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.
Germany's grape harvest has begun earlier than ever recorded, starting in the first week of September, which is approximately four weeks sooner than it did 30 or 40 years ago. Higher temperatures this summer have caused rapid ripening across all wine-growing regions, leading to simultaneous maturity of grape varieties and an expected early completion of the harvest by the end of September. While the quality of the grapes is reported as healthy, the overall harvest yield is anticipated to be below average due to smaller grape sizes resulting from dry conditions.
A Dutch court sentenced a Rwandan man, identified as Eugene N, to life in prison for his involvement in the genocide that resulted in the deaths of over 800,000 Tutsis in 1994. The court characterized his actions, which included orchestrating attacks on roughly 3,000 Tutsis sheltering in a stadium, as demonstrating a “significant lack of respect for human dignity and for human life.” Eugene N, who fled to the Netherlands in 1998 and became a citizen, was arrested in 2024 after a prosecution that began in 2020, questioning more than 30 witnesses.
The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency plans to spend $16.7 million on 6,000 pairs of electric-shock gloves, resulting from a no-bid contract with Compliant Technologies. The gloves, referred to as "de-escalation devices," will be used by officers in high-tension environments during arrests and civil disturbances, with the agency asserting they will reduce the need for more severe force. However, the procurement has sparked backlash from civil rights advocates and lawmakers due to concerns over misuse and lack of oversight, especially following incidents where ICE agents have been involved in fatal shootings and other controversial use of force.
Asda has reported its first quarterly sales growth in over two years, with a 0.2% increase at established stores excluding fuel during the three months to the end of June, following a 2.3% decline in the previous quarter. The improvement has been attributed to lower prices and a better online service, as well as stability in IT systems after a costly overhaul subsequent to its £6.8 billion buyout in 2020. Despite facing stiff competition from Aldi and Lidl, which is nearing Asda's market share, Allan Leighton, Asda's chair, expressed confidence in the company's turnaround potential and highlighted the importance of upcoming economic policies to bolster consumer and business confidence.
TalkTV is under scrutiny for not disclosing that Christian Drogan, a journalist featured in their documentary "Invading Britain," is a member and activist of the Reform UK party, which focuses on small boat crossings. Drogan's journey from France to England was termed a "world exclusive," marking him as the first British man "to invade his own country," but his political affiliation was not revealed during the coverage. Criticism surrounding this omission highlights concerns about transparency in media representation, especially when political agendas align closely with investigative narratives.
Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" has attracted tens of millions of viewers and is set against the backdrop of the real-life Bronze Age collapse, linked to a severe climate shift and a prolonged drought that occurred over 3,000 years ago. The study reveals that the shrinking West African monsoon and recurring dry spells contributed to reduced rainfall in the Mediterranean, potentially explaining the migrations and conflicts of the era, similar to today's climate challenges, including record low river levels and historic crop losses, like France's lowest maize harvest in 50 years. Researchers warn that current climate change, exacerbated by human activity, could lead to societal collapse, drawing parallels to the historical upheaval experienced during the Bronze Age.
Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey," set during the Bronze Age collapse, reflects real historical events tied to a severe climate shift, as highlighted by a recent study indicating that a prolonged drying trend and natural climate cycles contributed to a catastrophic drought over 3,000 years ago. The research led by Katherine Power at Stockholm University suggests that this environmental stress may explain the mass migrations and conflicts seen during this period, often associated with the so-called Sea Peoples. The study draws parallels to today's climate challenges, noting Europe's record-low river levels and historic crop losses, such as France's lowest maize harvest in 50 years, emphasizing the urgent implications of climate change on future societal stability.
Stargazers worldwide witnessed a near-total lunar eclipse, known as a 'Blood Moon,' on Thursday night into early Friday morning. This celestial event occurred just weeks after millions experienced a significant solar eclipse, the most impactful in nearly 30 years. The phenomenon highlighted the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon in the night sky.
Since the February 28 missile strikes by the US and Israel on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and numerous others, the ensuing conflict has resulted in an estimated 8,000-10,000 deaths and a global oil supply crisis, particularly impacting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Despite claims from US President Donald Trump that the war would be brief and objectives such as dismantling Iran's nuclear program were achieved, Iran still maintains 440kg of highly enriched uranium, and its political structure remains intact with the new Supreme Leader being Khamenei's son. Experts express differing views on the war's outcome, with some suggesting the US objectives have not been realized, particularly in light of the continuing operational capability of Iran's nuclear program.
Eugene N., a Rwandan-born Dutch national, was sentenced to life in prison by a Dutch court for participating in the 1994 Rwandan genocide, which resulted in over 800,000 deaths, primarily of Tutsis. The court found him guilty of war crimes and genocide for his involvement in the massacre of approximately 3,000 Tutsis in southern Rwanda, including throwing a grenade into a crowd seeking refuge in a football stadium. Despite denying the charges, the court deemed his actions, committed with "genocidal intent," unforgivable and significant enough to warrant a life sentence, marking a major development in long-standing efforts to bring perpetrators of the genocide to justice.
Rescue efforts continue in Nepal and Tibet following catastrophic flash floods that have left at least 469 dead and over 1,300 people missing, including more than 500 foreign citizens among the 826 missing in Nepal. The flooding was triggered by a glacier collapse in the Himalayas, raising concerns about the impact of climate change on geological stability. In South Korea, police will re-examine approximately 310,000 closed missing persons cases after an officer was arrested for falsifying records, with over 70,000 people reported missing last year, of which only 931 were found deceased.
