Tropical Storm Dolly, which formed on Thursday, is moving toward the Leeward Islands with maximum sustained winds of nearly 40 mph (65 km/h) and is expected to bring significant rainfall this weekend, potentially causing flash flooding in higher terrain areas. Heavy rain is forecast to affect the Leeward Islands late Saturday into Sunday, with impacts extending to the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola by Sunday and Monday. Dolly is the fourth named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which has been unusually quiet due to El Niño conditions that increase wind shear and inhibit storm development.
An 81-year-old man, identified only as Hans S., was sentenced to life in prison for the 1994 rape and murder of 24-year-old American tourist Amy Lopez, whose body was found with stab wounds and injuries consistent with strangling near the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress in Koblenz. The man was arrested this year after investigators matched a new DNA sample he provided to DNA found on Lopez's clothing, having previously been known to authorities for other sexual offenses. During the trial, the court emphasized that Lopez was tragically "in the wrong place at the wrong time," while her family expressed that they could not find inner peace until the perpetrator was brought to justice.
Louisiana is set to launch its first recreational alligator hunt in over 50 years, offering up to 5,000 permits to trappers as the alligator population has surged from fewer than 100,000 in the 1960s to approximately 3 million. The month-long hunting season will start on October 1, with residents paying $25 and visitors $150 for tags, while applicants must have a hunting license and can only use hook and line for trapping. The hunt, which cannot be commercially exploited, aligns Louisiana's management of alligator populations with Florida's successful conservation efforts since 1988.
Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh stated that if inflation pressures do not ease, the Fed will have "work to do," as prices rose 3.4% year-over-year in July, surpassing the Fed's 2% target. He emphasized that his remarks should not be taken as forward guidance but indicated that interest rates could rise if inflation remains high, with the next interest rate decision scheduled for September 15-16. Warsh’s comments, made at the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium, sparked increased market expectations for a rate hike, signaling a potential shift in policy as the US national debt surpasses $40 trillion, growing at about $90,000 per second.
UK farming organizations and experts are urging the government to ban imports of Brazilian meat due to concerns over antibiotic use in cattle and poultry farming, which Brazil has failed to prove complies with EU standards. Imports from Brazil have increased from approximately £3 billion in 2021 to a projected £5 billion by 2025, with Brazil accounting for about one-eighth of the UK's chicken imports in 2024. The rise in antibiotic resistance leads to around 1.14 million deaths each year, and the UK government faces pressure to protect public health amidst ongoing food safety concerns.
Labour has rejected the Green party leader Zack Polanski's call for a moratorium on constructing AI datacentres, citing potential negative impacts on jobs and national security. Currently, datacentres consume about 2.5% of the UK's electricity, a figure expected to quadruple by 2030, while their water usage accounts for less than 1% of non-household consumption in England. The government emphasizes the importance of these datacentres as critical national infrastructure and insists that developers must prioritize clean power, responsible water use, and local community investment.
Charles Perrottet, brother of former NSW premier Dominic Perrottet, has become a central figure in a nearly four-year investigation by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) regarding alleged hidden payments and political maneuvering related to developer Jean Nassif, who is now a fugitive. The inquiry is examining a purported $2 million payment from Nassif to a group of Liberal-aligned conservatives known as the Reformers, with implications for how these funds might have influenced political outcomes and operations within the Liberal Party. Icac's investigation has involved an extensive review of various communications and financial records, including phone messages and CCTV footage, to determine the legitimacy and consequences of these payments.
A devastating flash flood on August 26, 2026, has resulted in nearly 500 confirmed deaths and over 1,000 people reported missing in Nepal, particularly affecting the Timure, Rasuwagadhi, and Syabrubesi regions. The flood, described as a wall of water filled with ice and mud, caused widespread destruction, washing away buildings, electric poles, and homes, particularly in Trishuli and Nuwakot. As rescue operations continue, families desperately search for their loved ones in hospitals and mortuaries, clinging to hope amidst the overwhelming despair.
King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV of Tooro, Uganda, has died at the age of 34, as announced by regional leader Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, who noted that the official cause of death has not been disclosed. Oyo became king at the age of 3 in 1995 and was regarded as potentially Uganda's most eligible bachelor, leaving behind a prince as his heir, whose identity will be revealed later in accordance with tradition. His reign was marked by significant cultural influence, along with personal interests in sports, environmental conservation, and tourism, and prior to his death, he had been receiving medical treatment in the United States.
A historic 200-carat platinum necklace encrusted with 673 diamonds, once belonging to Egyptian royalty, was stolen during a smash-and-grab raid at the Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna, with the theft occurring midday on Thursday. Two suspects, who purchased tickets to the exhibition, shattered a glass display case and fled with the necklace, which was valued at $4.3 million and had been part of a collection featuring over 300 objects from the French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels. This incident is part of a troubling trend of high-profile robberies in European museums, prompting increased concern over security with reports indicating a rise in violent techniques used by thieves.
