mr. Simon Oppong, the President and Vice President respectively of the Society, disclosed that charity was part of their social responsibility as their name implies and as part of the activities to mark their anniversary, deemed it appropriate to support the inmates at the Home.
According to the president, the gesture was an annual routine in support of the needy, regardless of one’s religious background.
He stated that they decided to come to the aid of the Charity Sisters upon realising that the Home lacked permanent supporters, but rather on rely on individuals, philanthropists, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Churches and religious groups.
Mr.Acquah appealed to groups, philanthropists, Churches and other societies to emulate COSRA’s gesture and come to the aid of the Charity Sisters Home to lessen the burden of upbringing the inmates.
The LEAP School in Obuasi has held its 6th graduation and awards ceremony to celebrate the achievements of 55 graduands, a reminder of the Limitless Possibilities and School’s commitment to providing quality education and nurturing young minds.
The event, themed: “Limitless Possibilities,” was held at the school premises and recognised the hard work and dedication of students, teachers, and parents.
The graduands included 11 students transitioning from Class 6 to Form 1, 39 students moving from Class 3 to Class 4, and five students who had already completed school.
Mr. Aboagye Ohene Adu, the Director of the School stated that LEAP School was committed to diversity, inclusivity and student well-being despite challenges in Ghana’s education system.
Mrs. Angela Asenso Obeng, the Headmistress of LEAP School, explained that the significance of the theme “Limitless Possibilities,” and reminded the graduates that their future was filled with opportunities waiting to be explored. She encouraged them to believe in themselves and stay true to their values.
The Obuasi Municipal Director of Education, George Alfred Koomson, commended the graduating students for their hard work and perseverance.
He emphasised the importance of education in empowering students to think critically, adapt, and lead.
He also recognised the sacrifices of parents and the dedication of teachers and urging the graduates to dream big and aspire without fearing failure.
Some teachers and parents were awarded for their hard work and dedication to the school.
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has issued a warning notice to commercial drivers who are charging unapproved transportation fares in the metropolis.
The Public Relations Unit of KMA in a statement issued on July 28, 2025, indicated that the Chief Executive Officer, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi’s attention has been drawn to the unapproved fares charged by some unscrupulous commercial drivers, who claim their action is due to the implementation of the Energy Sector Levy, popularly known as Dumsor Levy, within the metropolis.
The statement said the Tripartite Committee, comprising the Ministry of Transport, Transport Unions’ representatives (GPRTU and GRTCC) and Regulatory and Consumers Advocates, has not met to approve any new fares, stressing that it is unlawful for commercial drivers to charge unapproved fares in the metropolis.
It was further stated that the Mayor has directed the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service and Metro Guards to be deployed to major roads in the metropolis to monitor and arrest drivers who disobey the aforementioned directive.
The KMA emphasised that Commercial Drivers found charging any unapproved fares in the metropolis, are to note that “their vehicles will not only be impounded, but will also be prosecuted”.
The Assembly also urged commercial drivers and the general public to cooperate and endeavour to restore order and sanity on the road.
The long, hot summer months are here, and it’s important to take some time to reflect on the role the sun plays in our lives. It’s undeniable that the sun is an irreplaceable force in our lives, fueling plant growth, helping regulate our biological clocks, and playing a direct role in our skin’s health and vitality. Yet the same rays that bring life also carry risks — especially when it comes to our skin. In dermatology, this paradox is often summed up as “the sun is both a medicine and a menace.”
Let’s take a closer look at the fascinating yet complex relationship between sunlight and skin, unpacking its benefits, exploring its dangers, and highlighting medically supervised light therapies that harness its power for healing.
How the Sun Benefits the Skin and Body
Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin
One of the most widely recognized benefits of sunlight is its role in producing vitamin D. When ultraviolet B (UVB) rays hit the skin, they trigger a reaction that helps the body synthesize vitamin D — a nutrient essential for bone strength, immune function, and even mood regulation.
For many, just 10 to 30 minutes of moderate sun exposure several times a week can maintain adequate vitamin D levels. However, factors like skin tone, age, geographic location, season, and the use of sunscreen can affect how efficiently your body makes vitamin D.
Sunlight and Mental Health
Sunlight directly impacts our circadian rhythms, or our internal clocks. Morning light exposure helps synchronize sleep-wake cycles, improving both sleep quality and daytime alertness.
