Donald Trump has nominated Hung Cao, the acting navy secretary and a 25-year navy veteran, to become the permanent secretary amid concerns about overwork and mental health issues among sailors during the ongoing Iran war. The USS Abraham Lincoln, currently deployed for nine months, has faced scrutiny for its record-setting uninterrupted time at sea and shortages of supplies, prompting calls for accountability from several Democratic lawmakers. Cao, who previously served as navy undersecretary, has been a vocal supporter of returning service members who refused the Covid vaccine and has demonstrated loyalty to Trump, recently facing challenges in the military's leadership ranks.
Tiger Woods plans to change his plea five months after his arrest for driving under the influence following a March rollover crash in Florida, with the change of plea hearing scheduled for Wednesday in Martin County. He passed a breathalyzer test but declined further testing, and police found two white pills identified as hydrocodone in his pocket, while no injuries occurred in the accident. This incident marks Woods' second DUI arrest, and he has publicly stated his intention to seek treatment for his health and well-being.
US officials defended a controversial deal granting the US majority control over 65 billion barrels, approximately one-fifth of Venezuela’s oil reserves, aiming to stabilize and rebuild democracy in the country after decades of autocracy. The agreement gives North American Blue Energy Partners 100-year rights over 17 oil fields, which could generate capital and royalty revenue for Venezuela's interim government, though critics are alarmed that democracy has not yet returned following Maduro's removal. The deal comes amid rising fuel prices, which average $4.10 a gallon, influenced by geopolitical tensions, and aims to enhance US strategic oil reserves after conflicts have disrupted global supply.
More than a third (37%) of the 5,007 prenatal reports concerning the potential welfare of unborn children in New South Wales were closed without being allocated to a caseworker, primarily due to a lack of resources. The ombudsman also found that families were unlawfully compelled to engage with child protection services without their consent, and it highlighted that in 2023-24, 648 of these reports were substantiated, with 42% pertaining to unborn Aboriginal babies. The findings raise serious concerns about the department's handling of prenatal cases, particularly regarding its misconceptions about legal powers and the need for consent from families.
Pyka, a startup based in California, is developing pilotless planes designed for crop-spraying and cargo delivery, aiming to deploy them commercially before passenger operations become commonplace. The aircraft can carry up to 300 liters of spray, fly for about 35 minutes, and have a wingspan of 11.5 meters, with a dozen already operational in Brazil for crops like cotton and soybeans. Despite facing higher safety standards compared to self-driving cars, military interest and existing defense contracts are accelerating the development of autonomous aviation technology.
The Resolution Foundation thinktank has stated that Chancellor John Healey must raise taxes on middle earners to fund an increase in UK defence spending, which is projected to require an additional £28 billion per year to meet the Labour pledge of 3.5% of GDP by 2035. Despite recent tax increases totaling £70 billion annually since 2024, the UK's tax wedge remains low at 32.4% for median earners, below OECD and G7 averages, indicating that average workers are contributing less than their peers in other developed countries. Healey is set to present his first budget on October 28, needing to secure approximately £1.4 billion annually over the next three years to support the planned defence investment.
Manchester City has equalled the British transfer fee record by signing Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea for £125 million ($169 million) on deadline day, matching the fee Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak. The 25-year-old midfielder, who was part of Argentina's team that reached the 2026 World Cup final, expressed his emotional farewell to Chelsea fans on Instagram, acknowledging the challenges he faced during his time at the club. Fernandez, who had previously signed for Chelsea from Benfica for £106 million ($143.2 million), will join a revamped midfield at City that has cost over £300 million ($405.4 million) in total.
The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has determined that Cisco may have violated the civil rights of its Middle Eastern and Muslim employees due to a hostile work environment created by anti-Arab and anti-Muslim comments on internal messaging platforms. The case originated from a complaint filed by a group of employees called "Bridge to Humanity," which included more than 1,700 signatures from Cisco's over 86,000 employees, alleging harassment and retaliation after their concerns about the company's technology being provided to the Israeli military were dismissed. The EEOC's ruling marks a significant moment in legal history as it acknowledges the rights of Big Tech workers advocating for corporate accountability related to the sales of technology to Israel.
US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that ICE agents could potentially be deployed to polling places if there is a specific threat or if serving a warrant, although he emphasized they are not there to patrol. He previously threatened to withhold federal aid from states that do not comply with homeland security election protocols, claiming to investigate allegations of non-citizen voting. Despite claims of widespread voter fraud, experts note the administration has failed to provide adequate evidence, with one instance revealing only 185 confirmed non-citizens among a claimed 16,000 registered in Nevada.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a temporary spending measure to fund the federal government until December 11, with a vote of 370 to 48, following Senate approval on August 8. This measure removes the immediate threat of a government shutdown ahead of the midterm elections on November 3, during which control of Congress will be contested, and follows three previous shutdowns totaling 161 days. The U.S. national debt has surpassed $40 trillion, and the stopgap bill delays critical decisions on spending priorities as Congress faces a tighter timeline to finalize full-year spending bills by mid-December.
