Natalie Harp, an executive assistant to President Donald Trump, reportedly worked for a year at the White House without the necessary security clearance due to her refusal to submit relevant forms, raising concerns about access to sensitive government secrets. Former White House ethics czar Norm Eisen described the situation as "shocking," emphasizing the potential national security risks involved. The White House press secretary claimed Harp has since obtained clearance, but critics, including David Axelrod and Richard Painter, highlighted the serious implications of having a top aide without the necessary vetting.
Jessica Bowie, a 35-year-old from Albany, was charged with planning an Islamic State-inspired attack on New York's state capitol, intending to use an explosive device to kill public officials and cause extensive damage before fleeing to Syria. She was arrested after acquiring what she believed was an explosive device and had previously visited the capitol to take photographs, expressing her desire for the attack to impact the American system. In response to the arrest, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced efforts to enhance security at the capitol and other government buildings amid increasing concerns over political violence.
A judge has ruled that a controversial oil pipeline off the California coast can continue to operate despite opposition from state regulators and environmental groups, following its reopening by Sable Offshore Corporation after a shutdown due to a major spill in 2015. The ruling, which shifts oversight to federal authorities, also imposes a $1.5 million fine on Sable for violating a consent decree without proper authorization. The Trump administration invoked the Defense Production Act to order the pipeline's operation, citing national security and energy needs, which California's governor criticized as benefiting the oil industry at the expense of environmental safety.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is experiencing its largest Ebola outbreak, with 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 deaths, and will receive 70,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine from the global stockpile. Of these doses, 20,000 will be used in a trial to assess vaccine effectiveness against the Bundibugyo virus, responsible for the current outbreak, while the remaining 50,000 will be for frontline health workers. The World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of clinical trials for Bundibugyo, as no vaccines or specific treatments for it have been approved, and Gavi is contributing $7 million for the shipment and $6 million for vaccination efforts in high-risk areas.
The mayor of Como, Alessandro Rapinese, has banned bicycles in certain areas of the historic city after being hit by an electric bike, necessitating cyclists to dismount in an area encompassing approximately 30 streets starting in September. This ban, part of a broader traffic regulation package aimed at managing tourist growth, includes stricter rules for vehicles in the city center and requires annual permits for certain traffic at a cost of €3 per day. The decision has faced criticism from locals, with challenges to its legitimacy and a protest bike ride organized for September 12.
Bahjat Hajjar, now deputy minister of social affairs and labour in post-Assad Syria, highlights the evolving relationship between civil society and the state, which remains uncertain more than a year and a half after Assad's fall on December 8, 2024. Previously, only about ten associations were licensed annually under Assad's regime, but now many organizations from previously opposition-controlled areas are registering in Damascus, facilitated by simpler procedures. Despite the rise in registered associations, activists emphasize that a mature civil society cannot thrive without a stable state, as organizations are now challenged by the state's reclaiming of functions they had assumed during the war, causing a need for negotiation regarding their roles.
The ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak, which has surpassed 15,700 confirmed cases, is being exacerbated by significant federal funding cuts that have left local food safety programs severely understaffed. Experts like Bob Custard and Susan Mayne highlight that these cuts, part of the Trump administration's sweeping reductions, have compromised the capacity for effective tracking and response to the outbreak, primarily linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce from Mexico. The CDC's grants were reduced by 40%, approximately $5.8 billion, with varying impacts across states, such as Kentucky losing 30-50% of its food safety staff, while Michigan successfully fought to maintain its funding.
Harry Brook scored a rapid 91 runs, helping England reach 366-8 at the stumps on day two of the first Test against Pakistan, leading by 195 runs after Pakistan's first innings total of 171. England's Joe Root contributed 66 runs, while Dan Lawrence added 51, with their partnership of 120 runs significantly boosting England's position. Pakistan's Khurram Shahzad dropped a catch that would have dismissed Brook when he was on just 1 run, and Ali Usman took 5 wickets for 92 runs, achieving his first five-wicket haul in just his third Test.
The United States has implemented new sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC), which have drawn widespread condemnation from the United Nations and the European Union, while being welcomed by Israel. These measures are part of ongoing U.S. pressure following the ICC's issuance of a warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu due to alleged war crimes in Gaza. The developments raise concerns about the future viability of the ICC.
Ian Stamy, a sixth-generation farmer in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, has transitioned from dairy to cultivating soybeans and corn due to unprofitable dairy farming, achieving a soybean yield of over 100 bushels per acre. The rising costs of running a farm, including fertilizer and diesel, have become major concerns, with 78% of farmers in a recent survey citing these as top issues, and 94% indicating that the war with Iran is exacerbating these costs. Additionally, a significant portion of farmers, 39%, reported being "persuadable" in the upcoming elections, signaling potential shifts away from traditional Republican support amidst growing dissatisfaction with federal policies.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called for international support to "collapse" the Iranian economy, stating that countries assisting Iran would face severe economic consequences. He emphasized that the upcoming economic penalties would be the "greatest co-ordinated economic isolation in the history of the world," following claims that the Iranian economy's struggles have driven prices of basic necessities up by an average of 60% and food prices have doubled over the past year. The US, alongside Israel, initiated military actions against Iran in February to prevent nuclear development, leading to a blockade of Iranian ports and various sanctions, while a ceasefire has repeatedly stalled and negotiations faltered.
