Czech police have begun exhuming the remains of former Czechoslovak Foreign Minister Jan Masaryk to investigate the circumstances of his death nearly 80 years ago. Masaryk was found dead on March 10, 1948, in his pajamas below his bathroom window, with theories about his death ranging from suicide to murder by Soviet agents. The investigation aims to clarify these long-standing speculations, utilizing modern forensic methods on the remains buried at Prague's Olsany Cemetery.
New lawsuits filed against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman allege that executives prioritized the company's public image over safety in relation to the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting, where the alleged shooter, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, killed five students and a teacher. Thirty complaints were filed in federal court by those present at the shooting, with previous lawsuits citing a failure to notify law enforcement despite OpenAI's internal systems flagging Van Rootselaar's account for "gun violence activity and planning" eight months prior. OpenAI disputes the claims, asserting that their decision-making prioritizes safety and that the relevant personnel were not involved in the referral process at the time of the incident.
The US Department of Energy has warned of an increased risk of power outages in the PJM Interconnection, which serves 67 million people from Washington DC to Chicago, as a heatwave is expected to push temperatures above 90°F (32°C) during peak electricity demand. To mitigate this risk, Energy Secretary Chris Wright authorized PJM to utilize backup generation resources before possibly declaring a level three energy emergency alert, which could lead to rotating blackouts. Additionally, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (Miso) anticipates peak demand nearing record levels at about 121 gigawatts, approaching its all-time high of 127.1 GW, and has taken steps to increase reserve requirements amid these tight conditions.
US pop star Lizzo expressed relief after a district judge dismissed all claims in a lawsuit from her former wardrobe assistant Asha Daniels, which included allegations of "degradation, forced physical labor, denial of medical care, sexual harassment, and racial harassment." Although Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc. remains a defendant, the judge ruled that Daniels failed to demonstrate a general hostility towards women or specific discriminatory treatment, and her injuries did not qualify as disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Lizzo vowed to continue fighting the claims against her and her business while promoting positivity on her platform.
At least 22 people were killed and 28 injured in a bus crash in eastern Egypt on the road between Dahab and Nuweiba. Among the deceased, reports indicate that up to 10 were Jordanian nationals, while the cause of the accident remains unknown. Deadly road accidents are prevalent in Egypt, with nearly 6,000 fatalities reported in 2025, often attributed to reckless driving and poor road maintenance.
Alex Kiprotich, an associate editor for The Standard in Kenya, was abducted by armed men on Tuesday at around 9:20 p.m. and released nine hours later near Masinga Dam, over 200 kilometers away. The abduction involved four masked men who confronted Kiprotich while he was in a car, and his employer expressed deep concern over the incident, suggesting it may be part of a targeted attack on journalists. Human rights groups report a rising trend in abductions of government critics in Kenya, with dozens occurring this year amid increasing government repression following anti-government protests.
Since September 2025, the US military has conducted over 60 strikes on suspected drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of more than 220 individuals as part of Operation Southern Spear. The campaign, aimed at combating "narcoterrorism," has been criticized for its lack of transparency regarding the identities of the victims, the evidence supporting strikes, and the selection process for targets. The investigation, titled "Killing at Sea," explores the human impact of these operations through personal stories, witness accounts, and legal analysis, questioning the legality and effectiveness of the military actions.
Duane "Keffe D" Davis was found guilty of murder this week for his role in the 1996 fatal shooting of rapper Tupac Shakur, marking the first conviction in the case nearly 30 years after Shakur's death at age 25. The conviction, based on Davis's own confessions and admissions, has elicited mixed emotions among Shakur's fans, who feel that while justice has been served, the verdict is "long overdue," especially since some key figures have since passed away. Davis, now 63, faces at least 40 years in prison and is set to be sentenced in October.
In Karachi, Pakistan, a recent outbreak of HIV among children has been linked to unsafe medical practices at Kulsum Bai Valika Hospital, where parents report that reused syringes led to infections. In total, 494 children were first diagnosed with HIV in Larkana seven years ago due to similar healthcare system failures, and now, dozens of new cases have emerged in Karachi, with at least six children dying as a result. As of this year, the World Health Organization estimates there are 350,000 active HIV cases in Pakistan, highlighting an alarming surge in infections among children.
Iran has accused the US of committing a "war crime" after a missile blast at a wedding in Kuhestak, Hormozgan province, killed at least four people, including a four-year-old child, and injured 68 others. This missile strike, attributed to the US, ended a month-long truce between the two nations, which has heightened fears of escalating hostilities and prompted Iran to retaliate with drone and missile strikes on US bases across the Middle East. The US Central Command acknowledged knowledge of civilian casualties but maintained that it does not target civilians, while reports indicate that the missile used in the attack was likely a GPS-guided Slam-Er missile manufactured by Boeing.