Ken Lacovara, a prominent paleontologist, has transformed a dirt pit in Mantua Township, New Jersey, into the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum, now home to over 100,000 fossils from more than 100 species, offering vital insights into the extinction event that occurred 66 million years ago. The excavation site reveals a unique sediment layer detailing the immediate aftermath of the asteroid impact, including a 10.3 magnitude earthquake and soaring global temperatures that led to the rapid extinction of dinosaurs. Lacovara's research signifies that this site is one of the best records of the events surrounding the fifth mass extinction, while he aims to raise awareness about this significant paleontological treasure among local residents.
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to rename Lake Ontario to "Lake America," citing trade tensions and accusing Canada of "ripping us off" amidst ongoing tariff disputes, including a 50% tariff on nearly $20 billion worth of Canadian goods. The name change is intended to be effective immediately, but the secretary of the interior will take 30 days to work on the official name change with the Board on Geographic Names. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney dismissed the order, emphasizing that the name "Ontario" is over 400 years old and predates both nations' founding documents.
Andy Burnham has decided to abstain from voting on the assisted dying bill when it returns to the Commons next month, emphasizing the importance of allowing MPs to form their own views on the matter. A previous version of this bill faced challenges, including 1,200 amendments from peers, and the new version, led by MP Lauren Edwards, proposes allowing adults with fewer than six months to live to apply for assisted death with the approval of two doctors and an expert panel, and is scheduled for its second reading on September 11. Burnham's approach aims to maintain a neutral government position and assures that MPs can vote freely without government influence, reiterating that collective responsibility would be set aside for this conscience issue.
Artist Chris Ashmore has defended his mural of snooker champion Ronnie O’Sullivan in Sheffield after critics compared the painting to a zombie, stating that he is only two weeks into a five-week project and plans to make "touch-ups." Feedback has been mixed, with some praising the artwork while others, like Frank Short, pointed out issues with O'Sullivan's eyes and facial features, describing it as “shocking” and “skeletal.” Spot On snooker club manager Dan Kirkland acknowledged the need for improvements but emphasized that personal attacks on Ashmore were unwarranted.
The flash floods in Nepal and Tibet, triggered by a glacier collapse, have devastated the region, with the official death toll in Nepal reaching 538, while China reports only five casualties despite a higher population in affected areas. Strict Chinese controls on information have hindered independent reporting and assessments of the disaster's impact in Tibet, where official statements dictate the reporting of figures, and journalists face significant restrictions. China's leadership has emphasized the disaster as a national priority, with Premier Li Qiang visiting the area and calling for extensive rescue efforts, yet international coverage remains limited due to the government's tight grip on information.
India's RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is scheduled to speak at the "Universal Oneness Celebration" event at Madison Square Garden in New York, expecting over 5,000 attendees, despite opposition from activists and human rights groups who criticize the RSS's perceived exclusionary ideology toward religious minorities. The AHEAD Forum, organizing the event, aims to promote intercultural understanding, but scrutiny of its leadership reveals strong ties to the RSS, which advocates a Hindu-majoritarian agenda. Critics, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, argue that the event's concept of unity is primarily focused on Hindu unity against Muslims and Christians, rather than true inclusivity.
Sudan's military-led government has lifted a two-year curfew and state of emergency in Khartoum, following the army's reclaiming of control from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after a civil war lasting nearly four years. Despite over two million of the five million displaced people returning to Khartoum since fighting ended in March 2025, residents face challenges such as power blackouts and damaged infrastructure, while security sweeps continue to target alleged RSF operatives. Concerns are rising over the conflict spreading to neighboring countries, particularly after Chad accused the Sudanese army of an air strike within its territory, to which both Sudan and Chad responded with mutual allegations regarding military supplies and sovereignty violations.
The X2 rollercoaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain has been closed for over a month following incidents in which two riders suffered brain injuries; one, Pamela Guillen, experienced severe subdural hematoma and brain compression, while the other, Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, remains in a coma. CNN's investigation revealed a history of injuries related to the ride, including two fatalities over the last two decades, and highlighted shortcomings in the safety inspection process. Six Flags also recently settled a wrongful death lawsuit linked to the X2, stemming from the death of 22-year-old Christopher Hawley in 2022.
Violence by Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank is on track to reach record levels this year, as human rights organizations report an increase in attacks against Palestinians, coinciding with a rise in Israeli settlements. In just one week, the BBC documented various settler assaults, highlighting that many incidents remain underreported. This surge in violence is occurring under the current Israeli government, which is contributing to the growing tensions and illegal actions in the territory.
The relocation of the helipad during Donald Trump's White House reconstruction contributed to a close call incident on August 4, where Marine One nearly collided with an American Airlines passenger jet due to “communication issues.” The crew of Marine One failed to provide the required three minutes' notice to air traffic controllers, leading to the helicopter taking off at 2:33 PM, just one minute before the passenger jet, which was later rerouted for safety. At the time of the incident, the separation between the two aircraft was only 0.82 nautical miles laterally and 700 feet vertically, whereas FAA regulations require a minimum of 1.5 miles horizontally and 500 feet vertically around airports.