A Dutch-Rwandan man, identified as Eugene N, has been sentenced to life in prison by a court in the Netherlands for his involvement in the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, where an estimated 800,000 people were killed in just 100 days. N, who held a position of authority and oversaw around 1,000 individuals during the massacre, was found guilty of war crimes and genocide after evidence showed he instructed Hutus to prevent Tutsis from escaping and allowed brutal attacks on them in a stadium. His defense team plans to appeal the charges, having already secured an acquittal on the incitement to genocide count, while N continues to deny all accusations, claiming to be a victim himself.
Arvo Pärt, Anita Raja, and Prodromos Tsinikoris will receive the 2026 Goethe Medal, awarded for their significant contributions to fostering cultural connections between Germany and other nations. Pärt, a prominent Estonian composer, has created influential minimalist works like "Für Alina" and lived in Germany for nearly 30 years, while Raja is recognized for her empathetic translations of German literature into Italian, including East German author Christa Wolf's works. Tsinikoris, a Greek theater director born in Germany, is noted for his innovative approach to theater, emphasizing documentary storytelling to bridge cultural gaps.
Nearly 60% of South Koreans support mandatory military service for young women, reflecting changing attitudes towards gender equality amidst personnel shortages in the armed forces. A survey revealed that 65% of men and 54.5% of women support this initiative, with figures rising to 71.7% among men in their 20s and 30s. Currently, all able-bodied males must serve between 18 to 21 months, and projections indicate that the number of eligible men for service will drop from 257,000 in 2022 to 120,000 by 2043.
The Trump administration's rollback of the 2001 "roadless rule" could put over 400 endangered species at risk of accelerated extinction by opening more than 45 million acres of national forests to roads, drilling, and logging. This decision threatens 7.4 million acres of endangered-species habitat and nearly 1,800 miles of protected rivers, impacting critical habitats for species such as grizzly bears, gray wolves, and various unique plants across regions like the Rocky Mountains and the Tongass National Forest in Alaska. Additionally, the rollback risks significant clean water sources for millions of people, including 5 million in metro Atlanta and residents in other key U.S. cities reliant on these protected forest watersheds.
UK petrol prices have reached their highest level in nearly four years, with the average cost of petrol at 161.6p per litre and diesel at 183.4p per litre, according to the AA. Millions of people are expected to travel over the bank holiday weekend, with projections of more than 4.1 million cars on the roads, marking the highest traffic levels since records began in 2015. The Competition and Markets Authority is increasing monitoring of fuel prices amid concerns over potential profiteering, highlighting that many petrol stations were slow to reduce prices when wholesale costs fell.
An armed raid on a cattle camp and village in northwest South Sudan has resulted in at least 49 fatalities and 33 injuries, as confirmed by local officials. This attack occurred early Thursday in Tonj North County, following a previous raid in the same area three weeks prior that left 60 dead and 50 wounded. The local government condemned the violence and appealed for humanitarian assistance to address the resulting displacement and crisis.
The "Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)" has launched a campaign to audit conditions in India’s over one million government schools, aiming to inspect 100 rural schools over two months, starting August 15. The movement emerged after successful protests that led to the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and it seeks to document basic facilities and demand accountability from authorities, despite facing pushback, including police actions against volunteers. CJP emphasizes the importance of public scrutiny, arguing that their efforts are crucial for ensuring accountability from the government, especially in a country where nearly 70% of schools are government-run but serve less than half of the 247 million schoolchildren.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) gained national attention in India by leading protests over a scandal related to competitive entrance exams, culminating in the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in July. Launching a school audit campaign on August 15, CJP aims to inspect 100 rural government schools to document conditions such as sanitation, drinking water, and classroom facilities, while advocating for improvements across the nation's over one million government schools that serve less than half of the 247 million schoolchildren. As CJP navigates the complexities of local governance, it faces varied state responses, including objections and restrictions from authorities in Maharashtra and Rajasthan, while asserting their commitment to accountability despite challenges and potential legal barriers.
The 2026 US Open main draw starts on August 30 and runs until September 13 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, featuring top seeds like Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic pursuing his 25th Grand Slam title. Notable storylines include World No. 1 Jannik Sinner's withdrawal due to a right knee injury and the iconic pairing of Serena and Carlos Alcaraz in mixed doubles, who lost in the quarterfinals. Additionally, 17-year-old Moise Kouame, the youngest male Grand Slam winner in 17 years, made his US Open debut but was eliminated in the qualifying round.
Six months after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, resulting in the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, at least 7,900 people have died, with confirmed deaths including 4,350 in Lebanon, 3,527 in Iran, and additional casualties among US and Israeli personnel. The conflict has led to significant disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, where daily vessel traffic plummeted from 100 to an average of just seven, and 70 confirmed attacks on ships have resulted in 19 fatalities. The war has cost the US $37.5 billion so far, with estimates possibly reaching up to $100 billion, while oil prices have risen by 22% from pre-war levels.
Pakistan and Kuwait signed the "Protocol Agreement-2026" on August 28, 2026, enhancing their military cooperation framework that began in 2023, which includes Pakistani armed forces training Kuwait’s military and assisting with border management. This new agreement builds on a prior understanding ratified by Kuwait in July 2026 and signifies a move towards a more structured security partnership, though it lacks a collective defense commitment similar to agreements with Saudi Arabia. The evolving relationship reflects increasing formalized defense collaborations between Pakistan and Gulf states, allowing Pakistan greater involvement in regional defense capabilities and security, particularly concerning Iraq's border.