Walmart's US same-store sales increased by 2.6 percent in the second quarter, falling short of the 3.8 percent forecast and marking the slowest quarterly growth in six years. The average price of petrol rose to $4.10 per gallon, contributing to a slowdown in consumer spending, along with the expectation of $2 billion in incremental fuel-related costs. While overall quarterly revenue increased by 3.4 percent, in-store foot traffic rose only 1.5 percent compared to 3 percent the previous quarter, although Walmart's e-commerce sales grew by 24 percent.
A Belgian university has suspended Nathan Cofnas, an American academic who led plagiarism accusations against Jason Arday, the former Cambridge professor who recently died at the age of 41 under heavy scrutiny. Cofnas, who was previously fired from Cambridge in 2024, claimed to have found numerous instances of plagiarism in Arday's work, resulting in widespread media coverage and public backlash, with tens of thousands mourning Arday and blaming "racist" press for his death. Ghent University is conducting a preliminary disciplinary investigation against Cofnas while emphasizing their commitment to protect human dignity and oppose discrimination.
Arsenal will kick off their Premier League title defense against newly promoted champions Coventry City on August 21, 2026, at the Emirates Stadium, with live coverage starting at 16:00 GMT. Last season, Arsenal won the title with a seven-point lead over Manchester City, allowing in just 27 goals, while Coventry claimed the Championship title with 28 wins and 97 goals scored, finishing 11 points ahead of Ipswich Town. This marks Coventry's return to the Premier League for the first time since the 2000-01 season, where they finished second bottom with 34 points.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a new wave of economic measures aimed at "collapsing" the Iranian government, emphasizing that the US will implement the "toughest sanctions in history" amid an ongoing six-month-long conflict. Bessent warned that countries trading with Iran could face severe economic penalties, framing the effort as the "greatest coordinated economic isolation in the history of the world" and stressing that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil export route, is a key US objective. He noted that 50% of China's energy comes from the Gulf, suggesting that it is in their interest to align with US efforts against Iran, while expanding sanctions to include ten individuals associated with Hezbollah.
Roman Gofman, the new director of the Mossad, recently dismissed the heads of its intelligence directorate and Iran division, marking an unprecedented public firing within the agency. Israel's failed war on Iran has resulted in a situation where the regime remains secure, and anti-government protests did not materialize, despite the Mossad's public efforts to induce them through social media. The implications of Israel's military strategy have backfired, with Iran's ability to threaten the global economy through the Strait of Hormuz becoming a significant concern.
Manuel Ernesto Hernandez-Umana, the captain of a boat that capsized in New York harbor on August 8, resulting in the deaths of 27-year-old Sara Sanchez and her five-month-old daughter Antonella, has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and faces federal charges for misconduct and neglect of a ship officer leading to their deaths. Hernandez entered the US illegally in 2007 after falsely claiming US citizenship to border patrol and is currently scheduled for deportation following the conclusion of his criminal case. Since January 2025, the Trump administration has reportedly deported over 590,600 individuals, with a focus on immigrants from Latin American countries.
Former NBA MVP and 11-time All-Star guard James Harden has signed a three-year contract worth $97 million to continue with the Cleveland Cavaliers, which includes a player option for the 2028-29 season and a trade kicker. Harden declined a $42.3 million player option earlier this summer and averaged 20.5 points and 7.7 assists in 26 games for the Cavaliers after being traded from the Clippers. He holds career averages of 24.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 7.3 assists across 1,221 regular-season games.
The verdict in the trial of Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun, former Grand Mufti of Syria, is set to be announced in Damascus, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty after his trial began on June 25, 2026. Hassoun, who was detained in March 2025 after going into hiding, is accused of approving the executions of approximately 13,000 inmates at Sednaya prison between 2012 and 2017 and has faced widespread condemnation for his inflammatory rhetoric supporting the Assad regime. His controversial statements and loyalist actions led to significant unpopularity, culminating in the abolition of the Grand Mufti position in 2021.
Israel has announced plans to open tenders for the construction of 1,234 settlement homes in the strategically important E1 area of the occupied West Bank, prompting condemnation from major Western powers including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Canada, who deemed the decision "unacceptable." The building plan, which encompasses an area of about 12 square kilometers between East Jerusalem and Maale Adumim, has raised concerns that it could block the establishment of a contiguous Palestinian state by isolating parts of the West Bank. Since 1967, Israel has constructed approximately 160 settlements, housing around 700,000 Jews, while 3.3 million Palestinians live in the same area; settlement expansion has significantly increased following the return of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing coalition to power in late 2022.
