First Edition of Sports, Entertainment, and Leisure National Expo Opens in Setif
The first edition of the Sports, Entertainment, and Leisure National Expo 2026 opened on Thursday at the Setif amusement park, with the participation of 48 exhibitors from various provinces of the country. Mr. Khaled Mehennaoui, director of the Office of Culture and Tourism of the Municipality of Setif, the organizing body of the event, stated in a press release to APS that the expo, which will continue until next Sunday, is being organized in coordination with the People’s Assembly (APC) and two private companies, under the supervision of the wali of Setif, Mr. Mustapha Limani. The expo, part of the annual program of the Office of Culture and Tourism, is the first of its kind in Setif province and stands out for its importance and diversity of exhibitors, including sports associations in various disciplines and manufacturers of sports equipment. The event will feature 15 conferences led by specialists and experts in the field, addressing four main themes: national strategy in sports, leisure, and entertainment, sports as a driver of healthy behaviors, integrating technology into sports, and sports training, according to Mr. Mehnnaoui. On the other hand, Mr. Nabil Demdoum, president of the Wilaya Association “Sport for All,” emphasized that their presence at the event aims to not only support inter-neighborhood football tournaments but also to promote new services and activities such as sports fishing, teqball, speedball, and hockey. Mr. Hicham Bouaoud, director of a football sports academy, sees this event as a unique opportunity to bring together young people and foster exchanges. He highlighted that his academy signed a partnership agreement with a national company specializing in manufacturing footballs compliant with FIFA specifications at the beginning of the expo. The expo was inaugurated by the wali of Setif, Mr. Mustapha Limani, along with the president of the Municipal People’s Assembly, Hamza Belayat, and representatives of numerous companies in the sports and leisure sector and civil society.
Tickets for World Cup 2026: California Concerned About Deceptive Commercial Practices
California’s Attorney General, Rob Bonta, requested clarification from FIFA on potential deceptive commercial practices related to ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada (June 11 – July 19). Based on an investigation by The Athletic, several fans who bought “category 1” tickets, the most expensive, were given seats initially presented as lower category. The Attorney General sent questions to FIFA in a published letter regarding a potential violation of California law, which offers strong consumer protection. California will host World Cup matches in Los Angeles and Santa Clara near San Francisco. High ticket prices have been a point of contention leading up to the first World Cup with 48 countries. California consumers who feel misled are encouraged to file complaints. FIFA responded to The Athletic in April indicating that stadium plans presented at the time of purchase, and subsequently modified, were only “indicative.”
89 Dead Due to Severe Weather in Northern India
At least 89 people have died due to severe weather in the state of Uttar Pradesh, northern India, officials reported on Thursday. Victims were reported in several districts of the state on Wednesday due to severe weather conditions, including strong winds, heavy rains, and lightning. Continuous monitoring is being conducted to ensure necessary funds are provided, particularly following incidents of trees and electric poles falling due to strong winds. In a separate incident in the Fatehpur district, nine people were killed and 16 injured as a result of a violent storm. Authorities continue to monitor affected areas, including in Budaun and Sonbhadra districts.
France: Unemployment Rate Reaches Five-Year High
France’s unemployment rate rose to 8.1% in the first quarter of 2026, reaching its highest level since the first quarter of 2021 according to a report from the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (Insee). Data shows an increase in the number of unemployed individuals compared to the previous quarter, with youth being particularly affected with a 21.1% unemployment rate among 15-24 year-olds.
Currency: US Dollar Rises Against Euro
The US dollar strengthened against the euro on Friday due to geopolitical factors. The dollar was up 0.29% against the euro and 0.31% against the pound sterling. Global economic uncertainty caused by military escalation in the Gulf and the Middle East contributed to fluctuations in interest rates of British government bonds.
China Launches Lijian-1 Y13 Rocket to Orbit Five Satellites
China successfully launched a Lijian-1 Y13 carrier rocket on Friday to place five satellites in orbit. The rocket took off from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwest China and placed the satellites in their intended orbits.
9 Security Personnel Killed and 21 Injured in Suicide Attack in Pakistan
At least nine security personnel were killed and 21 others injured after an individual driving a vehicle loaded with explosives targeted a scout camp in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The explosion took place at the scout headquarters in the Bajaur district, causing damage to the entrance and walls of the compound. Several terrorists were also killed during the exchange of fire.
