Two men stole a priceless 200-carat platinum and diamond necklace worth several million dollars from Vienna's Museum of Applied Arts by smashing a glass display case, fleeing the scene in broad daylight. The necklace, designed for Egypt's deposed Queen Nazli in 1939 and consisting of 673 precious stones, was part of an exhibition by Van Cleef and Arpels. This incident is part of a rising trend of high-profile museum thefts in Europe, including a previous case where thieves stole jewelry worth $102 million from the Louvre in under eight minutes.
Milo Yiannopoulos, a far-right political commentator, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Louisiana after overstaying his visa, having legally entered the U.S. in May 2019. He received a final order of removal from an immigration judge on July 22 after failing to attend his immigration hearing. Currently listed in ICE custody, Yiannopoulos's detention sparked attention given his previous support for immigration enforcement, and Laura Loomer, a far-right activist, claimed to have reported him to ICE.
Ratko Mladic, the war criminal known as the "Butcher of Bosnia," died in prison in The Hague at the age of 84 while serving a life sentence for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity related to the Srebrenica Genocide, where over 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were killed in July 1995. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reaffirmed the seriousness of Mladic's crimes following his death, while Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic criticized the UN war crimes court for not permitting Mladic's early release for medical treatment. Mladic was indicted on 20 offenses in 1995, which included genocide and mass expulsions, against the backdrop of the longest siege of a capital city in modern history that resulted in over 11,500 deaths in Sarajevo.
Greenland's justice minister, Marianne Paviasen, stated that the government cannot determine if genocide was committed against the Inuit community regarding forced contraception practices from the 1960s-70s, despite existing reports. Between 1966 and 1970, 4,500 Greenlandic women and girls, some as young as 13, had intra-uterine devices (IUDs) implanted without consent, which slowed population growth; Denmark has since passed a law to compensate each affected woman 300,000 Danish crowns (approximately $46,800). The report findings were conflicted, with one panel suggesting the possibility of genocidal intent but not establishing genocide based solely on contraceptive practices, while another found no indications of intent to destroy the Greenlandic population.
The Trump administration is reportedly planning to cease military aid to the Peshmerga, the Kurdish security force in Iraq, which previously received $61 million in assistance for the fiscal year 2026. As of late May, there have been 158 missile or drone attacks by Iran and Iranian-backed militias against Iraqi Kurdistan, raising concerns that cutting off support could create a power vacuum favoring Iran. The current memorandum of understanding, which provides this military assistance, is set to expire on September 30, coinciding with the withdrawal of the last remaining US troops from Iraq.
Milo Yiannopoulos, 41, has reportedly been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Louisiana, as confirmed by the agency's records. Known for his provocative and controversial statements, including those targeting various social groups, Yiannopoulos was a prominent supporter of Donald Trump during the 2016 election, although he later criticized the former president, claiming Trump "has lost his way." The reasons behind his detention remain unclear, with neither ICE nor Yiannopoulos providing comments on the situation.
After six months of conflict, Iran's regime remains firmly in control despite extensive U.S. and Israeli military operations that began with an intense bombing campaign, killing 3,375 Iranians and resulting in over 33,000 injuries as reported by the World Health Organization. While Iran's military capabilities have been significantly reduced, it continues to leverage control over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route, which has exacerbated global fuel prices and caused economic disruptions. The U.S. military still maintains a presence in the region but faces challenges due to depleted munitions stockpiles and ongoing questions about the sustainability of air operations.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella plans to initiate a deportation campaign targeting foreign nationals living irregularly in the country, primarily affecting the estimated 500,000 Venezuelans without permission out of a total of 2.8 million Venezuelan residents. This policy represents a shift from previous administrations' efforts to provide legal pathways for migrants and has faced backlash from opposition politicians who criticize it as xenophobic and populist. De la Espriella's government aims to first deport individuals committing crimes and those with expired Temporary Protection Permits, but critics warn that without effective border control, deportations may not resolve the underlying issues of illegal immigration.
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to establish the US Space Academy, the country's first training facility for prospective space professionals, announced during an event for the Artemis II crew at NASA's Johnson Space Center. The academy aims to attract and train top talent for the US Space Force, NASA, and the civilian flight industry, and will be advised by a presidential commission led by NASA administrator Jared Isaacman and key administration officials. During the same event, Trump honored the four members of the Artemis II crew with the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, further emphasizing his administration's commitment to space exploration, including plans for returning astronauts to the moon by 2028.
Norwegians are in mourning following the death of King Harald V at age 89, who passed away in hospital after 35 years on the throne, leading to an outpouring of grief including an estimated 10,000 people lining the streets for his coffin procession. His son, Haakon VIII, has taken the throne amidst national mourning, with plans for an oath-taking ceremony on Tuesday and a period of remembrance marked by lowered flags and cancelled social events. The late king has been celebrated as an inclusive and empathetic leader, with tributes pouring in from political leaders, European royals, and citizens, acknowledging his legacy and impact on the nation.