A powerful earthquake measuring 6.7 by the US Geological Survey and 7.2 by Peru's Geophysics Institute struck the southern Andes Mountains of Peru on Thursday at 1 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located 38 kilometers northwest of Upahuacho at a depth of 66.7 kilometers. It was felt across several departments, including the towns of Coracora, Ica, and Arequipa, but there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties, and the Peruvian Navy confirmed no tsunami threat. Earthquakes are common in Peru due to its location on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," where a magnitude 7.9 earthquake in 2007 resulted in nearly 600 fatalities.
Federal agents have raided the Washington, DC, home of former US Representative Eric Swalwell amid an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct, seizing his electronic devices at San Francisco airport. Swalwell faces serious allegations from one woman who has accused him of sexual assault and four others who claim he engaged in other forms of sexual misconduct, leading to his resignation from Congress in April. Concurrently, a closely contested special election for Swalwell's open seat is ongoing, with progressive Aisha Wahab leading by about 300 votes over fellow Democrat Melissa Hernandez.
Dozens of people died when a boat capsized in northwest Nigeria while allegedly carrying farm workers to Gorau town, with eyewitnesses reporting at least 50 bodies observed. A former councillor indicated that 46 bodies had already been buried, and further victims were being recovered from the river. The incident highlights the recurring issue of boating accidents in Nigeria, often attributed to factors such as overloading and lack of safety compliance.
A flight carrying 20 deportees from the US landed in Monrovia, Liberia, as part of a program expected to bring a total of 1,200 deportees over the next year under an agreement between the US and Liberia. This initiative is part of a broader trend, with the Trump administration having established deportation agreements with at least 35 countries, with at least $40 million spent on such deals in the first year of Trump’s second term. Critics argue that these third-country deportations are punitive and question the adequacy of resources available for deportees in their new locations.
The government plans to require 620,000 year 11 students who fail GCSEs in maths or English to retake these subjects, despite only one in seven passing GCSE maths and one in six passing English upon retaking. Education experts criticize this approach as demotivating and ineffective, warning that it could increase the number of young people not in education, employment, or training (Neet), which already affects a third of students who do not achieve the grade 4 benchmark. The proposed "stepping stone" qualification aims to support those who score grade 2 or worse in their initial attempts, but experts call for a rethink of the assessment system to create alternative pathways rather than continuing with repetitive resits.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has reported that Russian-controlled paramilitaries, known as Africa Corps, "summarily killed" nine civilians, including four children, in Mali, following a previous airstrike incident. The organization noted that over 100 Africa Corps fighters apprehended at least 80 men and boys in Bombori village, where six civilians were shot while trying to escape, and three were detained and executed, with one allegedly beheaded. HRW urged the Malian military government to conduct a prompt and impartial investigation into these abuses, highlighting the government's apparent complicity in allowing the atrocities to occur.
Nathan Cofnas, who accused Professor Jason Arday of plagiarism, has been suspended from Ghent University amid a preliminary disciplinary investigation following Arday's death. Arday, who became Cambridge's youngest black professor in 2023, resigned earlier this month after media coverage of the allegations, which were unproven, prompted criticism of Cambridge's handling of the situation. Over 30,000 attendees participated in a vigil for Arday in Trafalgar Square, while Cofnas has previously expressed controversial views, including claims about racial and gender disparities in high-profile positions.
Federal agents searched the Washington DC home of former California Democratic representative Eric Swalwell amid an investigation into sexual assault allegations and seized electronic devices from him at the San Francisco airport. Swalwell, who resigned from Congress due to multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and an ethics committee investigation, has denied the accusations, stating he will fight the "serious false allegations" against him. The investigation gained attention after a report from an unnamed ex-staffer claimed Swalwell sexually assaulted her, and similar allegations have been made by three other women regarding inappropriate messages.
Carlos Alcaraz will make his return to competitive tennis at the US Open from August 30 to September 13, following a wrist injury that sidelined him for over four months and caused him to miss the Barcelona Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and several North American hard-court events. He has won seven Grand Slam titles, becoming the youngest player to reach world number one in the ATP rankings and the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam at age 22 with his win at the Australian Open in January. After his withdrawal from multiple tournaments earlier this year, Alcaraz's return is highly anticipated, especially since he is the defending champion at Flushing Meadows, where he won his first Grand Slam title in 2022.
The USS George Washington has arrived in the Middle East to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed for over 250 days and is experiencing food and water shortages along with low morale among its 5,000 sailors. Reports from sailors' families indicate that conditions on the Lincoln have deteriorated, leading to concerns about mental health and living conditions, prompting calls from Democratic lawmakers for answers from the Pentagon. Despite US Central Command stating that the Lincoln has one of the lowest mental health cases among Navy aircraft carriers, sailors' families remain worried and report that morale is low, with limited communication and disrupted mail services exacerbating the strain on the crew.