A minister has called on social media companies to take down posts that promote dangerous driving following a crash on the A66 near Middlesbrough that resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including two police officers. The collision involved a Volkswagen Passat, pursued by police for seven minutes, which was driven in the wrong direction before crashing head-on with a marked response vehicle; those in the Passat were aged between 17 and 23. Defence minister Luke Pollard emphasized that the government will utilize the Online Safety Act to compel platforms to remove such harmful content, highlighting concerns about related social media videos that encourage reckless behavior.
The UK is escalating tensions with Russia by providing Ukraine with declassified blueprints for long-range missiles, as Prime Minister Andy Burnham visits Kyiv to bolster support and join a coalition meeting with 34 leaders. Russian officials, including spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, criticized the UK's involvement, suggesting that it would hinder peace efforts and warning of increased military actions, including potential mobilization of an extra 300,000 soldiers. Amid these developments, Ukraine is preparing for more missile attacks on its Independence Day and faces a shortage of US-made Patriot interceptors, which are crucial for defense against the growing Russian arsenal.
The Netherlands' public broadcaster, AVROTROS, announced it will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, citing concerns that the event can no longer be considered neutral amidst ongoing divisions related to the war in Gaza. The 2026 contest attracted 131 million viewers, which was 35 million fewer than the previous year, as five countries, including the Netherlands, boycotted due to Israel's participation. The next Eurovision is set to take place in Burgas, Bulgaria, marking the first time the country will host the contest since its inception in 1955.
Ozon, Russia's second-largest online retailer, reported drone strikes on its logistics facilities in Krasnodar, Dagestan, Stavropol, and Adygea, resulting in injuries and major fires, including one in Makhachkala that started at approximately 05:00 local time. The strikes follow Ukraine's targeting of Russian retail companies, including Wildberries, which have been described as legitimate military targets due to their supply of components to the military, leading to a decrease in Ozon's shares by 12% and AFK Sistema's by 13%. Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned Ukraine's actions, stating they would retaliate against its "most sensitive economic sectors," while Ukrainian officials claimed that targeting logistics hubs complicates Russia's military operations.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent threatened Iran with "the single greatest financial offensive ever," claiming the US-Israel war with Iran is reaching its endgame and warning that any nation financially partnering with Iran will face isolation. The Iranian regime, which has been warned against allowing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and has effectively blocked oil and gas flows since February's conflict began, stated it would halt all oil exports if the war continues. Bessent's comments come amid ongoing tough economic sanctions on Iran that have intensified since the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions under former President Trump in 2018.
Thames Water creditors have proposed a £10 billion rescue deal, which includes appointing a new board featuring Liz Barber and Clive Selley, aimed at avoiding temporary nationalisation. The initiative, led by a consortium of 100 institutional investors holding £17 billion of Thames's £21 billion debt, has been criticized as merely a “cosy stitch-up” that does not address the needs of the 16 million customers dependent on the utility. Additionally, concerns have arisen regarding the potential costs of the temporary nationalisation, which could reach £2 billion, prompting calls for increased public control of the company.
The United States, under President Donald Trump, is intensifying economic pressure on Iran through unprecedented sanctions as part of “Operation Economic Fury,” including a naval blockade aimed at halting Iranian oil exports and warning countries of severe consequences for doing business with Tehran. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed this strategy is set to be the “toughest sanctions in history,” with a strong emphasis on isolating Iran economically, stating that allies must choose between supporting the U.S. or facing penalties themselves. In response, Iran condemned the U.S. actions as an infringement on sovereignty, asserting that it would not tolerate extraterritorial claims limiting its global commerce.
Guinea-Bissau has declared an mpox epidemic with 46 suspected cases and seven confirmed cases since the outbreak was announced on July 4, with half of the cases affecting children, including 16 under the age of four. UNICEF has warned that the country's fragile health surveillance systems likely allow the virus to spread undetected, increasing the risk to children. Public health officials emphasize the need for improved surveillance and infrastructure support as the outbreak coincides with challenges like a recent military coup and ongoing electricity shortages.
Fuel shortages in Russia have led to a rise in "fuel tourism" and "gas hunting," with millions facing hours-long queues at petrol stations amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. As a result, many Russians are driving hundreds of kilometers to Kazakhstan, despite a government ban on petrol exports, with border guards reporting hundreds of smuggling attempts. Fuel prices in Kazakhstan have risen by 15.6% this year, and neighboring countries like Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are also struggling with supply issues, particularly after significant damage to Russia's largest refinery in Omsk from drone attacks.
Tens of thousands of residents in Nevada have been ordered to evacuate as a wildfire nears Reno, with eyewitnesses sharing videos of the flames and smoke. Six people have been injured due to the fire, which is exacerbated by windy and unpredictable weather conditions. The situation continues to escalate as the blaze spreads over the weekend.