Following the A66 crash that killed two officers, Cleveland police have arrested a total of 24 individuals as part of an investigation into organized crime. The latest seven arrests include four men aged 21 to 40 on suspicion of serious crimes such as arson and criminal damage, as well as three others held for threats to kill and possession of criminal property. Additionally, police seized £15,000 in cash and Class A drugs, along with a Mercedes car during these operations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin aims to avoid direct military confrontation with NATO despite escalating rhetoric towards the UK and its allies, as Western officials believe these threats are consistent with Russia's military strategy to pressure the West. Despite Putin’s claims to the contrary, the Ukraine war has intensified, with Russia suffering casualties of 6,000 soldiers a month from combat, which exceeds its recruitment rates, although there are no signs of a shift towards mass mobilization. Observers note that Russia is likely to continue hybrid activities, such as cyber-attacks and sabotage, as it faces increasing internal pressure while also making slow territorial gains in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has ordered an increase in long-range drone strikes against Russia, aiming to launch at least "1,000 drones" daily, up from the current 300. Recent Russian attacks have resulted in multiple casualties across Ukraine, including at least one death and several injuries in the Kyiv region, as well as casualties in Sumy, Kherson, and Kharkiv. Additionally, Ukrainian forces successfully targeted an oil refinery in Russia, which is approximately 1,000 kilometers from the front line, contributing to damage to Russian military production and fuel supplies.
A large fire at a waste facility near Wembley Stadium in north-west London involved 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines, leading to significant disruptions on the Metropolitan and Jubilee tube lines, with no service on the Metropolitan line and severe delays on the Jubilee line. Over 70 calls were made regarding the blaze, which resulted in the evacuation of a nearby Amazon warehouse; the cause of the fire is still unknown. This incident marks the third major fire at a recycling center in London this summer, with battery fires at waste facilities costing an estimated £1 billion a year.
Bashar Mohammed, a 19-year-old from Sanaa, Yemen, is pursuing English-language courses to secure a scholarship for undergraduate studies abroad, but his academic credentials are at risk due to a suspension of certificate authentications for students from Houthi-controlled areas. The Yemeni government's Education Ministry has halted the validation of certain school certificates since late July, leaving students like Mohammed uncertain about their futures and feeling that their education could be deemed worthless. The ongoing war has created two parallel education systems in Yemen, with diverging school years and curricula based on control by either the Houthis or the internationally-recognized government.
The Trump administration is reportedly attempting to transfer a quarter-mile parcel of land inside Yosemite National Park to Kingsbarn Realty Capital, which seeks to develop a private road to its existing 83-acre plot adjacent to the park. The current access road is over 10 miles away from the nearest park entrance, and the proposed road would provide a shorter route, although this has sparked significant opposition from environmental advocates and local politicians, including California's senators and Congressman Jared Huffman. While Interior Department officials claim no final decisions have been made, the controversy highlights concern over the privatization of national parks and the integrity of public lands.
At least 90 Americans are among nearly 2,000 people unaccounted for following a devastating flash flood along the Nepal-Tibet border, with the official death toll approaching 600. Many of the missing Americans were on a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, including 22 members from the Isha Foundation, while the U.S. State Department confirmed that three American citizens have been safely rescued. The U.S. embassy announced a $500,000 assistance package to support flood-affected communities through humanitarian efforts.
Dolly Parton's legacy is being honored following her passing, with plans to name Nashville International Airport after her, celebrating her as Tennessee's "favorite daughter." The Grand Ole Opry will hold a tribute show dedicated to her, featuring performances by artists like Carly Pearce. Additionally, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee is granting clemency to 34 individuals, including a man wrongfully imprisoned for years, as part of his review process through the Tennessee Board of Parole.
The Israeli army conducted a rare air strike in Jenin, killing three Palestinians, including a Hamas operative identified as Qais Bitawi and two accomplices. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the operation as a successful thwarting of the targeted individuals, while Hamas condemned the attack, calling for international action against Israel. This strike marks the first military action in the West Bank since February 2025, escalating tensions amid ongoing violence in both the West Bank and Gaza, where separate Israeli strikes killed at least five people.
Reports indicate the U.S. government is seeking a substantial stake in Venezuela's oil and gas reserves, which include the world's largest proven crude oil reserves estimated at 303 billion barrels. Current negotiations reportedly involve U.S. officials discussing a direct stake in over a dozen oilfields containing about 90 billion barrels, specifically in the Orinoco Belt and Lake Maracaibo regions, with possible 100-year leases on these resources. This potential move has generated significant backlash from Venezuelan opposition members, who describe it as a "rapacious land grab" lacking constitutional legitimacy.
