The BBC reported extensive devastation between Kathmandu and Trishuli due to flooding, with rescuers indicating that entire villages have been washed away. The route was marked by ambulances and hearses, reflecting the severity of the situation. Rescue operations are ongoing as the impact of the floods continues to unfold.
Meta has announced new restrictions on its platforms, including Instagram and Facebook, as part of an $18 billion settlement with 48 US states and territories over social media's effects on children. The measures include a daily two-hour time limit for teens, hiding like counts, and stricter age verification processes, aimed at mitigating social media's harmful effects, although many parents remain skeptical about their long-term effectiveness. Critics argue that while these changes are a step forward, they do not fully address the addictive nature of social media, with some parents expressing feeling powerless to protect their children from its influences.
At least 290 Indians are reported missing following deadly flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border, with many unaccounted for after a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash. Sudipto Bhattacharya last heard from his wife, Subhrasree Chakraborty, at 08:03 local time on August 26, when she messaged him about waiting to cross into China after completing immigration in Nepal. The group she was traveling with, approximately 30 people, faced connectivity issues after the flood, leaving their families in the dark about their status.
Nepal and China have halted rescue efforts following a devastating flash flood that has resulted in over 470 confirmed deaths, with an additional 977 individuals still missing and about 90,000 people affected. A "barrier lake," formed from the disaster, has grown from an estimated 1.5-2 million cubic meters to over 2.5 million cubic meters, posing a threat of further flooding to downstream communities. Rescue operations included more than 1,550 people saved, with 30,000 security personnel deployed in Nepal and 500 military personnel from China engaged in emergency responses.
NHS leaders in England are warning that costs for ADHD and autism services are becoming unsustainable, with some areas experiencing a tenfold increase in spending within a year. An integrated care board reported spending rising from £146,000 in 2024-25 to £1.5 million last year, while spending on adult ADHD services is projected to jump from £11 million to £51 million this financial year. The rapid influx of new providers, increasing from 12-14 to 48 in two years, has compounded issues of quality assurance and resulted in significant price variances, with costs ranging from £300 to £3,000 for similar services.
Norway's King Harald V died at the age of 89 after being hospitalized for a rare blood condition, passing away peacefully at 06:35 local time. He served as king for 35 years, modernizing the monarchy and earning the title of "People's king" for his approachability and support during national crises, such as the 2011 Oslo attacks. King Harald is succeeded by his son, Haakon, 53, and he is survived by his wife Queen Sonja, two children, and six grandchildren.
Norway's King Harald V has died at the age of 89 after being hospitalized for a rare blood condition, passing away peacefully at 06:35 local time. The announcement was made by the palace in Oslo, marking the end of his reign and life. This article reflects on his legacy and contributions to Norway.
Dolly Parton and Tim Curry both passed away this week at the age of 80. Their deaths are noted in the context of the saying that celebrity deaths often come in threes. The article includes a quiz related to Dolly Parton, honoring her legacy.
In a world dominated by unrealistic beauty standards and social media, psychologist Diana Hill emphasizes the importance of "body image flexibility" to help individuals cope with negative feelings about their appearance. She suggests several mental exercises, including focusing inward on bodily sensations, appreciating the functionality of the body, and interrogating personal intentions behind body image concerns. These strategies aim to shift attention away from fixation on looks and towards being present and engaged in life, ultimately fostering a healthier relationship with one's body.
Emergency calls regarding detainee welfare at Camp East Montana, an immigration detention center in El Paso, Texas, began just a month after it opened, with a significant incident occurring on September 12 when a detainee exhibited suicidal ideation and ingested a foreign object. The facility, which has faced allegations of inhumane conditions, recorded three deaths between December 2025 and January 2026, making it one of the deadliest centers, including the homicide of Geraldo Lunas Campos, who died after an altercation over his medication. An investigation revealed over 160 emergency calls indicating systemic failures to address mental health and medical emergencies, despite claims from the Department of Homeland Security that detainees receive comprehensive medical services.
The U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that 50% to 70% of energy products usually transported through the Strait of Hormuz would be moved via new underground pipelines as part of a strategy to lessen Iran's dominance in the region. However, energy analysts and the International Energy Agency caution that significant reliance on the strait will persist, estimating over 10 million barrels per day will still need to pass through it to meet pre-war export levels. Despite plans for a $3 billion pipeline expansion in the UAE and other major projects, experts predict that replacing the current shipping capacity will take years, with ongoing conflicts increasing the risks to shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz.
