The NHS in England will offer free finger-prick cholesterol tests at pharmacies for individuals aged 40 to 84, aiming to reduce heart disease and stroke deaths by 25% over the next decade. In a successful pilot, nearly 19% of 2,493 participants were identified as high-risk for heart attack or stroke, with 88 starting statin treatment as a result. The national rollout will begin with about 100 pharmacies this autumn, contributing to improved early detection and management of cardiovascular risks.
Russia’s Vladimir Putin, China’s Xi Jinping, and more than a dozen other leaders will convene in Kyrgyzstan for the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, highlighting a united stance against Western nations. The SCO represents approximately 40% of the world's population and 25% of global GDP, with its founding marking 25 years of collaboration, although its charter states it is not an alliance against other states. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized China's $1.2 trillion trade surplus ahead of a G20 meeting, emphasizing the need for a re-examination of trade terms.
Under a new federal plan for managing the Colorado River, Arizona will face mandatory cuts of 27% to its water supplies each year through 2028, primarily impacting the Central Arizona Project, which carries Colorado River water to Phoenix and Tucson. This reduction, stemming from prolonged drought and declining reservoir levels at Lake Powell and Lake Mead, will not lead to taps running dry for the 1.7 million residents, according to Phoenix water resources management advisor Max Wilson. However, the solutions to adapt, like utilizing groundwater and enhancing infrastructure, will come with significant costs that will ultimately be passed on to local residents.
Molly Ticehurst's ex-boyfriend, Daniel Billings, will not face a life sentence for her murder despite stabbing her 15 times during an attack on April 22, 2024, and previously being charged with several counts of raping her just weeks prior. Justice Natalie Adams expressed concern over expert evidence regarding Ticehurst's allegations of repeated rape, which were dropped when Billings pleaded guilty to murder in November 2025. Ticehurst's death prompted a national movement against gendered abuse and resulted in legal changes in New South Wales, including tighter bail laws, with Billings set to be sentenced in September 2025.
A Russian drone strike on an ammunition warehouse in Myla, located 15 miles from Kyiv, resulted in the death of at least 38 people, including 30 residents from a nearby care home, with four others still missing. Villagers, including Volodymyr and Vira, expressed anger over the depot's proximity to homes, stating that they were unaware of its existence and criticizing the decision to place such dangerous materials in populated areas. The attack has heightened scrutiny, with ongoing criminal inquiries and concerns over the safety of other similarly located ammunition depots in Ukraine.
A study by Nationwide reveals that properties in UK national parks cost on average 24% more than comparable homes outside these areas, with the New Forest being the most expensive at £563,000. Additionally, there is a 14% premium for properties in national landscapes of England and Wales, with Surrey Hills being the priciest at an average of £710,000. The limited development in national parks contributes to the high house prices, as confirmed by similar findings from 2024 showing a 25% premium for national parks and a 15% premium for national landscapes.
Google Maps has renamed Lake Ontario to "Lake America" for US users following President Trump's directive, while Canadian users will still see "Lake Ontario." This change aligns with Google's policy to reflect official government sources, and it comes amid ongoing tensions between the US and Canada related to a trade war. Ontario Premier Doug Ford publicly opposed the name change, highlighting that the lake will always be recognized as Lake Ontario globally, and Canadian ministries are reviewing their websites to ensure they use the correct name.
In Rosario, Argentina, Newell's Old Boys youth academy trains around 700 children aged 4 to 12 each week, with fees around $25 a month for most, while in the U.S., parents pay $1,000 to $3,000 annually for similar coaching, limiting accessibility. Argentina’s youth soccer structure keeps training affordable, allowing talented players from low-income backgrounds to develop, which contrasts sharply with the U.S. pay-to-play model that some believe hinders the potential of American men's soccer. Additionally, while Argentine clubs benefit from transfer fees when their players move to other teams, U.S. youth organizations do not receive a share, putting them at a competitive disadvantage.
Niger's military government has quelled an attempted mutiny at Base 101 in Niamey, which erupted due to rising tensions within the army amid ongoing attacks by armed groups; reports indicate that dozens of soldiers were killed or arrested, but exact figures remain unverified. The mutiny, involving hundreds of soldiers, is linked to frustrations over significant military losses, including an ISIL attack that killed 18 soldiers earlier this month. Russian personnel from the Africa Corps provided support to suppress the uprising, marking a significant shift in Niger's security partnerships, as they assisted in countering an internal military threat.
Tunisia is experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 49.8 degrees Celsius in Kairouan on August 27, making it the second-hottest location monitored worldwide that day. The heat has led to electricity demand peaking at approximately 6,000 megawatts, prompting the Tunisian Company of Electricity and Gas (STEG) to implement rotating power cuts across the country. Water shortages, exacerbated by electricity disruptions affecting pumping stations, have been ongoing in Tunisia due to long-term structural scarcity, and the heatwave has further strained bottled-water supplies amid increased demand.