New satellite imagery has revealed extensive destruction along Nepal's Trishuli River following a flash flood that killed over 550 people, with many still missing. Key locations impacted include a major Nepal-Tibet border crossing, which has been almost completely washed away, while the village of Timure and structures in Syapru Besi have been covered in mud and debris. Satellite images also show a barrier lake forming at the base of a glacier collapse, posing risks for further flooding and complicating rescue efforts, yet it appears to have stabilized as of the latest observations.
A U.S. judge has temporarily denied a request to block President Trump's second executive order restricting birthright citizenship, which was issued on August 6, 2026, after the Supreme Court struck down his first attempt in 2025. District Court Judge Deborah Boardman expressed concerns about the unprecedented nature of the new order, which seeks to deny citizenship to children of non-citizen parents classified as "alien enemies" or "terrorists." Born from the Fourteenth Amendment, birthright citizenship has been constitutionally upheld, but Trump argues it should not apply to certain non-citizen parents, a stance that has faced legal challenges.
An international manhunt is underway for two suspects who stole a platinum and diamond necklace worth over $4 million, adorned with more than 600 diamonds, from the Vienna Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) after breaking a glass display case. The theft comes amid a spike in violent museum heists across Europe, including recent thefts in Spain and Italy, prompting concerns about security in cultural institutions, as Europol reports a shift toward more aggressive methods by criminal networks. The necklace was worn by Queen Nazli of Egypt in 1939 for her daughter's marriage and weighs over 200 carats, with its value estimated between $3.6 million and $4.6 million during a past auction.
US Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh indicated that the central bank needs to ensure underlying inflation returns to its 2 percent target, noting that current financial conditions are not restrictive enough. As of July, the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index (PCE) was at 3.7 percent annually, with inflation increasing by 3 percent, significantly above pre-pandemic levels. The CME Group's FedWatch shows a 57.4 percent likelihood of a 25 basis points rate hike at the Fed's mid-September meeting, and analysts suggest that Warsh's remarks signal a potential rate increase earlier than previously expected.
Russia is losing approximately 6,000 more troops in Ukraine each month than it can recruit, despite bringing in around 1,000 new recruits daily. The situation has prompted President Putin to escalate attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, launching over 360 missiles since early July, as he seeks to undermine Ukrainian morale. Western officials suggest that further mobilization in Russia poses significant political and economic risks, as past mobilization efforts led to the exodus of nearly a million skilled Russians, with less than half returning.
Klay Thompson, newly signed by the Miami Heat, embraces the team's demanding "Heat Culture" and aims for a deep playoff run after giving back approximately $9.8 million from his $17.5 million salary in a buyout deal with Dallas. He expressed excitement about being in a competitive environment, citing motivation from the franchise's championship history, and compared himself to Ray Allen, who also had a successful stint in Miami. The Heat are taking their time to fill their 15th roster spot, with a deadline approaching for waiving and stretching players, potentially opening up opportunities for more signings before the season starts.
World cardiovascular health groups have established a new universal definition of heart attacks, aimed at improving treatment for women who have historically received less effective care. The updated guidelines recognize three types of heart attacks — coronary artery spasm, coronary embolism, and spontaneous coronary artery dissection (Scad) — that are up to 10 times more common in women, particularly in cases related to childbirth, exercise, and emotional stress. Additionally, the diagnostic threshold for troponin levels, which indicate heart injury, will be lowered for women, ensuring more accurate diagnoses and timely treatment.
Canada's economy grew at an annualized rate of 3.3 percent in the second quarter of 2026, driven by a 3.6 percent increase in exports and a 1 percent rebound in domestic demand, marking the fastest growth rate since 2023. Despite a positive economic outlook, new US tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian exports have created uncertainty, prompting Canada to retaliate with its own measures. This growth follows a revised 0.3 percent increase in the first quarter, indicating that Canada avoided a technical recession, which is defined as two consecutive quarters of contraction.
The London Science Museum has ended its long-standing partnership with BP, a decision described as a “seismic shift” by campaigners following years of pressure to cut ties with the oil and gas firm. Sir Ian Blatchford, director of the Science Museum Group, noted that BP's contributions helped train over 11,000 education and science professionals and engage more than 1 million young people across the UK. Despite the termination of this partnership, the museum still accepts funding from Adani Green Energy Ltd, raising concerns among campaigners about ongoing corporate influence in science education.
This week, Syria's Kurdish minority announced the dissolution of their nearly 14-year independent governance, with Kurdish forces, known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), integrating into the Syrian military, while control of their oil-rich region shifts to the central government. Concurrently, Sweida province, predominantly populated by Druze, remains the last area resisting central authority, following clashes in July 2025 that resulted in over 1,700 deaths and led to significant distrust between Druze communities and the Syrian government. Experts assert that the Kurds' withdrawal from decentralized governance undermines previous autonomy aspirations, leaving Sweida's Druze leaders reconsidering their political alliances and future, with some hinting at a desire for a semi-autonomous state.