Equally important is the link between sunlight and serotonin — a neurotransmitter that elevates mood and promotes feelings of calm and focus. Reduced sunlight in the winter months is linked to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression marked by low mood, fatigue, and cravings for carbohydrates. Light therapy using full-spectrum lamps is a common treatment for SAD and mimics the effects of natural sunlight.
The Hidden Risks of Sun Exposure
Ultraviolet Radiation and DNA Damage
The sun emits three main types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation: UVC, UVB, and UVA. UVC rays are blocked by the Earth’s atmosphere, but UVB and UVA rays penetrate our skin. UVB primarily affects the skin’s outer layers and is responsible for sunburn. UVA penetrates deeper into the dermis, playing a larger role in photoaging (wrinkles, sagging, and pigmentation) and potentially contributing to DNA mutations.
These mutations, when unrepaired, can accumulate over time and lead to skin cancers, especially in people with a lot of lifetime sun exposure. That’s why non-melanoma skin cancers, like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, are more common in people over age 60.
Premature Aging and Immune Suppression
Long-term exposure to UV rays depletes your collagen and elastin fibers, leading to wrinkles, loss of skin firmness, and discoloration. Both UVA and UVB also cause immune suppression within the skin. While this can sound concerning, it’s actually utilized in clinical dermatology to treat inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis through controlled light exposure.
Medical Phototherapy: The Therapeutic Side of Sunlight
Although natural sunlight carries risks, its electromagnetic spectrum contains healing wavelengths that dermatologists have harnessed in medical treatments.
Narrowband UVB Therapy
Used in controlled settings, narrowband UVB (NBUVB) phototherapy involves exposing the skin to a specific, safe wavelength of UVB light. This treatment is effective for a range of inflammatory skin conditions, including:
Psoriasis
Vitiligo
Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
Chronic itching (pruritus)
Unlike tanning beds, which emit a broad spectrum of UV rays and are linked to increased skin cancer risk, NBUVB therapy is precisely dosed and medically supervised, minimizing the risk of side effects.
Sun Safety Tips: Getting the Best Without the Burn
Navigating the sun’s benefits while avoiding its risks starts with smart protection strategies:
Apply sunscreen daily: Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days.
Reapply every two hours: Especially after swimming or sweating.
Wear protective clothing: Hats, sunglasses, and UPF-rated garments can shield vulnerable areas.
Seek shade: Especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest.
Skip the tanning beds: They significantly increase the risk of melanoma and premature aging.
Get annual skin checks: Early detection is key to managing skin cancer effectively.
Water pelts the tops of my exposed ears, and the roar of water envelops me as I slowly walk backwards into the waterfall. My hands stretch out behind me as I make my way beneath the falling water and finally reach the back wall. My eyes are open, yet all I see is mist, while I listen to the crash of water against the pool and stone.
Wli Falls – the tallest waterfall in all of West Africa did not disappoint. It marked the beginning of my weekend trip in the Volta Region of Ghana.
Monkeys at Tafi Atome, a monkey sanctuary
The Volta Region is known for its diverse landscape. Volta region has the tallest waterfall in West Africa -Wli Falls, the highest peak in Ghana -Mount Afadjato, and it has the Volta Lake, which is the largest man-made lake in the world. I had the opportunity to visit and explore these places during my weekend stay in Ghana.
I hadn’t received too much detail on Mount Afadjato, only that the hike would be 45 minutes long, which is about the amount of time it takes me to hike my favorite trail on Spencer’s Butte, which is a prominent landmark in Eugene, Oregon.
View from the top of Mount Afadjato
Unfortunately, my internship cohort and I had spent the previous night in a hotel, that was hosting a night club, practically right next door. With pounding music and vibrations shaking our rooms until 4 a.m., it felt as if we were inside the club itself, and as you would guess, I got little to no rest. I was sleep deprived, hungry and knew I would regret it if I didn’t hike the highest peak in Ghana. Four of my peers stayed back to have a nap, while the rest of us began our trek.
It was clear when my heart started to pound after ten minutes, that this was not like my simple two-mile Spencer’s Butte hike back home. This was straight uphill, traversing high rocks and looming branches in sticky humidity, with my brain foggy and muscles drained due to the little sleep from the night before.
View from the top of Mount Afadjato
Our group took numerous breaks, me initiating some of them in the guise of needing to take a picture of the landscape. Which was half true, but mainly false. Still, we ended up making good time, helping one another when things got patchy and offering encouragement whenever it felt like the hike wasn’t for us.