Plans to equip Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers with electric-shock gloves, costing up to $20 million, have raised alarms among civil liberties groups due to their controversial use and potential for abuse, especially following a Kentucky man's death after allegedly being shocked 40 times in jail. The gloves, named G.L.O.V.E., can deliver electric shocks when activated and have been criticized for being given to an agency with perceived inadequate oversight and training standards. Advocates warn that their use could lead to increased violence and lack of accountability in immigration enforcement, raising concerns about their deployment in detention facilities like Fort Bliss.
The U.S. government's attempt to raise treasury bond prices and lower yields through increased purchases, announced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, has struggled, with the yield on the 10-year treasury rising back to levels seen prior to the announcement and the 30-year bond yielding around its highest level in 20 years. The federal debt has reached a record $40 trillion, with interest payments projected to consume 13.5% of federal spending this year, surpassing defense spending and up from 5.2% in 2021. The changing dynamics in the treasury market, including a decline in holdings by foreign central banks and an increased presence of private investors, pose risks to the U.S. dollar's status as a safe haven for global investors.
Dr. Craig Towers, a high-risk obstetrician in Knoxville, Tennessee, reported a significant increase in pregnant patients addicted to opioids and conducted a study involving 230 participants, where 121 were treated with the non-opioid drug naltrexone, which found promising results in keeping patients off opioids. However, eight specialists raised concerns about the validity of his findings, noting that naltrexone had poor outcomes in previous studies, with relapse rates averaging 72% among nonpregnant users. An audit conducted by the university uncovered issues within Towers' research, leading to his retirement; despite this, some clinics continue to implement his controversial treatment methods.
The U.S. military conducted a strike on a suspected drug-trafficking boat in the Pacific Ocean on August 24, 2026, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. This operation, part of Operation Southern Spear, is said to be aimed at combating drug cartels in the region, with over 200 people reportedly killed in similar strikes since its initiation. Critics, including legal experts and rights groups, have raised concerns about potential extrajudicial killings, and the Pentagon has initiated a review of compliance with targeting procedures.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reportedly maintains a secret blacklist of journalists to disregard, amid concerns regarding a failed war in Iran and a lack of transparency about U.S. casualties. An official revealed that this list exists, asserting that journalists could be added for persistent questioning, particularly highlighting the command's refusal to address inquiries about civilian deaths and its aggressive stance against press freedom. Critics, including Freedom of the Press Foundation's Seth Stern, argue that this practice is unconstitutional and part of a broader trend of intimidation and restriction against journalists by the Trump administration.
Cindy Baldassi, owner of Calgary-based jewellery company CindyLouWho2, relies heavily on American consumers, with 75% of her sales coming from the US, but she now faces a 50% increase in product prices due to newly imposed tariffs following failed trade talks. The US tariffs affect approximately $20 billion worth of Canadian exports, which constitutes about 5% of Canada's annual exports to the US, raising concerns that many small businesses like Baldassi’s may struggle or go out of business altogether. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced retaliatory tariffs on US goods starting September 8, which could exacerbate the economic challenges for businesses on both sides of the border.
Washington, D.C. hosted its first IndyCar race, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, on August 23, 2026, with Florida driver Kyle Kirkwood winning after leading 128 out of 147 laps. The event, featuring a transformed race course around the National Mall, attracted tens of thousands of spectators and included patriotic displays, flyovers, and a ceremonial lap by President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. Celebrating America's 250th anniversary, the race was characterized by fans wearing red, white, and blue and included a performance of "God Bless America" with a bald eagle flying overhead.
A letter signed by 21 former international cricket captains, including Hall of Famers, has urged Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure humane treatment and proper medical care for imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been incarcerated for three years. The Supreme Court ordered Khan's transfer to a private hospital for medical evaluation, but he was sent to a state-run facility instead, prompting his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), to file a contempt petition. The letter highlights concerns over Khan's deteriorating health, including reported vision loss, and requests the reinstatement of his weekly family visits and immediate medical treatment based on the assessment outcomes.
Giuliano Simeone scored a late equalizer for Atletico Madrid, securing a 2-2 draw against Villarreal after his father Diego's team faced a red card for Robin Le Normand in the 76th minute. The match featured tension as Atletico fans expressed anger towards Julian Alvarez, who was booed multiple times and faced chants urging him to leave the club, especially after revealing his desire for a transfer. Despite the backlash, Diego Simeone emphasized Alvarez's importance to the team and confirmed he would remain part of the squad, while also advising him to avoid interaction with the fans post-match.
World 100m champions Oblique Seville and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden claimed victories at the Silesia Diamond League, with Seville setting a meet record of 9.83 seconds and Jefferson-Wooden running a season's best of 10.78 seconds. In the 400m hurdles, Brazil's Alison Dos Santos won in 46.43 seconds, marking the sixth-fastest time ever and breaking the previous meet record of 46.82 seconds set by Karsten Warholm. Other notable performances included Yaroslava Mahuchikh equaling the women’s high jump meet record at 2.00m and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi winning the 400m in a record time of 43.59 seconds.
