Congressman James Clyburn acknowledged that his support for Clarence Thomas during the 1991 Supreme Court confirmation hearings was a mistake, stating that Thomas has abandoned his principles and become an extremist on the bench, particularly criticizing his rulings that overturned abortion rights and affirmative action in higher education. Clyburn, who previously admired Thomas for his background and experience, expressed disappointment in Thomas's departure from civil rights ideals, noting that he had hoped Thomas would uphold constitutional precedents such as the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision. Clyburn supports expanding the Supreme Court from nine to thirteen justices as a potential Democratic strategy, reiterating his belief that “thirteen is a pretty good number” for the court.
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international soccer for Argentina after 21 years, during which he played 207 games and became the all-time leading scorer with 125 goals. He won the World Cup in 2022, which fulfilled a long-awaited dream, but faced frustrations earlier in his career, including a brief retirement in 2016. Messi, who is 39 years old and will continue playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, expressed deep emotions about his decision, thanking fans for their support throughout his journey.
Pabst Brewing Company is seeking help on social media to recover 40,000lbs (18,144kg) of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer stolen from a California distribution center, valued at $25,000 (£18,500). The theft involved an alleged thief using false documentation to pick up the beer, and it coincided with another theft of a $45,000 (£33,000) shipment headed for Tucson that was reported on August 17. Pabst is emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and has offered a reward, stating the thief has "exactly 18 days and 44 minutes" to return the stolen beer.
Two middle schools in Tyler are engaging in a competitive food drive called the "pantry raid" in support of the East Texas Food Bank. This yearly event not only fosters teamwork among students but also aims to gather as much food as possible for local families in need. The competition results in a friendly rivalry that contributes significantly to addressing food insecurity in the community.
On August 17, thieves stole approximately 34,000 cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon and Old Milwaukee beer, valued at $70,000, from a distribution center near Los Angeles in two separate heists. The first theft involved about $45,000 worth of beer intended for Tucson, Arizona, while the second theft, an hour later, yielded another $25,000 worth using fake documents. Pabst has engaged with the incident on social media, urging the thief to return the beer and noting that the stolen cargo weighed around 40,000 pounds.
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has become the worst in the country's history, with over 6,041 confirmed cases and nearly 2,911 deaths, while 619 patients remain in isolation. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres characterized it as the fastest-spreading Ebola epidemic ever recorded, as new infections outpace efforts to track and respond to cases, exacerbated by lack of monitoring and pre-existing humanitarian challenges. Compounding these issues, frontline healthcare workers have gone on strike over unpaid wages and poor working conditions, as airport closures and flight restrictions hinder healthcare provision.
India has rejected a ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration mandating it to comply with the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, claiming the tribunal lacks jurisdiction. The conflict arose after India suspended the treaty following a terrorist attack in Kashmir that killed 26 people, which it attributed to Pakistani assailants, despite Pakistan's denial of involvement. Under the treaty, which is crucial for Pakistan's agriculture as it feeds 80% of its agricultural land, the tribunal ordered restrictions on India's Ratle Hydro-Electric Plant construction until a decision by a neutral expert is expected in July 2027.
The Pentagon downplayed a Washington Post report stating that four senior military leaders formally advised against prolonging the Iran war, with plans for over 50,000 US troops potentially extending through 2027. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell acknowledged that senior commanders often submit "non-concurs" regarding military operations but defended the troop commitment based on current threat assessments. In a related context, Hegseth estimated the war's costs at $37.5 billion, while Trump declared Iran a "Failed Nation" due to its severe economic struggles, including 300% inflation and military deficiencies.
A newly developed AI tool can detect heart disease from ECG results in under two seconds by analyzing data beyond human capability, which could significantly speed up treatment for high-risk patients. In a trial involving 67,000 patients in the US, the AI accurately identified up to 81% of those with heart failure and 90% of those with heart valve disease. With about one billion ECGs performed globally each year, this technology has the potential to enhance early diagnosis and prioritize patients for further testing, ultimately improving clinical outcomes.
Israeli attacks across Gaza have reportedly killed at least five people, with two fatalities occurring from an air strike on a crowd near a public park and three others from a separate strike on a vehicle. Since the "ceasefire" agreed in October 2023, the Gaza Ministry of Health has documented 1,313 Palestinian deaths due to Israeli assaults, while nearly 73,500 Palestinians have been confirmed killed since the onset of the conflict, alongside approximately 174,500 injured. Additionally, 4,000 to 5,000 Palestinians are currently missing and believed to be buried under rubble in Gaza.