Cameroon's President Paul Biya has been in power since 1982 and is currently serving his eighth term, set to end in 2032, shortly before his 100th birthday, while he has spent two and a half months issuing decrees from Switzerland. Political analyst Beverly Ochieng warns that as Biya’s allies position themselves for potential succession, rivalries could lead to instability, including the risk of a military coup. Similarly, in Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in office since 1986, is also facing succession challenges, particularly with his son Muhoozi Kainerugaba gaining influence, suggesting a potential transfer of power within the ruling family.
Jordan Bardella, the French far-right leader, is set to give a speech at the Reform UK party conference next week as part of efforts to strengthen international ties ahead of Marine Le Pen's presidential bid, with polls indicating she could reach the final round of the French elections in May 2024. Le Pen, recently convicted of embezzling over €2.8 million in European Parliament funds, aims to run with Bardella as prime minister, emphasizing their shared anti-immigration stance. Bardella has expressed hope for future cooperation, stating both leaders aim to address immigration challenges in Europe and highlighting their determination to protect their nations' identities.
Oslo's Mayor Anne Lindboe has postponed her wedding ceremony, originally scheduled for Friday, due to the death of King Harald V of Norway, who reigned for 35 years and passed away at the age of 89. King Haakon VIII ascended the throne on the same day, and Lindboe expressed her sorrow for the loss of the beloved monarch, who was known for modernizing the monarchy and marrying commoner Queen Sonja. Public memorials for King Harald have emerged, with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre stating that the nation is "united in grief and gratitude" for his service.
Anti-vaccine activists, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., are spreading conspiracy theories regarding two recent measles-associated deaths in Pennsylvania, suggesting that these deaths may have been "fabricated." As of now, there have been about 424 confirmed measles cases in Pennsylvania, with 73 hospitalizations, all among unvaccinated individuals. The two deceased patients were also unvaccinated and were part of communities that are disconnected from modern healthcare, leading to increased misinformation and conspiracy theories surrounding vaccines, which are 97% effective at preventing measles.
Last Monday night, Salvatore's pizzeria in Brussels was the site of a shooting related to drug trafficking, marking the third incident in the neighborhood in just three days, with over 100 shootings recorded in 2025 alone and more than 65 so far this year. The drug-dealing situation has intensified, with over 200 points across the city, and successful dealers can earn up to €50,000 ($58,000) per day, leading to increased violence including a recent attack on a police station. Authorities are responding to the crisis by deploying an additional 40 police officers, though local police chief Jurgen de Landsheer emphasizes the need for prevention strategies rather than solely relying on law enforcement.
An Al Jazeera investigation reveals that at least 17 companies linked to illegal Israeli settlements hold UK public-sector contracts totaling over 2.1 billion pounds ($2.85bn). Notably, Motorola Solutions' British subsidiary, Airwave Solutions, accounts for more than 1.7 billion pounds ($2.3bn) of this total, with other contracts held by firms including Heidelberg Materials, Egis, CAF, and Fosun. The findings have prompted over 140 Labour MPs to urge the UK government to ban trade with these settlements, with legal experts questioning Britain's compliance with international obligations in light of a 2024 International Court of Justice ruling against Israel's presence in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Families are frantically traveling to Nepal to find 33 missing British nationals following devastating flash floods that have killed at least 538 people and left over 1,500 unaccounted for. The floods have prompted fears of additional flooding due to rising artificial lakes created by mudslides, leading to evacuations in affected areas like Rasuwa. Among the missing are 80 members of an Isha group, including nine Britons, as well as several individuals from the UK, including a family of four and a senior nurse on a religious journey.
Bournemouth and Sunderland have been drawn for matches against AC Milan in the Europa League, marking Bournemouth's first appearance in a continental competition and Sunderland's return to European football since 1973. Bournemouth’s matches include home games against Viktoria Plzen, Sturm Graz, and Hapoel Beersheba, while Sunderland will face Anderlecht and host AZ Alkmaar, Dinamo Zagreb, and Levski Sofia. The group stage will kick off on September 16 and 17, with the final scheduled for May 26, 2027, in Frankfurt, while the Conference League final will take place on June 2, 2027, in Istanbul.
Jake Reiner, in his first interview since the deaths of his parents, filmmaker Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, expressed his bewilderment over their murders and the impact on his family, stating, “I will never understand why this happened.” Rob and Michele were found dead from apparent stab wounds at their Los Angeles home in December, and their son Nick, 32, has been indicted for two counts of first-degree murder while pleading not guilty, potentially facing the death penalty if convicted. The 35-year-old Jake revealed the emotional toll, saying the past eight months felt like "eight years" while noting that he and his sister Romy are left to navigate their grief largely alone and that Nick has been attempting to access a $1.6 million trust for legal fees, which is blocked under California’s slayer statute.
Qatar's Minister of State Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi visited Benghazi to emphasize Qatar's commitment to resolving Libya's political division and support for the newly agreed election pact, which aims to end the long-standing split between the Tripoli-based government and the eastern administration led by Khalifa Haftar. The "4+4" committee has set a 24-month deadline to hold elections while rewriting the governing laws, but concerns about the pact's stability persist, with accusations of exclusion from talks and authority issues. The United Nations has recognized the pact as a significant step forward, though its implementation faces challenges due to divided state institutions and political mistrust.