The Trump administration is launching what it claims will be the toughest sanctions campaign against Iran, aiming to cut off "every" economic lifeline sustaining the nation, with a particular focus on China, its largest trade partner. In 2025, China engaged in $9.96 billion of trade with Iran, excluding $31.2 billion in Iranian oil shipments, which represent about 90% of Tehran's oil sales. Analysts caution that targeting China may lead to significant blowback for the U.S., and until now, the Trump administration had only imposed sanctions on a limited number of minor Chinese entities.
McLaren's Lando Norris secured his second consecutive victory at the Dutch Grand Prix, finishing ahead of Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes and teammate George Russell, with Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc trailing. Mercedes, which scored 46 points during the race weekend compared to McLaren's 43 and Ferrari's 31, has lost its status as the fastest car on the grid, according to Antonelli, who acknowledged the performance gap in high-speed and slow-speed areas. Despite winning two races in a row, Norris expressed doubt about his championship prospects, stating he is currently 83 points behind Antonelli with 11 rounds remaining in the season.
Former Anchorage mayor Dan A Sullivan endorsed Republican incumbent Dan S Sullivan for a Senate bid, emphasizing the absurdity of the campaign where three candidates share similar names. Dan J Sullivan, a challenger without prior political experience, emerged from the 18 August primary to compete against Dan S Sullivan and Democrat Mary Peltola, prompting accusations of being a Democratic plant. The general election, taking place on 3 November, will see a four-candidate field, with Dan S Sullivan facing challenges from both Dan J Sullivan and Peltola amid broader concerns about potential losses for the Republican Party in the midterms.
In July of last year, deadly flooding devastated the Texas Hill Country, killing at least 119 people in Kerr County and leaving residents like Joan Connor and her husband to cling to a pergola to survive. Despite a history of severe flooding, Texas lawmakers have frequently missed opportunities to implement stronger regulations to protect flood-prone areas, resulting in the state having more flood-prone buildings than all but Florida and the highest number of flood deaths in the U.S. Legislative efforts have only recently begun to address youth camp safety following the tragic deaths of 27 individuals during the flood, but significant gaps remain, as many properties can be rebuilt without meeting modern flood safety standards unless local regulations are enforced.
Thousands of National Guard members have been patrolling Washington, D.C. for over a year, marking President Trump's largest domestic military deployment, which is causing concern about the normalization of armed troops in the city. Guard members have expressed embarrassment and frustration about their involvement, questioning the justification for the deployment, especially given that violent crime in the city is at a 30-year low. The deployment is expected to cost billions, and former participants worry that it is damaging the National Guard's reputation and being used as a political tool.
Sean Grayson, a former Illinois sheriff's deputy, died in prison while serving a 20-year sentence for the second-degree murder of 36-year-old Sonya Massey, whom he fatally shot in July 2024 after she called 911 about a possible prowler outside her home. Grayson was convicted following an incident captured on body camera video, where Massey apologized moments before he shot her; he claimed to fear she would throw a pot of hot water at him. The case led to the enactment of the Sonya Massey Act, which mandates stricter review of law enforcement applicants' previous records and prompted a civil rights investigation that resulted in an agreement for improved training and response protocols.
U.S. businesses are receiving over $160 billion in tariff refunds from the government following a Supreme Court ruling, but it's uncertain whether consumers will benefit from these refunds. While shipping companies like UPS and FedEx plan to return tariffs to customers, many retailers incorporated tariff costs into their selling prices, making it difficult to determine how much consumers actually paid. As a result, most of the refunds are expected to remain with the businesses, leading to a transfer of wealth from consumers to corporations, with some retailers claiming they will lower prices using the refunds.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) triggers significant molecular changes in the bloodstream, mobilizing more proteins and metabolites compared to moderate exercise, as shown in a study involving young, healthy adults. In experiments, participants who completed six sets of 30-second sprints exhibited many more changes in their blood compared to those who engaged in 90 minutes of moderate-paced cycling. The findings, supported by data from the U.K. Biobank involving 50,000 people, suggest that these molecular changes are associated with improved cardiovascular and metabolic health, illustrating the unique benefits of short, intense bursts of exercise.
The Israeli government has invited bids for the construction of over 1,200 housing units for the E1 settlement in the occupied West Bank, which is seen as a move that would effectively divide the region and eliminate the possibility of a Palestinian state. This development has provoked widespread international condemnation, with foreign ministers from eight countries, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia, urging immediate action to halt the plan, while 15 leaders from Europe and North America expressed concerns that it undermines the two-state solution. Political figures in Israel, particularly on the right, may leverage the backlash for electoral gain in the upcoming general elections, with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich being a prominent advocate for the settlement.
The Netherlands will not participate in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest due to concerns over the event's neutrality amidst the ongoing war in Gaza, according to Dutch state broadcaster Avrotros. This marks a continuation of a political boycott initiated this year, which included Spain, Ireland, Iceland, and Slovenia, against Israel's participation, following protests that saw hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators outside the event. The Netherlands, which has won Eurovision five times since its inception in 1956, expressed regret over its withdrawal, citing a commitment to its values despite the emotional connection to the contest.