A massive strip of the Amazon forest has been left without its protective status. The decree announced on Wednesday leaves a large nature reserve open to lucrative mining in an area rich in gold and manganese. Apparently having a rich biosphere that helps to combat climate change is less important than shiny rings.

Another day and another press conference for Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather saw a more subdued tone. Following months of raucous expletive-laden posturing, just two days stand between the two and a much-promoted showdown. Mayweather, remaining calm, assured media of his capabilities as a fighter, while McGregor promised a fight lasting less than two rounds.

The driver of a van carrying gas canisters near a concert in the Netherlands has been arrested. Acting on a tip-off by Spanish police, Dutch security swooped in on the van, made the arrest, and conducted forensic investigations. The band, a Californian group called Allah-Las, were escorted off stage and the show cancelled.

American rapper Joey Bada$$ has cancelled three shows after defiantly staring into the eclipse. Bada$$ tweeted “This ain’t the first solar eclipse and I’m pretty sure our ancestors ain’t have no fancy eyewear. Also pretty sure they ain’t all go blind,” before staring into said eclipse. Now, Mr Bada$$ is reporting seeing distorted colours. Science – 1, Joey Bada$$ – 0.

Weather
BFN: min: 2° max 18°, cloudy
CPT: min: 12° max: 16°,  cloudy
DBN: min: 11° max: 21°, sunny
EL: min: 9° max: 18°, cloudy
JHB: min: 5° max: 19°, cloudy
KIM: min: 3° max: 19°, sunny
NLP: min: 8° max: 29°, sunny
MHK: min: 2° max: 23°, sunny
PMB: min: 8° max: 19°, sunny
PE: min: 9° max: 17°, cloudy
PTA: min: 8° max: 19°, sunny

Financial Data
Oil=$50.88
Gold=$1,273.07
Platinum=$963.27
R/$=13.31
R/€=15.63
R/£=17.13
$/€=0.88
JSE All Share=54,983.32
DJIA=21,999.36
FTSE 100=7,383.85