July 2025 archive — what mattered this month

July brought big moments on the pitch, roster shakeups in the NBA, a serious coastal weather alert in South Africa, and a worrying blow to press freedom in Guatemala. If you missed the headlines, here’s a clear roundup of what happened and why you should care.

Top stories

Fluminense makes history. In Porto Alegre, Fluminense fought back to beat Internacional 2-1 and reach their first Copa Libertadores final since 2008. Internacional opened the scoring through Gabriel Mercado, but late goals from John Kennedy and Germán Cano flipped the game. Expect reaction pieces about tactics, momentum going into the final, and the club’s growing continental profile.

Marcus Smart joins the Lakers. Smart signed with the Lakers in July 2025 after turning down the Suns. Reports say Luka Dončić pushed for Smart’s defensive skills with the Suns, but the Lakers reshaped their roster to bring him in. He brings gritty defense, veteran leadership, and a willingness to take physical assignments — traits the Lakers hope will help a playoff push.

Yellow Level 2 warning on the Western Cape coast. The South African Weather Service issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for damaging waves and strong winds along the Western Cape and Namaqua coasts from July 16–18. Officials warned of people being swept away and small vessels capsizing. If you live near the coast, follow local alerts, avoid beaches during the warning, and secure outdoor items.

Messi sparks Inter Miami comeback. Inter Miami came from two goals down to draw 3-3 with Philadelphia Union, with Lionel Messi delivering late magic. The comeback lifted team spirit and raised hopes ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. Coaches praised the attitude and fitness shown during the fightback.

Journalist Jose Rubén Zamora sent back to prison. A Guatemalan court reversed house arrest for Jose Rubén Zamora, a high-profile investigative journalist. Reporters Without Borders condemned the move as a threat to press freedom. This case will likely draw more international attention and calls for legal transparency.

What you need to know

For sports fans: Fluminense's win matters beyond one match — it reshapes Libertadores narratives and will affect player transfer interest and coaching decisions. Marcus Smart's arrival in Los Angeles is about defense and leadership; expect him to be a matchup specialist who changes rotations.

For people on the coast: obey weather warnings. Yellow Level 2 means dangerous conditions; stay off rocks and piers, respect closure signs, and keep an eye on updates from the South African Weather Service and local emergency services.

For anyone following media freedom: Zamora's case is a reminder that press freedom can change quickly. Follow trusted international watchdogs like RSF for developments and support reputable local reporting if you can.

Want regular updates? Bookmark Desert Rose Daily, sign up for alerts if available, and check back for deeper analysis on these stories as they develop.

By Lesego Lehari, 31 Jul, 2025 / Sports

Fluminense Stuns Internacional with Late Comeback to Book First Copa Libertadores Final

Fluminense pulled off a stunning late comeback to beat Internacional 2-1 in Porto Alegre, earning their first Copa Libertadores final appearance since 2008. After falling behind to a Gabriel Mercado goal, late strikes from John Kennedy and Germán Cano flipped the match. This dramatic win paved Fluminense’s way to an historic final victory.

By Lesego Lehari, 24 Jul, 2025 / Sports

Marcus Smart Embraces Criticism and Pressure in Bold Lakers Debut After Surprising Move

Marcus Smart signed with the Lakers in July 2025, turning down the Suns after Luka Dončić's push for his defensive skills. Smart faces changes and fan pressure, filling a key gap with his gritty play and experience. The Lakers reshaped the roster for Smart, hopeful his leadership and physicality boost their playoff push.

By Lesego Lehari, 17 Jul, 2025 / Environment

Western Cape Braces for Damaging Waves as Yellow Level 2 Weather Warning Hits Coast

Huge waves and strong winds are set to batter the Western Cape and Namaqua coastlines from July 16 to 18, 2025, as a Yellow Level 2 weather warning comes into effect. The South African Weather Service urges residents and visitors to stay clear of the coast, with risks including swept-away individuals and vessel capsizing.

By Lesego Lehari, 10 Jul, 2025 / Sports

Lionel Messi Sparks Dramatic Comeback as Inter Miami Salvages 3-3 Draw Against Philadelphia Union

Inter Miami fought back from a two-goal deficit to draw 3-3 with Philadelphia Union, thanks to Lionel Messi's late heroics. Coach Javier Mascherano celebrated the team's renewed spirit and resilience, marking a turnaround in their MLS campaign and raising hopes ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup.

By Lesego Lehari, 3 Jul, 2025 / World News

Guatemalan Court Sends Journalist Jose Rubén Zamora Back to Prison Amid Global Outcry Over Press Freedom

A Guatemalan court ordered renowned journalist Jose Rubén Zamora back to prison, reversing his house arrest. Reporters Without Borders calls this decision a threat to press freedom and links it to ongoing corruption and intimidation of investigative journalists in Guatemala.