45 minute hike? No, we did it in 44 minutes and we were very proud of it. Once summiting Mount Afadjato, everything opened up. We saw the lush valleys covered in green in the distance, which dipped into their own quiet valleys, while some peaks crowned the surrounding tropical forest.
After visiting the monkey sanctuary, we began our drive back towards Accra. Traveling by bus, we drove over the Volta Lake and stopped at a hotel by the waterfront to have some lunch. After filling our bellies, we took a step onto the water and cruised by boat down the largest man-made lake in the world, Volta Lake. It was lush and beautiful and I marveled at how such a vast expanse could’ve been built and not carved by nature.
I was practically drenched with sweat, my cheeks smeared brightly with red that wouldn’t cool down, and my water bottle empty from already downing it on my way up, but I couldn’t stop smiling. The view was beautiful, and well worth it.
After hiking back down the mountain and changing out of our sweaty clothes, I headed with my peers to Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary. The sanctuary was established in 1993, led by a community ecotourism initiative through Peace Corps involvement. The sanctuary is home to the Mona and Patas monkeys, who have lived alongside the villagers in the area for centuries. These monkeys were extremely friendly and I had the chance to feed them bananas and observe closely as they jumped through swaying trees and bundles of bamboo.
My peers and I were all excited to watch and interact with them. Some monkeys clinged to our arms while we fed them; others would sit for a moment, on shoulders and elbows, before bouncing off to look for more food. It seemed to me, while I was watching up in the trees, that the more I paid attention, the more I noticed how many monkeys were climbing around. I would search and find one hanging from a branch in the tree, only to find that another was perched, staring straight at me just a few feet away.
Wli falls
As our boat drifted down the calm waters of Volta Lake, and the ending note to our time in Volta, I replayed the weekend back in my mind. Each experience, the roaring waters of Wli Falls, the fast steep climb of Mount Afadjato, the playful ease of the monkeys at Tafi Atome, allowed me to develop a deeper appreciation for nature in a place so different from my home back in the States. My sense of presence was tested due to sleep deprivation, but my curiosity never wavered.
To me, the Volta Region presented itself as quiet power, spoken in the rhythms of its landscape and natural world.
By Anna Liv Myklebust, (American Intern at The Chronicle)
Nigeria artiste Burna Boy has performed at the victory parade of England’s National Women’s Football Team for winning the 2025 European Championship.
The Three Lionesses beat world champions Spain 3-1 in the penalty shootout after the game ended 1-1 at the end of regulation time and extra time. The European title win is England’s second in a row.
Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Angela Rayner.
The championship winning team made the headlines for pulling off remarkable comeback feats in the course of the competition with 19 year old Michelle Agyemang starring in the pivotal moments.
Agyemang, who is of Ghanaian descent, scored crucial goals in the quarterfinals and semifinals en route to winning the Young Player of the Tournament Award.
During the victory parade, England head coach Sarina Wiegman, who is Dutch, was given a huge surprise when one of her favourite artistes Burna Boy was introduced on stage where the two happily sang along to Burna Boy’s hit song with Ed Sheeran “For My Hand”.
As well as the Tricky Trees, Bundesliga outfits Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt have been credited with an interest in the 22-year-old this summer.
McAtee spent the majority of his early summer in Slovakia, helping England Under-21s to European Championship glory under the tutelage of Lee Carsley.
The Young Lions evaded the attentions of Spain and the Netherlands in the knockout stages before beating Germany in the final.
McAtee was a key player for England across the tournament, finding the net against La Roja and providing an assist versus the Germans.
According to journalist Pete Graves, Manchester City are holding firm as potential suitors circle around highly-rated McAtee.
The report claims that Nottingham Forest are one of the sides keen on the youngster, submitting an initial bid for the player.
However, it is understood that Man City have rejected the offer from the Tricky Trees, holding out for a bigger fee in the deal.
It is believed that the Citizens could be open to the sale of McAtee, who featured 15 times in the Premier League last season.
Forest are supposedly readty to push hard for the signature of the 22-year-old, with the East Midlands outfit preparing for a campaign in the Europa League.
With less than 12 months until the World Cup, McAtee will be plotting this way into the senior plans of England head coach Thomas Tuchel.
A campaign of fleeting appearances in the Premier League at Man City is unlikely to secure the midfielder’s spot on the plane to North America.
As a result, McAtee could benefit massively from a switch to the City Ground, where European football returns in 2025-26 after a long hiatus.
