U.S. GDP Growth Slows to 1.5% in Second Quarter as Government Spending Declines The U.S. economy's growth rate for the second quarter of this year has significantly slowed, falling short of market expectations.The U.S. Department of Commerce announced on July 30 that the preliminary gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate for the second quarter was recorded at an annualized 1.5% compared to the previous quarter.This figure represents a decline of 0.6 percentage points from the first quarter's growth rate of 2.1% and is below the Dow Jones estimate of 1.8% from market exper July 30, 2026

UK Holds Interest Rate Steady at 3.75% Amid Inflation and Geopolitical Risks The Bank of England has decided to keep its interest rate at the current level. This decision is seen as a response to the slowing inflation and geopolitical risks stemming from the Middle East.The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of England announced on July 30 that it has frozen the interest rate at 3.75%. Of the nine members, six voted in favor of maintaining the rate, while three expressed differing opinions.This marks the fifth consecutive decision to hold rates steady since Dece July 30, 2026

Seongnam Mayor Shin Sang-jin Aims to Launch a Future Mobility Era for Citizens Shin Sang-jin, the mayor of Seongnam, reaffirmed on July 30 his commitment to ushering in a future transportation era that citizens can truly feel through innovative mobility solutions. During a performance report meeting for the 'Seongnam Mobility Specialized City Project' held at the city hall's first conference room, Mayor Shin shared the achievements of the ongoing future transportation innovations and the direction for future development with officials from the Ministry of Land, Infrastr July 30, 2026

Seongnam Mayor Shin Sang-jin Aims to Open a Future Transportation Era for Citizens Shin Sang-jin, the mayor of Seongnam, reaffirmed on July 30 his commitment to opening a future transportation era that citizens can truly feel through innovations in mobility. On this day, Mayor Shin held a performance report meeting for the 'Seongnam Mobility Specialized City Project' at the city hall's first conference room, attended by officials from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, related agencies, experts, and participating companies. He shared the achievements of the July 30, 2026

Ansan Foundation Launches Otter Protection Initiative in Ansan Reed Wetlands Gyeonggi's Ansan Foundation is initiating a systematic protection and habitat improvement program for the endangered otter, a first-class wildlife species and natural monument, in the Ansan Reed Wetlands. According to the foundation on July 30, this survey will be conducted as a non-budget project in collaboration with the Ansan Environmental Movement Union throughout 2026. The Ansan Reed Wetlands, the survey area, is recognized as a key habitat and migration route for otters. The foundati July 30, 2026

Son-in-law Charged with Killing 70-Year-Old Father-in-Law The case of a son-in-law accused of murdering his 70-year-old father-in-law has come to light.On July 30, MBC's 'True Story Investigation' will cover the 'murder of a 70-year-old father-in-law' that occurred in April.The incident became known in early May, just before Parents' Day, when the family of Kim (pseudonym), who was in his 70s, reported him missing after losing contact with him. His family became concerned when they noticed no signs of life at his home.Subsequently, a text message arriv July 30, 2026

Pope Leo XIV: 'I Love America, But My Message is for the Whole World' Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, has stated his commitment to serving as a shepherd for the entire world, transcending national boundaries.In an interview with NBC, released on July 30, the pope said, "I do not define myself as an American," adding that he views his ascension to the papacy as a coincidence for an American. The interview took place the previous day at an event in Castel Gandolfo, on the outskirts of Rome.The pope emphasized, "I have no intention of belittling my homeland, t July 30, 2026

South Korea Extends Deployment of Dongmyeong and Hanbit Troops The South Korean government has decided to extend the deployment of the Dongmyeong and Hanbit units currently stationed in Lebanon and South Sudan, and will initiate the parliamentary approval process. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on July 30 that it finalized the extension plan during the 2026 United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) Policy Council meeting, chaired by Deputy Minister Kim Jin-ah at the ministry's office in Seoul. Officials from related agencies, including t July 30, 2026

Anyang Mayor Choi Dae-ho: The Future of Pyeongchon Lies in the Hands of Its Residents Anyang Mayor Choi Dae-ho emphasized on July 30 that "the future of Pyeongchon ultimately lies in the hands of the residents who will live there."On this day, Mayor Choi announced that an online survey targeting residents will be conducted until August 7 to gather foundational data for the "Guidelines for Parks, Green Spaces, and Pedestrian Systems in Pyeongchon New Town" and the "Review of Social Infrastructure Development and Utilization in Pyeongchon New Town."Mayor Choi aims to promote the re July 30, 2026

Chey Tae-won Makes First Direct Purchase of SK Hynix Shares, Strengthening Responsible Management Chey Tae-won, chairman of SK Group, has made his first direct purchase of SK Hynix shares, signaling a commitment to responsible management. This move comes amid increased market volatility in the semiconductor sector, reflecting a strong intent to restore corporate value.On July 30, SK Hynix announced that Chey acquired 3,620 common shares through on-market transactions. The total purchase amount, based on the closing stock price, is approximately 4.785 billion won. This marks the first time Ch July 30, 2026