Although the U.S. government is refunding over $160 billion in tariffs collected under President Trump's administration, the majority of this money is going back to businesses and importers rather than consumers, despite the consumers often paying the inflated prices. For instance, Sandra Alonso paid an extra $3,500 for a powered wheelchair due to a 145% tariff on Chinese goods and believes she deserves a refund, but the law prevents direct refunds to consumers. While shipping companies like UPS and FedEx are obligated to pass on their refunds to customers, most retailers have not transparently tracked or communicated the tariff costs to consumers, making it unlikely that they will return any portion of the funds.
More than a thousand people are missing and at least 400 are confirmed dead in Nepal following catastrophic flash floods triggered by a glacier melting due to climate change. The floods, exacerbated by the monsoon rains, caused significant destruction as rock, ice, and debris swept through communities along the river. Experts warn that this event highlights a growing trend of similar climate-related disasters in the region, indicating an increase in glacier instability and associated hazards linked to human-caused global warming.
The "Latin Rock House," located at 25th and York streets in San Francisco, was recently designated a historic landmark by city lawmakers, protecting it from potential alterations or destruction amid ongoing gentrification in the Mission District. The vibrant mural on the house represents the Latin rock scene and cultural history of the area, which has seen drastic demographic changes over the decades, with Latino residents increasing from approximately 11% in 1950 to nearly 50% by the 1970s. Owner Richard Segovia, a fifth-generation San Franciscan, emphasizes the importance of the home as a cultural anchor in a neighborhood that has faced significant redevelopment and displacement.
The Social Security trust fund is projected to run out of reserves by the end of 2032, leading to potential benefit cuts of 22% for millions of seniors who depend on it. Currently, only 34% of Americans correctly understand that even after the trust fund is depleted, Social Security will still make payments at a reduced rate, while 36% mistakenly believe it will stop entirely. Despite the impending crisis, congressional leaders have not prioritized the issue, with the lack of public discussion raising concerns about voter awareness and understanding of Social Security's future challenges.
Congressional Democrats are forming a task force of at least 11 senators to address potential interference by President Trump in the November midterms, prepared for over 100 possible threats including a national election emergency declaration. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasizes ensuring every vote counts and preventing intimidation or coercion, while the task force aims to mobilize support at state and local levels. Trump has proposed the SAVE America Act to change election law, requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration, further intensifying concerns about election integrity leading up to the midterms.
Norway’s King Harald V has died at the age of 89 after being hospitalized with haemolytic anaemia, and his death was announced by the Royal Palace on August 28. He ascended the throne in January 1991 and had ruled for 35 years, becoming Norway’s first king born on Norwegian soil since the 14th century. Following his passing, Crown Prince Haakon is set to succeed him as King Haakon VIII amid ongoing controversies involving the royal family, including his stepson’s sentencing to four years in prison on multiple charges, including rape.
A federal judge ruled in favor of Anthropic, an AI company, against the Pentagon's designation of it as a "supply chain risk," stating that this label was an act of retaliation for the company's criticisms of the military's use of AI. Judge Rita Lin noted that the government's actions lacked a legitimate basis and were aimed at punishing Anthropic for its "arrogance." The ruling followed a series of attacks from President Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth, which included an order for government agencies to stop using Anthropic's technology, as the company prepares for an IPO that could surpass SpaceX's record $86 billion debut.
Two 17-year-olds accused of participating in an hours-long gang-rape of a teenage girl in Sydney have been granted bail, while the alleged instigator, also 17, remains in juvenile detention facing 11 charges, including six counts of aggravated sexual assault in company. The alleged assault, which included texting friends to join in, occurred on August 16, and police highlighted the degrading and humiliating nature of the attack. Both co-accused boys are required to adhere to strict bail conditions, including daily police reporting, home detention, and restrictions on contacting each other or witnesses.
The Nepali army is conducting rescue operations for survivors trapped in a hydropower project tunnel in Rasuwa, where over 100 individuals are estimated to be trapped. Rescue footage shows soldiers navigating thick mud to assist those in need, part of broader efforts following a severe flood that has resulted in a local death toll of 475. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced across the country due to the recent severe weather.
Germany's Green Party is urging government action over gas storage levels, which are currently at 52%, significantly below the target of 70% by November 1, presenting concerns for the upcoming winter. A summit of 10 European countries, hosted by German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, is addressing hybrid threats, focusing particularly on drone defense after a drone incident at Leipzig Airport on August 4, where explosives were discovered. The meeting aims to develop joint strategies for intelligence, deterrence, and defense amid an environment of increased hybrid incidents in the Baltic Sea region, with Russia suspected of involvement.
