World Cup Human Stories: A UNI feature paints the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a stage for 1,248 players and deeply personal journeys, from legends’ “last dances” to first-timers and diaspora/refugee arcs. Upper Nile Politics: Former Upper Nile State Legislative Assembly Speaker Joseph Deng Faroj has died in Juba, with officials praising his role during South Sudan’s early independence years. South Sudan Constitution-Making: The National Constitutional Review Commission urged journalists to join civic education and public consultations as the permanent charter process nears key milestones. Basketball Path to 2028: South Sudan and Senegal are still in the hunt for a place at the 2028 Women’s Olympics after the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament draw. Ebola Alert in the Region: An Ebola scare in Kerala ended after a suspected patient tested negative; meanwhile DR Congo’s outbreak continues to rise, prompting stronger screening across borders. Embassy Appeal: South Sudan’s embassy in Egypt asked authorities to release a detained father of three on humanitarian grounds after his wife’s death. Culture & Peace: Egypt’s Cairo Opera House hosted an International Festival for Drums and Traditional Arts with troupes including South Sudan, under a “Drums Dialogue for Peace” theme. Tech/Connectivity: Seacom launched a high-capacity Nairobi–Kampala route to boost East African digital services. Sports Coaching Watch: Malawi coach Kalisto Pasuwa called 65 players across 10 call-ups as the team seeks better results ahead of major qualifiers.