The U.S. Treasury plans to impose sanctions on another bank this week as part of its efforts to economically isolate Tehran amid deadlocked truce talks, following a recent sanctioning of Egypt's Basque Misr for business dealings with Iran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that nearly 60 individuals and entities had been sanctioned for aiding Iran in generating oil revenue and conducting cyber-operations, emphasizing a strategy of “Operation Economic Outcast.” As violence resumed in the region, Bessent noted that the U.S. aims to cut off institutions from the dollar-based financial system and will engage with G20 finance leaders for broader cooperation against Iran.
Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, abducted by US special forces in January along with his wife, is currently detained in Brooklyn, New York, facing charges of drug trafficking and firearm possession, which they deny. Maduro shared photos from his detention, indicating he has lost weight, and he described his situation as filled with hope despite the challenges, while his trial is set to begin on June 1, 2027. He has limited communication privileges, allowed only about 300 minutes per month with family and lawyers, and can only speak for a maximum of 15 minutes per call.
Victorian prisoners will be employed for basic road maintenance as part of Labor's plan to repair 500,000 potholes, with an increased road maintenance budget of $352 million following a previous allocation of over $1 billion. The initiative aims to allow skilled crews to focus on repairs while supervised, minimum-security inmates handle tasks such as mowing, weed control, and trash collection. Critics, including Australian Lawyers Alliance spokesperson Greg Barns, argue that the plan could exploit cheap labor, as prisoners currently earn between $7.15 to $9.80 per day, significantly below the minimum wage.
A new deal between Caracas and Washington would grant U.S. companies access to over 20% of Venezuela's extensive oil reserves, as claimed by interim leader opposition. However, this agreement faces pushback within Venezuela, raising questions about its legality. Guests include political and economic experts discussing the potential implications of the plan.
At least 15 people are feared missing after severe flash flooding in the Grand Canyon, Arizona, with 62 individuals evacuated from affected areas on Saturday. The flooding caused significant destruction, sweeping debris into the Colorado River and altering the landscape, including the destruction of footbridges and closures of popular tourist spots. While no injuries have been reported, the National Park Service is coordinating with state authorities for further evacuations, and additional rain was anticipated in the following days.
The ongoing trade dispute between the US and Canada shows little progress in resolution, with Canada facing a 50% levy on approximately C$28 billion ($20 billion) of its goods due to tariffs impacting key sectors like steel, aluminium, and automobiles. Ontario has been hardest hit, experiencing tens of thousands of manufacturing job losses since early 2025, while Quebec saw a 36% drop in metal exports and a 3.6% decrease in employment in that sector. In the US, swing states like Ohio could be significantly affected, with C$3.2 billion (12%) of its exports facing new tariffs, as Canada's counter-tariffs are strategically aimed at influencing upcoming midterm elections.
At least 15 people are reported missing after a flash flood struck Arizona's Grand Canyon, particularly around Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch, leading to the evacuation of over 60 individuals. The National Park Service indicated that nearly all footbridges over Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, and there have been no reported injuries as of Sunday. The flooding resulted from approximately 0.5 to 1 inch of rain falling within 30 minutes, causing rapid runoff in the steep terrain, with further rain and thunderstorms expected.
Over 2,400 people are missing, including 85 U.S. citizens, following catastrophic floods and mudslides in Nepal, with 734 bodies recovered so far. The disaster, caused by nearly 30-foot high waves, has affected more than 90,000 individuals, prompting Nepal to deploy thousands of rescue workers. The U.S. State Department has activated $3.6 million in emergency assistance to support affected families and deliver aid, amidst reports of blocked roads hampering rescue efforts.
LIV viewership on Fox saw a 12% year-over-year increase but still lagged behind PGA Tour ratings. The documentary "Portrait of an Artist: Stephen Curry," highlighting his milestone of 4,000 career three-pointers, is set to premiere exclusively in IMAX theaters on October 9. Additionally, the NCAA has approved a calendar change that will allow all FBS teams to start their seasons a week earlier, with 2026 marking the last year for Week 0.
Ballot counting is underway in Guinea-Bissau following a referendum on a new constitution that could enhance presidential powers, with voter turnout exceeding 55 percent and the process deemed credible by election officials. The proposed constitution aims to shift the political system from parliamentary to presidential, allowing the president to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and dissolve parliament, in response to prolonged political instability highlighted by last year's coup. Results of the referendum, which seeks to facilitate smoother governance ahead of upcoming elections scheduled for December 6, are expected on Tuesday.