More than 900 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza this year, with over 1,300 Palestinians reported dead since the ceasefire began on October 10, including 301 children. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) disputes the Hamas-run Ministry of Health's figures, which are supported by the UN and conflict monitoring group Acled, claiming around 200 Israeli strikes occurred during the ceasefire targeting Hamas operatives. The IDF acknowledges five soldier deaths since the ceasefire and states it operates with the intent to mitigate civilian harm, while experts indicate that Gaza has seen "a ceasefire in name only," resulting in continued civilian casualties.
During a recent press conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to questions about potential strikes on UK military facilities by stating, "That's a secret," which leaves the UK's security position ambiguous and suggests psychological pressure from Moscow. Putin also made veiled threats against Western countries, referring to them as "sharks" and asserting that Russia is prepared to retaliate if provoked. Despite acknowledging Ukraine's ongoing resistance and Russia's difficulties in the war, Putin expressed confidence in Russia's eventual victory and openness to negotiating terms of peace, specifically mentioning former Trump administration officials as preferable negotiation partners.
Donald Trump has nominated acting navy secretary Hung Cao to permanently take on the role, highlighting his 25 years of military experience, as concerns rise about the strain on sailors during the ongoing Iran conflict, particularly following the USS Abraham Lincoln's record-setting nine-month deployment. Iran recently intensified its attacks on US sites across the Middle East, with a six-month conflict leading to a significant escalation that reportedly resulted in 18 casualties. In other political news, Senator Ed Markey won the Democratic primary in Massachusetts, while two House representatives faced backlash for their alignment with Republicans on a procedural vote, and Governor Kathy Hochul criticized Trump for withholding $87 million in counter-terrorism funds from New York.
On August 28, 2026, President Trump announced a deal with Venezuela that would grant the US control over more than 65 billion barrels of Venezuela's proven oil reserves, which is over one-fifth of the country's total and aims to increase US oil production by 200,000 barrels per day. Despite hopes of reducing gas prices for Americans, analysts have indicated that US crude prices have actually risen since the announcement, with West Texas Intermediate crude prices moving from $83-$86 per barrel before the deal to higher levels thereafter. The US is currently importing over 500,000 barrels per day from Venezuela, significantly impacting the country's national output of 1.25 million barrels per day.
Madagascar's former Senate president, Richard Ravalomanana, was sentenced to 10 years of hard labour for his complicity in the violent suppression of youth-led protests that occurred in September and October 2025, leading to the ousting of former President Andry Rajoelina. During the protests, at least 22 people were killed and over 100 were injured, which prompted a political crisis resulting in a new administration led by Col Michael Randrianirina. Ravalomanana denied the allegations, claiming he did not order violence against demonstrators, and intends to appeal the ruling while facing a separate corruption investigation.
In response to massive protests led by digitally-savvy Gen Z students against corruption in India's examination systems, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with this demographic by posting multiple Instagram reels, with the ruling BJP appearing to adapt to new social media strategies for the first time in their 12-year rule. The protests, organizing under the name Cockroach Janta Party, resulted in the ousting of India's Education Minister and saw the Indian government facing accusations of excessive violence against protesters, including criminal charges against thousands of individuals, which India's top court recently ordered to be dropped. As the BJP struggles to regain its footing, it has shifted its communication tactics to include platforms like Snapchat and informal language in political discourse, reflecting the need to connect with younger voters.
The U.S. military has conducted a second round of strikes against Iranian military targets, responding to Iranian threats to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran claiming civilian and military casualties from these strikes. Around 4 million barrels of crude oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz daily in August, which is only a third of pre-war levels, while Iran seeks to negotiate a temporary reopening of the waterway with Oman. Additionally, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has acquired enough body cameras to equip all its officers, addressing long-standing transparency concerns after federal immigration officers were involved in over two dozen shootings during the Trump administration.
Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed over 40 employees for alleged corruption and financial misconduct in the past three years, with five facing prosecution. The EFCC reported recovering 1.23 trillion naira (approximately $923 million) and achieving a 75% conviction rate, having investigated 39,615 cases and secured 10,872 convictions between October 2023 and July 2026. In the first half of 2026, the commission recorded 1,370 convictions from 1,889 filings.
Top U.S. Postal Service officials expressed concerns that new mail voting regulations could delay or block ballots from reaching eligible voters, yet the rules proceeded under an executive order from President Donald Trump. The new system requires states to submit lists of voters eligible for mail-in ballots, which could lead to the rejection of entire batches if a single ballot is found unverified, a process criticized as "secretive, rushed, and flawed." Lawsuits have been filed against the new rules, with a federal court temporarily blocking them, and there are doubts about whether the system can be operational in time for the election, especially with over 2 million ballots often mailed out at once in areas like Maricopa County, Arizona.
The city of Kuhestak in southern Iran was hit by multiple overnight strikes from the U.S. military during a wedding ceremony, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including a four-year-old, and leaving over 60 others injured. Witnesses reported that at least three missiles were used, one creating a 1.5-meter hole in the ground and directly impacting the wedding venue, which was confirmed to be a civilian site, with footage showing severe damage and injured children. The Iranian Red Crescent Society has documented the incident and sought legal action against the U.S. for this attack, which is described as part of a broader pattern of violence against Iranian civilians.