Australian woman Cara Severino, 25, has made contact with her family after being reported missing for over two days due to flash flooding in Nepal that has left at least 469 people dead and 1,500 missing. Severino is the first of 39 Australians reported missing to be confirmed safe, though she faces a trek of more than 110km to reach Kathmandu on foot with a group of Nepali hikers. Her parents reported that she was able to call them from Gosainkunda after being stranded during her hike along the Langtang trek, and she was the only one of the 35 missing Australians not traveling with a tour group.
Japan has experienced extreme rainfall recently, particularly in Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures, with Himi recording 361.5mm of rain in 24 hours, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of thousands due to severe flash floods and mudslides. Typhoon Saudel brought additional storms, with 230mm of rainfall measured in the Amami region and winds reaching 100mph (160km/h) in southern areas. Meanwhile, severe convective storms in western Europe caused intense weather, including a tornado in Pomas, France, and hailstones up to 10cm in diameter in Catalonia, affecting Spain, France, and Italy significantly.
At least 469 people have died and over 1,500 remain missing in Nepal and China's Tibet region following a catastrophic flood triggered by a glacial collapse in the Bhotekoshi area. The disaster struck the Nepal-Tibet border region, particularly devastating the Rasuwa district, with water levels in the Trishuli river rising by as much as 9 meters (27 feet) within 30 minutes. Authorities are facing challenges in search and rescue operations due to damaged infrastructure, and among the missing are 668 tourists from 34 countries, including 177 from India and 90 from the United States.
At the Diamond League meet in Zurich, Alison Dos Santos and Masai Russell both set world records, with Dos Santos clocking 45.80 seconds in the 400 metres and Russell finishing in 12.09 seconds in the 100-metre hurdles, earning $80,000 each for their achievements. In the pole vault, Armand "Mondo" Duplantis won with a height of 6.25 metres, while Greek rival Emmanouil Karalis set a personal best at 6.20 metres, marking the first occasion two athletes cleared 6.20 metres. Additionally, Switzerland's Audrey Werro recorded the third-fastest time ever in the women's 800 metres at 1:53.70, and Kenya's Emmanuel Wanyonyi won the men's 800 metres with a world-leading time of 1:41.76.
King Harald V of Norway passed away at the age of 89 on August 28, 2023, following health issues that included treatment for haemolytic anaemia and a history of bladder cancer. His death comes amid controversy surrounding his son Crown Prince Haakon's wife, Mette-Marit, who corresponded with Jeffrey Epstein between 2011 and 2014, drawing strong public criticism and leading to a statement of regret from Mette-Marit. Additionally, her son, Marius Borg Høiby, was sentenced to four years in prison for rapes and other charges, compounding the royal family's challenges during this transition.
A campaign called Save Our Voices Now, supported by about 80 actors including Nicola Coughlan and Matt Lucas, is urging legislation to protect voice ownership from AI voice cloning, prompting an open letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The campaign emphasizes that 28% of UK adults have been targeted by voice-cloning scams, raising concerns about the theft and misuse of individual voices. The founder, Peter Caulfield, warns that in just three seconds, a person's voice can be cloned without consent, and he calls for immediate legislative action to safeguard artists’ rights and prevent criminal exploitation.
King Harald V of Norway died at the age of 89 on August 28, 2026, at the National Hospital in Oslo, and his son automatically became King Haakon VIII. Harald, who was born in 1937 and became king in January 1991, modernized the monarchy during his reign and was known for his refusal to abdicate like other aging monarchs. He was the first Norwegian prince born in Norway since 1370, and his marriage to commoner Sonja Haraldsen in 1968 was celebrated by Norwegians, resulting in two children, Haakon and Märtha Louise.
A landslide-formed lake on the Nepal-China border began overflowing, raising concerns in Rasuwa district where the death toll from flash floods rose to 469, with over 1,000 individuals still missing, including approximately 540 foreigners. The lake, holding about 2 million cubic meters of water, is expected to receive another 3 million cubic meters in the next three days, while efforts to drain it face challenges due to difficult terrain. Despite international offers for search-and-rescue assistance, Nepal's Foreign Ministry stated they are managing the response themselves.
In August 2026, concerns arose when a 21-year-old man, Rahil Prakash, conducted a fake election poll as a "social experiment," sparking fears of manipulation in prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket just two months before the midterms. The bogus polls, released under the name Median Strategies, focused on races including those for mayor of Los Angeles and elections in Wisconsin and Nevada, but Prakash did not place any bets related to these polls. Amanda Fischer from Better Markets emphasized the risk of manipulation in these markets, noting that this election cycle could attract attempts to influence outcomes through misinformation or viral campaigns.