One Nation’s Barnaby Joyce remarked on the party's victory in the Secret Harbour state byelection in Western Australia, where Luke Herdegen defeated Labor’s Georgia Tree, expressing that "politics has changed." He emphasized that the win is "humbling" and "decisive," urging the party not to get carried away by the support from voters who are disenchanted with traditional political parties. Joyce noted that despite Labor's significant spending in elections, people's disillusionment reflects a desire for representatives like Herdegen, who they see as relatable small businesspeople in a mining state.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick described 19-year-old Lamine Yamal as on his way back to form ahead of the La Liga matchup against Rayo Vallecano, noting his struggles in the first match against Elche and improvement in the following game against Athletic Bilbao, where he played 90 minutes. Yamal is recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in April, and despite limited impact at the World Cup, Flick expressed satisfaction with his current development and has emphasized the importance of support for the young player. Barcelona has won both of their opening matches, with Raphinha stepping in as a makeshift number nine, while Flick remains content with the current squad amidst efforts to strengthen the team.
The Trump administration is shutting down two of the three USDA research projects focused on cyclospora, a foodborne parasite linked to tens of thousands of illnesses this summer. Congress defunded these projects for the 2026 fiscal year, and while the third project is set to relocate to Iowa, all associated scientists have declined to move. The CDC reported over 17,000 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases across 48 states and Washington DC between May 1 and August 24, marking one of the largest foodborne illness outbreaks in recent US history, with an additional 11,844 cases under investigation.
US forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak island in response to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps preparing to launch rockets with sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz. The attack reportedly resulted in casualties among Iranian soldiers and civilians, prompting threats of retaliation from Tehran. The ongoing conflict, which has now surpassed six months, has claimed the lives of 18 US service members, contributed to significant civilian displacement, and led to the blockade of a critical waterway that previously facilitated the transit of about 20% of the world's oil.
Aaron Donald, a 10-time Pro Bowler and three-time defensive player of the year, is coming out of retirement to rejoin the Los Angeles Rams, a team he led to a Super Bowl victory in 2021. The 35-year-old defensive tackle signed a one-year deal worth $20 million, potentially rising to $30 million with bonuses, and will reunite with reigning MVP Matthew Stafford and reigning defensive player of the year Myles Garrett. Throughout his career, Donald accumulated a franchise record of 111 sacks and will aim to help the Rams, who are Super Bowl favorites, secure another championship at SoFi Stadium.
Syria and Libya have agreed to reopen Syria’s embassy in Tripoli, closed for 14 years, during talks between Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, who visited Tripoli on August 30, 2026. They also signed an agreement to reactivate the Libyan-Syrian Joint Higher Committee and discussed opening a Syrian consulate in Benghazi, as well as addressing security cooperation, economic ties, and the status of prisoners and refugees. This meeting marks the beginning of a proposed "new chapter" in relations, following significant political changes in Syria with the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 after 61 years of Baath Party rule.
Australian boxing legend Tony Mundine has died at the age of 75 after suffering a heart attack. He was the first Australian to fight in four different weight divisions, securing a career record of 80 wins (64 by knockout), 15 losses, and 1 draw, and famously challenged for the world middleweight title in 1974 against Carlos Monzon. His son, former world champion Anthony Mundine, shared an emotional tribute on social media, expressing his heartbreak and love for his father.
The United States conducted airstrikes on Larak Island in southern Iran, marking the first attack since late July, targeting launchers poised to fire rockets towards the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed casualties among their soldiers and vowed retaliation, amidst ongoing military and financial pressure strategies by the US as the conflict enters its seventh month. Despite claims of US control over the strategic waterway and rising oil prices, Iranian officials maintain that they are prepared for a prolonged confrontation while the average petrol price in the US exceeds $4 per gallon, up from less than $3 earlier in the conflict.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz claimed in a recent interview that his government reduced asylum numbers by over 60% in just over a year, but official statistics from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees show a significantly smaller decrease of 35.4% in first-time applications for the first half of 2026. Additionally, while Merz asserted that Germany is one of the least indebted countries in Europe, the country has a debt-to-GDP ratio above the eurozone's 60% requirement, placing it in the middle among EU countries, and its net borrowing is at 2.7%, close to the 3% limit set by the eurozone. In 2025, Germany experienced a net immigration of around 235,000 people, which was 45% below the previous year's figure of 430,000, largely due to a decline in arrivals.
Real Madrid secured a 4-0 victory over promoted Malaga, maintaining their perfect start in La Liga with nine points from three matches. Jude Bellingham scored the first goal in the 19th minute, followed by an own goal from Malaga's goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero and a volley from Kylian Mbappe, who made it 3-0 within the first 30 minutes; substitute Arda Guler added a late fourth goal during added time. The win puts Real Madrid two points ahead of Atletico Madrid and Alaves, while Barcelona sits fourth with six points and a game in hand.