A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson following a fire that destroyed approximately 140 vehicles at a car park used by Gatwick airport passengers, located near Crawley. The blaze, which broke out after 9pm on Saturday, resulted in power cuts affecting over 2,000 businesses and homes, and caused significant damage to nearby businesses, including two breakdown and recovery companies. Emergency services deployed eight fire engines to manage the "significant and complex" operation, and the 67-year-old suspect has been bailed pending further inquiries.
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has reversed his earlier stance by committing to continue the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) project while aiming to reduce its total cost by approximately 6%, bringing it down to around $32.3 billion from a maximum of $34.5 billion. Changes to SRL East, a 26km section between Cheltenham and Box Hill, include eliminating underground station interchanges and scrapping a multilevel car park intended to replace 400 lost spots, as well as scaling back future precinct works. The project has already seen commitments of $11.8 billion from the state and $6 billion from the federal government, with the state opposition indicating a potential pause and review if they win the upcoming election.
A food-poisoning outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts has affected at least 55 people across 15 states, with four hospitalizations reported, according to the CDC. Of the 34 sick individuals interviewed, 26 indicated they had consumed alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts, which has initiated a voluntary recall of its affected products. The outbreak involves multiple germs, including salmonella and different strains of E. coli, leading to serious health complications like acute kidney failure.
The US has threatened severe sanctions against any country maintaining economic ties with Iran as part of an "unprecedented campaign" called Operation Economic Outcast, spearheaded by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who compared it to the D-Day landings. China, which purchased approximately 80% of Iran's shipped oil last year, has shown resistance to US pressures, while Iran has vowed to retaliate against participating countries, indicating possible military or cyber responses. Six months after a US-Israeli military attack on Iran, which led to the death of its supreme leader, Tehran has seen increased hardline governance and fears have risen regarding disruptions in global oil trade through the strait of Hormuz amidst escalating US sanctions.
Donald Trump announced a new 50% tariff on Canadian cars, trucks, automobile parts, and steel, effective January 1, 2027, as part of escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada. He claimed Canada has been "ripping off" the U.S. and noted that they do 95% of their business with America, while Canada is the largest customer for U.S. automobiles, surpassing other markets. Following the collapse of negotiations over tariff reductions, Canada's Mark Carney indicated a readiness to negotiate when the U.S. approaches with a more constructive attitude.
A 68-year-old French tourist, Pierre Michel Formosa, died in Death Valley after his vehicle became stuck in mud while traveling in 116°F (47°C) heat. He and his companion walked approximately 1.3 miles (2 km) seeking help before Formosa became incapacitated; his companion eventually found assistance, but Formosa was pronounced dead at the scene after being located by search teams. Death Valley, known for its extreme temperatures and remoteness, is cautioned against by the National Park Service, which emphasizes the importance of preparedness for visitors amid increasingly dangerous heatwave conditions in the U.S.
Multiple people have died following a fire and shooting at a home in Billings' West End. Law enforcement reported the home was engulfed in flames after shots were fired, although specific details regarding the number of fatalities or injuries have not been disclosed. The incident is being investigated as authorities work to uncover further information regarding the circumstances surrounding the fire and shooting.
The Trump administration has proposed a permanent fee of $103,265 for H-1B work visa applications, which significantly increases costs that previously ranged from $2,000 to $5,000. This new fee would become effective after a 30-day public comment period and follows a temporary fee of $100,000 that was blocked by court rulings. While there were approximately 344,000 H-1B visa registrations last year—a decline of over 25% from 2024 and less than half of the 794,000 sought in 2023—business groups argue the program is necessary to fill jobs requiring specialized skills.
Several NFL players, including Dae’Quan Wright, are considering returning to college due to new legal options stemming from a lawsuit Wright filed. The Cleveland Browns have named Deshaun Watson the starter for the final year of his $230 million deal, while he has expressed that he feels the Cleveland fans have been "disrespectful" towards him. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays face critical votes this week regarding their $2.36 billion ballpark development, with significant negotiations expected in the days leading up to the decisions.
Norway plans to continue developing its oil and gas resources in the Barents Sea, despite the EU's support for a ban on new fossil fuel projects in the Arctic for environmental reasons. Energy Minister Terje Aasland highlighted that Norway meets approximately 30% of the gas demand in the EU and UK, underscoring the country's importance as a supplier following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Additionally, Equinor's CEO emphasized that oil and LNG from the Barents Sea could be shipped globally, suggesting that Europe's security would be compromised if they choose to reject these resources.