Democrats have raised concerns over the leadership crisis in the Army following the resignation of Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll after 18 months due to internal clashes with Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, who has removed dozens of senior officers, including Army Chief of Staff General Randy George and half of all four-star generals. Senator Jack Reed criticized Hegseth for allegedly creating an environment where competence is overshadowed by loyalty, while Rep. Jason Crow expressed grave concern over the Pentagon being "rudderless" amid these leadership changes. Driscoll's departure follows a trend of senior exits under Hegseth, casting doubt on the Army's readiness and transformation initiatives, particularly as thousands of US soldiers remain deployed in the Middle East.
The Supreme Court of India is set to review a petition for the release of Dara Singh, convicted for the 1999 killing of Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two young sons, who were burned alive by a mob of 60 to 70 people while sleeping in their jeep. Singh, serving a life sentence since 2000, had been accused of spearheading movements against missionaries, and in addition to the Staines case, he received life sentences for burning a church and killing a Catholic priest, as well as for other violent crimes against religious minorities. In total, Singh faced 10 police cases, and while he initially received the death penalty for the Staines killings and others, it was commuted to life imprisonment by the high court in 2005.
The US State Department has proposed requiring parents to provide evidence of their own citizenship or immigration status when applying for passports for their children, part of an effort to curtail what the Trump administration describes as "birth tourism." This directive would demand documentation such as a valid US passport or a birth certificate, expanding upon Trump's August 6 executive order, which aims to restrict automatic citizenship for children of non-citizens and foreign government employees. Previously, parents only needed to verify parentage and provide photo ID, but lawyers have initiated lawsuits to challenge the enforceability of this new proposal.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called on G20 nations to adopt tariff measures similar to those of the Trump administration to combat trade imbalances, particularly in response to a 23.9% year-on-year increase in Chinese exports in July. A report by the Tax Foundation indicated that tariffs imposed during 2025 raised the retail price of imported consumer goods by approximately 7%. Despite calls for action, challenges remain as China continues to dominate export markets, and the US faces internal criticisms of its tariff policies contributing to economic uncertainty.
A lawsuit is seeking to remove John Wahl from the Alabama lieutenant governor ballot, where he is running against Democratic state Rep. Phillip Ensler in the election on November 3. The Alabama shopping center sold for $94 million, encompassing an open-air retail center totaling approximately 345,000 square feet, while Huntsville has broken ground on a $2.2 billion development for 3,500 homes. Additionally, Alabama's largest steel subcontractor recently completed work on a $425 million project in Texas.
North Carolina Rep. Chuck Edwards was officially censured by the House with a vote of 413 to 2 due to allegations of sexual harassment involving two young female staff members, following a months-long investigation by the House Ethics Committee. The committee found "substantial evidence" that he created a hostile work environment and engaged in persistent inappropriate conduct, including giving gifts totaling over $1,000, while noting no evidence of direct sexual propositions or activity. Censure in the House is rare, with Edwards being only the 29th member to receive this punishment, the last being in 2025.
A week after devastating flash floods in Nepal and Tibet that claimed over 1,000 lives and left around 4,000 missing, rescuers are focused on locating survivors trapped in roughly a dozen buried hydropower plants, with approximately 21,000 Nepali security forces engaged in the rescue efforts. The floods, caused by a glacier breaking off and plummeting into a river, have significantly altered the landscape, raising the ground by 30 to 50 feet and rendering many power stations inaccessible. As of the latest updates, nearly 300 individuals have been successfully rescued, but challenges remain as rescuers navigate dangerous conditions and seek to excavate trapped workers from the tunnel systems.
Japan's latest food trend features instant cup noodles that are made with cold water, creating a refreshing summer snack that has gone viral and sold out across the country. The BBC's Tokyo correspondent Kurumi Mori taste-tests this innovative product to see if it lives up to its cooling claims. This trend highlights a shift in how traditional instant noodles can be adapted for seasonal enjoyment.
In a violent pre-dawn shootout in the Dutch village of Overasselt, one person was killed and 34 individuals, including nationals from France, Belgium, Algeria, and the Netherlands, were arrested, reportedly linked to drug lord Jos Leijdekkers. The shooting, which occurred around 4am, involved heavily armed men and resulted in the injury of two police officers, while several weapons and vehicles were seized. The local prosecutor indicated that the suspects face various charges, including murder and manslaughter, and hinted at the possibility of additional arrests as the investigation continues.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright is traveling to Venezuela after the country approved a controversial deal granting the U.S. control over 65 billion barrels of its proven oil reserves, which constitutes about one-fifth of Venezuela's total reserves. The agreement allows the U.S. to partner with North American Blue Energy Partners to extract fuel from 17 Venezuelan oil fields for 100 years, and includes a 35% ownership stake for the U.S. Defense Department and a right for the State Department to purchase 20% of the produced oil at cost. Critics have raised concerns over the lack of transparency regarding the deal's terms, while some Venezuelan lawmakers have called for access to its full contents.