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football at age 39, following Argentina's second consecutive World Cup final appearance in July 2026, where they lost 1-0 to Spain. He expressed his emotional struggle with the decision on Instagram, recognizing it as the right time to step back after previously leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup final against France. Messi’s contract with Inter Miami is set to last until the end of the 2028 season.
A couple broke into a home to retrieve their lost dog and kidnapped three-year-old Naijah in the process. Additionally, about 1.2 million Texas voters have been placed on the state's "suspense" list ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. In other news, Lionel Messi announced he is ending his career with the Argentine national team.
John Galliano has cancelled an upcoming exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, titled "John Galliano: Horizons," scheduled to open in May 2027, following criticism related to his 2011 antisemitic remarks and conviction. Galliano expressed deep regret for the pain caused to the Jewish and Asian communities, acknowledging that meaningful atonement cannot be achieved through an exhibition and recognizing that honoring his work would be hurtful to some. His decision was supported by Vogue's Anna Wintour and local political leaders, who emphasized the need for sensitivity given the current rise of antisemitism.
Lionel Messi, the 39-year-old Argentine football legend, announced his international retirement following a disappointing loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, where he scored eight goals, making him the second top scorer of the tournament behind Kylian Mbappe. He holds the record for the most capped player in Argentina's history with 207 appearances and 125 goals, and under his captaincy, Argentina won both the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles. Despite his retirement from international football, Messi continues his club career with Inter Miami, having signed a contract that runs until the end of the 2028 MLS season.
Lionel Messi, 39, has announced his retirement from international football after an illustrious career with Argentina, where he scored 125 goals in 207 appearances, making him the country's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player. He expressed that it was a difficult decision, especially following the death of his father, and emphasized the emergence of talented young players who deserve their chance. Messi's international career included winning the World Cup in 2022 and scoring 21 goals in World Cup history, making him the second-highest goalscorer, behind France's Kylian Mbappe.
President Donald Trump has labeled Iran as a "Failed Nation," highlighting its lack of military assets and severe inflation of 300%, while calling for its leadership to be tried for "war crimes against humanity," citing a death toll of over 100,000 protesters. The US-Israel conflict with Iran has now entered its seventh month, and recent hostilities resumed after the US attacked Iran’s Larak Island, prompting Iranian missile strikes on a base in Jordan housing US troops. Trump vowed to retaliate against Iran's actions, increasing concerns about the escalation of military confrontations between the two nations.
With weeks to go before the November 3 local elections, discussions revolve around whether President Trump’s policies are benefitting or harming the Republican Party. Niall Stanage suggests that the Trump administration's approach to the US-Iran war is an attempt to distract voters from pressing issues, while Irie Sentner points out that rising prices due to the conflict are concerning voters. The conversation highlights the complexities and challenges facing both the Republican and Democrat parties as they approach the elections.
A total of 43 Australians are missing following catastrophic floods in Nepal, with at least 33 of them last known to be near Gyirong Port just before the disaster struck. Rescue efforts in the area have faced significant challenges due to extensive destruction, including a 1.15 km stretch of road still needing reconstruction, and many rescuers have had to hike for hours or use helicopters to access the site. Experts note the critical importance of the first 72 hours for rescue efforts, but also recognize that survival after this period is still possible under certain circumstances.
The Met Gala exhibition titled "John Galliano: Horizons," which was set to honor the controversial designer John Galliano, has been cancelled due to backlash over his 2011 hate crime conviction for racist and antisemitic remarks. Galliano announced the cancellation in an Instagram statement, acknowledging the pain caused by his past words, especially to the Jewish and Asian communities. Opposition to the exhibition had been growing, particularly among Jewish leaders and donors, leading to calls from New York City council speaker Julie Menin for the museum to reconsider its decision to honor Galliano.
US President Donald Trump has requested Apple to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America on its Maps platform following his executive order to change the name of the Great Lake. While Google has complied for its US users, Canadian users still see it as Lake Ontario, and Hydro One has apologized for mistakenly displaying the new name due to a third-party service. Ontario Premier Doug Ford emphasized that the lake will remain Lake Ontario, unveiling a large sign that reads "Lake Ontario Now and Always," as he asserted, "It's been Lake Ontario for hundreds of years."
Greece has secured a $3.5 billion arms deal with Israel, marking the largest defense agreement between the two nations, as tensions with Turkey escalate. The deal includes a sophisticated air defense system called the Achilles Shield, which consists of three key systems designed to intercept various aerial threats and is set to achieve full operational readiness in 35 months. Furthermore, Greece plans to spend around 28 billion euros ($32 billion) by 2036 for military modernization, including up to 40 F-35 fighter jets from the U.S. and frigates from France and Italy.