Mark Carney stated that Canada must reject any US trade deal that could undermine the French language rights, emphasizing that in Quebec, these rights are fundamental. Tariffs affecting about 5% of Canada’s exports to the US have recently been implemented, with Canada planning retaliation, which Quebec’s premier labeled a “worst-case scenario” for local businesses. The ongoing trade dispute has led political leaders to declare Canada is engaged in an economic war with the US, especially as the province of Quebec aims to protect its distinct Francophone identity against perceived threats from US negotiators.
that this figure was based on invalid registrations and included many legal citizens. The reassignment of all Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate immigration officers to focus on South African refugee screening and unlawful voter investigations has disrupted training for asylum officers, suggesting a slowdown in processing immigration claims. Between October 2025 and July 2026, of the 10,258 refugees admitted to the US, 10,255 were from South Africa, illustrating a significant shift in refugee priorities under the Trump administration.
The NYPD is investigating a TikTok video showing three people climbing out of a manhole at 4:19 AM on August 18, near Madison Square Garden, following several similar incidents reported in May. The police have sent Emergency Services Unit officers into the sewer system to ensure there are no threats, finding no evidence of nefarious activities or damage to the system. Authorities are concerned about the health and safety risks posed by individuals entering the sewer system, which is illegal and dangerous.
The UK government has partnered with Ukraine to utilize battlefield data from the Avengers AI lab to train AI models aimed at protecting sensitive sites such as military bases, railways, and energy plants from protesters and hostile states. The pilot program will implement AI-optimized sensors in buried fibre-optic cables to detect unusual movements, marking the first instance of such data sharing between the two countries and involving three British AI companies. This initiative hopes to enhance national security capabilities by leveraging four years' worth of military data, including operational drone datasets and strike mission footage, while raising privacy concerns among activists and campaigners.
A video has surfaced showing a large group of hostages, including identified elders, relatives, and children, believed to be among the up to 600 worshippers abducted by gunmen during Friday prayers at a mosque in Dekera village, Nigeria. This incident, part of a worrying trend of mass kidnappings for ransom in the region, comes as the country approaches presidential elections in January, with security concerns rising due to these recurrent attacks. Amnesty International has called for action from Nigerian authorities to secure the release of the captives, while local officials continue to assess the situation and coordinate rescue efforts.
Reform UK has announced that social housing tenants will be evicted for failing to maintain their gardens and properties, as part of a broader policy prioritizing young British-born couples for social housing over foreign nationals. The party plans to change the law to ensure that British-born working couples with children receive the highest priority for new housing, while those born abroad to foreign parents would not qualify. Additionally, Reform aims to boost social housebuilding by allowing housing associations to increase borrowing against the accounting value of their homes, although industry experts warn this could financially jeopardize these organizations.
Prince Harry has stepped down from the board of African Parks, a wildlife charity, after it admitted to human rights abuses committed by its rangers in the Republic of the Congo. An independent review revealed allegations from the Baka community, accusing rangers of beatings, waterboarding, and rape, prompting calls from Survival International for Harry to resign. African Parks manages over 20 million hectares (50 million acres) across Africa, and while Harry remains supportive of the organization's mission, his departure comes amid ongoing scrutiny of its practices.
The alleged rape and murder of a three-year-old girl in Nepal has sparked nationwide protests and calls for tougher laws, with nine arrests made in connection to the case. The government has promised to review laws regarding serious offenses and create a memorial for the victim, while a significant leak of footage showing a teenage suspect has raised concerns about police negligence. Between July 2017 and July 2025, there were over 25,500 accusations of rape and sexual abuse reported, with more than 3,200 female victims under the age of 10.
A Japanese delegation has arrived in Beijing for talks aimed at improving strained relations with China, following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding military responses to potential Chinese aggression towards Taiwan. This visit marks the first official consultations since diplomatic ties deteriorated late last year, with communication channels reportedly severed, creating what has been described as the worst relations since they were normalized in 1972. The trip, which includes members from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and opposition parties, is set to last two days, and further exchanges are scheduled, including a delegation led by former Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya in late September.
US Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent announced an economic pressure campaign dubbed "Operation Economic Outcast" against Iran, aiming to eliminate all of Tehran's financial revenue sources, particularly oil, globally. The initiative targets five of Iran's vital lifelines: digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping, and emphasizes that countries engaging with Iran could face secondary penalties. This campaign follows nearly six months of conflict since US and Israeli strikes, which have failed to topple Iran's governing system, despite significant casualties including the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) has seen its membership drop to an eight-year low, leading to an £800,000 loss last year, while the cost of living crisis makes it harder for the organization to maintain support. Independent breweries face unfair competition from large multinationals, which dominate the market and create an "illusion of choice" in pubs, according to Camra's chief executive Tom Stainer. Additionally, the organization had to cancel its Great British Beer festival and restructure due to financial pressures, highlighting the challenges it faces in promoting traditional cask ales against the backdrop of a changing market.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen rebuffed a male cosmetic surgeon's unsolicited beauty advice regarding a "little spot" on her nose, advocating for self-acceptance instead. In response to receiving numerous messages over the years about her appearance, she emphasized her contentment with her body and discouraged superficial scrutiny, stating, “I’m perfectly fine with my body – as it is when you’re a woman approaching 50.” Frederiksen encourages meaningful conversations and expresses solidarity with those facing similar unsolicited comments about their looks.
President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree allowing the Russian state to take temporary control of critical infrastructure deemed inadequately protected from attacks. Under this decree, the Federal Agency for State Property Management or other designated bodies can assume ownership and responsibility for security at facilities considered essential to state security and economic stability, including energy and public utility sectors. The ongoing conflict has led to significant damage, with Ukraine's drone attacks reportedly destroying at least 24 warehouses belonging to Wildberries, causing billions in losses, and impacting operations at major sites like the Perm oil refinery, which faces a two-week repair timeline.
Rupert Lowe, leader of Restore Britain, has earned an average of £932 per hour from controversial posts on Elon Musk's platform X, with his income surging to £1,476 per hour since June 2023. His total income from X since the start of the 2024 general election has exceeded £105,000, with projections indicating he could earn over £93,000 in 2026, approaching the current MP salary of £98,599. Critics argue that X's financial incentives favor divisive political content, which they believe shifts UK political discourse to the right.
Former snooker world champion Graeme Dott has been convicted of sexually abusing two children, facing two counts of “lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour” toward a girl from 1993 to 1996 and a boy from 2006 to 2010. The charges included sexually assaulting the girl, exposing himself, inducing her to touch him, and making sexual remarks to the boy. Dott, who won the world snooker championship in 2006, has denied the charges but was found guilty and will be sentenced next month.
Andy Burnham's visit to Kyiv, his first international trip as prime minister, underscores renewed support for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence. During the visit, Burnham announced the UK's provision of long-range Storm Shadow cruise missiles to help Ukraine counter ballistic missile strikes, while Zelenskyy awarded families of fallen soldiers in a poignant ceremony at St Sophia cathedral. The Ukrainian parliament's foreign affairs committee chair expressed hope that production of the missiles could start in "months, not years," emphasizing the importance of this military aid for negotiations with Moscow.
An Israeli air strike in central Gaza targeted a tent sheltering displaced Palestinians, resulting in at least one death and several injuries. Since the ceasefire agreement in October 2025, 1,288 Palestinians have been killed, contributing to a total death toll of 73,422 since the conflict began in October 2023, with an additional 174,401 wounded. The Israeli army claimed the strike targeted militants linked to Hamas, alleging ongoing violations of the ceasefire despite diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation.
Representatives of the Congolese government and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group have agreed on a roadmap for peace during negotiations in Geneva, which follows a US-brokered framework signed in Doha last year. The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC has resulted in hundreds of civilian deaths and millions displaced since 2022, with M23 currently controlling significant areas in the mineral-rich provinces of North and South Kivu. While international support from the US, Qatar, AU, and Switzerland has been expressed, the plan lacks binding resolutions, and significant challenges, including mistrust between Kinshasa and Kigali and the presence of multiple armed groups, threaten its implementation.
Representatives of the Congolese government and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group have agreed on a roadmap for peace in Geneva, which builds upon a previous US-brokered framework and includes a ceasefire monitoring mechanism supported by the UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO. Despite expressing cautious optimism over the initiative, experts warn that the commitment remains fragile due to ongoing disagreements about key issues, including sanctions against M23 and the release of detainees, amidst years of conflict that have resulted in hundreds of civilian deaths and millions displaced since 2022. Rwanda's involvement in the conflict adds complexity to the peace process, with President Kagame emphasizing the need to address security threats posed by the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) as a prerequisite for stabilization.
John Oliver's recent episode of HBO's show highlighted the proliferation of subscription-based models, noting that Americans often underestimate their monthly spending on these services, with many inadvertently paying for subscriptions they don’t use. He pointed out that the automobile industry is capitalizing on this trend, with services charging up to $75 per month and General Motors projecting $25 billion in annual subscription revenue by 2030, rivaling Netflix. Oliver also criticized the intrusive nature of data collection from "smart" appliances and the deceptive practices used by companies to ensure users remain subscribed, emphasizing how canceling these subscriptions is often deliberately complicated.