Ariana Grande concluded her Eternal Sunshine tour with an emotional performance at London's O2 Arena, attended by 200,000 fans over its 10 shows, as she prepares to step back from public life due to health concerns and public scrutiny. During her final night, she connected with the audience while performing emotional tracks, notably One Last Time, which resonated as an anthem for Manchester attack survivors. Grande announced her hiatus last month to focus on acting and set boundaries, while assuring fans that her decision came from a "thoughtful, empowered place."
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed urgent concerns over the lack of access to Iran’s nuclear sites, particularly highlighting the Isfahan plant, which has been targeted by the US and Israel. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi emphasized the need for a diplomatic agreement to resolve ongoing issues related to Iran’s nuclear activities, while Iran's Atomic Energy Organization insists that inspections should follow specific protocols due to previous military strikes. Despite claims from US President Donald Trump regarding the destruction of Iran's nuclear facilities, the IAEA reports that Iran's enriched uranium levels remain unaccounted for and exceed civilian needs, although they are not at weapons-grade levels.
The recent US-Venezuela oil deal grants a US-led company 100-year concessions over 17 oilfields, controlling 65 billion barrels of crude, which is over 20% of Venezuela's proven oil reserves. Valued at $100 billion in investment and projected to generate over $200 billion in tax revenue, both President Trump and interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez hailed the agreement as historic, although critics, including Elliott Abrams, condemned it as detrimental to Venezuela's national interests. The deal also allows the US government to have veto power over board appointments in the Venezuelan private oil company North American Blue Energy Partners (Nabep), raising concerns about management and the potential long-term benefits for both nations amidst Venezuela's struggling oil sector.
Erin Piacenti, a 32-year-old vice president at Bank of America, was fatally stabbed in Times Square during a random attack, making headlines in the bustling heart of Manhattan. Alongside Piacenti, a 68-year-old man also suffered stab wounds but is reported to be in stable condition; the assailant, 49-year-old Pamela Cisneros, was shot and killed by police after brandishing knives and failing to comply with orders. Bank of America expressed deep sorrow over Piacenti's death, highlighting her contributions to the company since she joined 18 months ago, while NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch noted the attack appeared to be unprovoked and linked to Cisneros's documented mental health issues.
Harold Gene Lucas, 74, is set to be executed in Florida on Tuesday for the murder of 16-year-old Jill Piper in 1976, marking the 14th execution in the state this year. Lucas has been sentenced to death multiple times since 1977, with the final sentence occurring in 1990 after a series of court rulings. Florida has led the U.S. in executions this year, carrying out more than half of the total 23, with two additional executions scheduled later in September.
Bari Weiss's leadership at CBS News has led to accusations of Islamophobia, particularly in her handling of Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, whom she linked to the 9/11 attacks. CBS reported on El-Sayed's deleted tweets regarding the 9/11 attacks, with Weiss allegedly directing the framing of the story to emphasize this connection, despite the tweets advocating a serious approach to the COVID-19 pandemic, which claimed around 200,000 lives. This incident reflects a troubling bipartisan trend of dehumanization of Muslims, reminiscent of tactics used in the early 2000s, as well as the current backlash against multiculturalism noted in shifting public opinions where a majority of Democratic voters oppose Israel's actions in Gaza.
The San Francisco 49ers have added three players to their practice squad recently, as the team hopes to see Mike Evans return to practice next week. Notably, a former 49ers cornerback was the most claimed player on the waiver wire, indicating a heightened interest in him across the league. Additionally, the 49ers featured six players in ESPN's Top 100 prediction for the upcoming season.
On September 1, 2026, the US military launched significant strikes against Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in response to their missile attacks targeting US interests, with President Trump emphasizing the strikes as "large and powerful." In a related incident, Jordanian forces intercepted 10 out of 13 Iranian ballistic missiles that entered their airspace, ensuring no casualties occurred. Additionally, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced forthcoming sanctions on Iran, including measures targeting bank activities linked to the IRGC, asserting a commitment to economically isolate the Iranian regime.
Milo Yiannopoulos, a British far-right commentator, expressed feelings of terror and humiliation following his arrest and deportation by ICE, stating it was his first experience of genuine fear. He was arrested at New Orleans airport after overstaying his visa, with DHS noting a final removal order issued by an immigration judge on July 22, following his failure to attend an immigration hearing. Yiannopoulos, 41, who previously supported Donald Trump's immigration policies, said he now feels ashamed of that support, stating he did not realize the extent of the brutality in the U.S. immigration system.
Dutch police arrested 34 suspects following a drug-related shooting in Overasselt that resulted in the death of a 51-year-old security guard and injuries to two police officers. The incident involved a large group of masked men who opened fire as police investigated suspicious activity, and it is believed to be linked to a long-standing conflict in the area, with the same house having been shot at a dozen times in a previous incident. The arrested suspects include individuals from the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Algeria, and the investigation continues amidst concerns over violence connected to the criminal underworld and notable figures like drug lord Jos Leijdekkers.