A ferry carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus, resulting in the deaths of eight people and leaving 20 others missing, including a 12-year-old girl and her six-year-old brother. Eyewitnesses report the vessel was hit by two waves prior to sinking, leading to the boat taking on water and eventually capsizing, with the wreck now lying at a depth of 514 meters. The captain and eight crew members have been arrested, and a three-day period of national mourning has begun, while authorities are searching for the vessel's black box to determine the cause of the incident.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ordered India to adhere to a water-sharing treaty with Pakistan concerning the Indus and other rivers, rejecting India's attempt to suspend its obligations under the agreement. The court unanimously stated that "none of the grounds" presented by India were justified, emphasizing that the treaty remains fully in force and that India must comply with regulations regarding hydroelectric projects on the western rivers. Following the ruling, a Pakistani government spokesman expressed that Islamabad "welcomed" the PCA's decision amidst escalating tensions between the two countries.
Wheat prices have surged due to ongoing disruptions in Black Sea exports caused by the Russia-Ukraine war, with Chicago wheat futures reaching a three-year high of $7.79 per bushel. Ukraine faced 124 attacks related to grain transport within a month, compared to only 14 vessel strikes in all of 2025, severely impacting its exports and contributing to global food insecurity. Egypt, the largest wheat importer, typically spends around $3 billion annually on wheat, sourcing over 82% from Russia and Ukraine in the first half of 2026, while Indonesia sourced $361 million from Ukraine and $102 million from Russia between 2023 and 2024.
The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has found "reasonable cause" to believe that Cisco violated the civil rights of Middle Eastern and Muslim employees by creating a hostile work environment related to pro-Palestinian advocacy, following complaints from over 1,700 employees after the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel. Internal communications were reportedly filled with racist and Islamophobic messages, particularly after the employees' public letter demanding the company cut ties with the Israeli military. Cisco's response to the harassment allegations has been criticized, with many employees who supported the letter facing retaliation, including terminations, layoffs, or forced departures from the company.
On August 26, a catastrophic flash flood along the China-Nepal border led to hundreds of deaths and thousands of missing persons, with dramatic footage of destruction at Gyirong Port being captured by local residents. In response, China's state-controlled information system rapidly implemented advanced censorship techniques, using image recognition technology to block and erase raw footage and narratives that contradicted the official story, emphasizing a sanitized rescue narrative instead. This event highlights a shift in Beijing's censorship strategy towards "saturated information," where the state floods digital spaces with approved content to obscure inconvenient truths, effectively preventing the dissemination of critical imagery and reports related to the disaster.
Germany is expected to identify a suspect in the suspected drone attack on a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig/Halle airport on August 4, which involved two drones and was speculated to be coordinated by Russia. A third drone was found nearby, with initial assessments indicating the presence of hexogen, a highly explosive substance, and there are concerns that a larger attack was planned. The German government intends to respond decisively, potentially including extensive sanctions against Russia and the closure of cultural institutions, as the timing of the announcement coincides with an election campaign in eastern German states where relations with Russia are heavily debated.
Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, is running for the Senate seat previously held by Lindsey Graham, supported by 314 Action, which aims to elect at least 100 doctors to public office by 2030 and has raised $25 million to fund their efforts. With nearly 200 STEM candidates running in the 2018 midterms but only about 12% winning, the goal of electing 100 physician candidates in the next four years is seen as ambitious, although recent health-related issues have made scientific expertise more relevant in politics. Currently, the only doctor-governor in the U.S. is Hawaii's Josh Green, who emphasizes the need for a stronger bench of qualified candidates to address public health and policy challenges effectively.
BT is projected to earn over £2 billion from selling copper cabling as it transitions to full-fibre broadband and benefits from soaring copper prices, which recently peaked at $14,294 per metric tonne. The company has already secured £99 million upfront for thousands of tonnes of surplus copper and has recovered a record nearly 10,000 tonnes in the last year, with a total of 22,347 tonnes since 2023. Additionally, with expectations to recover up to 200,000 tonnes through the 2030s, BT aims to meet the rising demand for copper projected to grow from 25 million metric tonnes now to about 50 million by 2035.
The 83rd Venice International Film Festival, starting on September 2, 2023, is set to feature a heavy focus on political themes, with films addressing issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Russia's war on Ukraine, alongside Danny Boyle's drama about Rupert Murdoch's media empire. This year includes notable documentaries like "Musk," a four-hour film on Elon Musk, and "Naza," which examines Israeli military actions in Gaza, with artistic director Alberto Barbera describing it as the festival's "most political" edition ever. The festival contrasts with the recent struggles of the Berlin Film Festival, where political discussions have led to significant backlash, highlighting Venice's shift towards showcasing controversial and politically charged films.