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes faces a 10-match suspension after being involved in a brawl following the World Cup final against Spain, where he shoved Spain's midfielder Gavi. Paredes, who is 32 years old, expressed that the suspension and Lionel Messi's retirement from international duty have made him reconsider his future with the national team, adding that he and teammate Nahuel Molina each received a fine of $90,000 and faced multiple assault charges. The Argentina national team is set to play two unconfirmed friendly matches in September as they prepare to defend their Copa America title in 2028.
David Bowie's 3D documentary, "David Bowie: Unseen Unheard," features hundreds of previously unseen images and plays across eight screens with 84 hidden speakers, combining 12 of his songs with commentary from his official photographer Denis O’Regan, showcasing nearly 800 photographs. This documentary is part of the Venice Immersive festival, which includes 69 extended reality pieces, and marks a milestone as it celebrates its 10th anniversary by bridging emergent technology and traditional cinema storytelling. The festival highlights a focus on climate change with works like the LA wildfire documentary "Out of the Ashes" and invites viewers to engage with new forms of art in a rapidly evolving medium.
Iran has launched missile and drone attacks at US targets in the Middle East after American forces resumed strikes, leading to four fatalities, including a child, during wedding celebrations in southern Iran due to a reported US missile strike. The US military states it does not target civilians and conducted strikes in response to "recent attempted attacks" on American forces and shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. BBC Verify has analyzed footage and consulted experts regarding the strike, while the US acknowledges awareness of civilian casualty reports.
New South Wales police are investigating the shooting of a man in his 30s in Merrylands West as a potential case of mistaken identity, marking the second fatal shooting in two days. The victim had no known connections to organized crime, despite the property being associated with such activities, and emergency services pronounced him dead at the scene after responding to the incident around 3:15 PM. This follows the killing of 23-year-old Marco Tapia in his home in Campbelltown, who was also not known to police, raising concerns about escalating gang violence in Sydney involving the Alameddine network and the Coconut Cartel.
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp announced a new FedEx Cup playoff model set to begin in 2028. The 126th U.S. Amateur quarterfinals will feature eight elite amateurs competing after six Americans advanced through a challenging Thursday at Merion Golf Club. Additionally, 21-year-old Jackson Koivun is gaining attention as a potential standout, having won in his third professional start as the countdown to the Presidents Cup continues.
Four people have been charged with murder after a newborn baby girl was stabbed to death in Sheffield, including two men and two women, who will appear in court on Wednesday. The accused also face charges of causing or allowing the death of a child and perverting the course of justice, with a 15-year-old girl additionally charged for attempting to conceal the killing. Police discovered the infant's body during a search on Sunday, following reports of concern, and a forensic postmortem confirmed the cause of death as stab wounds.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russian airspace is becoming unsafe for commercial airlines due to an increasing number of Ukrainian attack drones, with Ukraine reportedly capable of launching several hundred drones per day and aiming for a target of 1,000. This situation follows Ukraine's military strikes on locations deep within Russia, including oil refineries and military sites over 125 miles (200 km) from the border, while Ukraine's own airspace has remained closed since February 2022 due to safety concerns. In response, President Vladimir Putin announced plans to step up strikes against Ukraine's energy infrastructure, asserting that Russian forces are still taking the initiative in the conflict despite slowed progress, while dismissing Zelenskyy's warnings as "state terrorism."
After a record 250 days at sea, the USS Abraham Lincoln, with nearly 5,000 crew members, docked in Pattaya, Thailand, providing a long-awaited break as many businesses hope to benefit from their presence. The visit marks the largest number of US military personnel arriving straight from a war zone in Pattaya since 1975, amid concerns from Congress about the crew's working conditions during their diverted mission. While the Thai authorities aim to ensure the sailors avoid areas known for sex tourism and other prohibited activities, local businesses are optimistic, with one gem shop offering discounts to encourage spending.
Relatives of Benjamin Halona, a 67-year-old New Mexico man fatally mauled by a bear in his home, remember him fondly for his career as a wildlife firefighter and his passion for selling tamales, rather than the circumstances of his death. Halona was attacked on August 20 while recovering from a seizure that limited his mobility, and his stepson, Casey, narrowly escaped by barricading himself and calling for help when he returned home to find the bear inside. Following the incident, which resulted in the bear's death by police, Halona's family is coping by cherishing his memories, including his famous tamales and a memorable encounter with country singer Waylon Jennings.
Barclays Bank is facing a formal complaint for its financial support of the Rampal coal-fired power station near the Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is alleged to threaten the area's environment and the livelihoods of millions. Complainants claim Barclays did not conduct adequate due diligence on the environmental and human rights risks associated with backing organizations involved in the project, including underwriting debt for NTPC Ltd and bond issues for the Export-Import Bank of India between 2016 and 2019. A study last November indicated elevated levels of mercury and arsenic in the Sundarbans' waterways, raising concerns about the significant environmental threat posed by the Rampal power station and its potential contribution to climate issues in a vulnerable region.