Senator Jon Ossoff, up for re-election, delivered a notable critique of Donald Trump at a rally, stating that while U.S. sailors fight, Trump is disengaged, favoring leisure activities over his presidential duties. Trump's communications director, Steven Cheung, and Trump himself launched personal attacks on Ossoff, with Trump resorting to outdated pop culture references, labeling him a "Pee-wee Herman lookalike." Additionally, an official White House account, which has 2.2 million followers, condemned a CNN reporter's inquiry about Ossoff, highlighting the escalating hostility against media and political opponents by Trump's team.
A new museum in Pompano Beach, Florida, is the first in the US dedicated entirely to jellyfish, featuring nearly 10,000 square feet of space. The facility showcases approximately 20 unique species across 21 display tanks, highlighting these ancient sea creatures that have existed for over 500 million years. It was established by Ukrainian aquarium developers to celebrate and educate about marine life.
Astronomers have identified a star named S301 that travels at over 15,000 miles per second as it orbits the massive black hole Sagittarius A* at the center of the Milky Way galaxy. This star, with a highly elongated orbital path of 8.7 years, approaches the black hole closely, allowing researchers to study the effects of gravity on space and time. The black hole’s mass is estimated to be four million times that of our Sun, making it a critical object for understanding black hole dynamics and their influence on galaxies.
Ukraine's ex-defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for wartime elections, challenging President Volodymyr Zelensky, as the country remains under martial law since Russia's invasion in 2022. Fedorov emphasized that "Democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia," although he did not address concerns regarding the feasibility of conducting free and fair elections amid the ongoing conflict. It remains unclear if Fedorov plans to run against Zelensky in any potential election.
A study involving nearly 350 participants who used psilocybin through Oregon's nonmedical program reported largely positive experiences, with over half rating it among the most meaningful experiences of their lives, and approximately 54% indicating improvement in mental health symptoms afterward. The average dose administered was about 30 milligrams, and the occurrence of serious adverse reactions was very low, with only four participants experiencing such events, all of whom were first-time users. While the findings are promising, researchers caution that the uncontrolled nature of the study makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the treatment's efficacy.
Primaries in Florida, Alaska, and Wyoming indicated mixed voter sentiments ahead of the November midterms, featuring a notable win for a candidate aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and a significant defeat for another. Donald Trump's endorsed candidates experienced varied results, with some facing rejection from voters, particularly in Florida, where Republican extremism still has strong support. In Alaska, candidates for a key US Senate race emerged from the primaries, highlighting a competitive political landscape.
Chidimma Adetshina, a 25-year-old beauty queen facing deportation from South Africa, asserts her birthright citizenship, claiming unfair treatment and targeting by authorities. Declared a prohibited person in 2024 after her eligibility for the Miss South Africa contest was questioned, she was stripped of her identity documents and arrested for illegal re-entry in June 2024; her case has since been postponed to February 2027. Adetshina, whose mother is Mozambican and father Nigerian, stated that being born in South Africa does not automatically grant citizenship unless one parent is a citizen or permanent resident, highlighting the complexities of her situation amidst a backdrop of rising anti-migrant sentiment.
A 52-meter long SpaceX rocket was spotted off the coast of Christmas Island after landing in the Indian Ocean following a test flight from Texas on July 24. Local residents, including David Watchorn from the Christmas Island Tourism Association, expressed their amazement, with some taking time off work to see the rocket while others readied boats to view the debris up close. The unexpected presence of the rocket has generated significant interest among locals and visitors alike.
Roblox has committed to enhancing its privacy measures after Australia's eSafety commissioner found that adults could still contact children without parental consent, with about 1.7 million Australian children using the platform. The company is required to strengthen child account settings, making them private by default, and will engage a third-party auditor to assess its safety measures within three months. Previously, Roblox implemented safety changes for users under 16, including private accounts and chat restrictions, following concerns about grooming and inappropriate content exposure.
Jesse Murphy, who placed over 15,000 bets totaling nearly $1 million and received $43,700 in bonus bets over two years, shared his gambling experiences during a parliamentary inquiry advocating for a total ban on inducements, which the Albanese government ignored, opting instead for limited restrictions. Critics argue that the government's recent bill, which includes provisions to identify "high risk" customers but allows for continued rewards like free gifts for gamblers, is merely cosmetic, with one MP likening it to letting "Dracula in charge of the blood bank." Murphy, now a former gambler who hasn't placed a bet in almost two years, doubts that the proposed reforms would have altered his gambling trajectory if they had been in place earlier.
Almost one-fifth (141 out of 757) of older Australians who contested their AI-determined Support at Home funding had a more favorable outcome after human review, leading to increased eligibility for services or higher priority levels. The integrated assessment tool (IAT), which is used to determine funding allocations, has been criticized for under-assessing many individuals, as the number of review requests does not reflect the total number of potential cases needing reassessment. Concerns have been raised regarding the adequacy and fairness of the algorithmic system, prompting an ongoing investigation by the commonwealth ombudsman into its impact on the care provided to older Australians.
The US Treasury is doubling its government debt buyback to stabilize the bond market amid rising inflation concerns, with 10-year, 20-year, and 30-year treasury note yields hitting 20-year highs, including a 30-year yield at its highest since 2007. The annualized US inflation rate was reported at 3.4% in July, and gas prices reached $4.08 a gallon, about $1 more than the previous year, contributing to pressures on the Federal Reserve to consider higher interest rates. Despite these rising prices, the S&P 500 closed at a record high last week, reflecting continued investor confidence amid AI investment growth, though economists within the Fed are divided on the necessary intervention strategies.
Three members of a Palestinian British family drowned off the Sussex coast while swimming near Shoreham Fort, as confirmed by the Palestinian embassy in London. The father, Hossam al-Khawas, along with a woman and a teenage girl, were pronounced dead, while a younger girl was hospitalized in critical condition. This incident highlights the increasing danger of open-water swimming, particularly amid a heatwave that has led to a rise in drowning incidents across Europe.
The Israeli army confirmed that during a raid in Qabatiya, West Bank, they marked Palestinian detainees with numbers, with one detainee visible having "44" written on his forehead, causing public outrage. Reports indicate approximately 50 detainees were present during the interrogation, which included blindfolded women, and recent statistics from the Palestinian prime minister’s office noted over 467 attacks by Israeli forces and settlers against Palestinians in just one week, including the demolition of at least 75 homes. The Israeli army admitted to the act of marking detainees with numbers, referring to it as a case of "poor judgment" and emphasized that lessons were learned from the incident.
Target received nearly $1 billion in tariff refunds from the US government, which increased its second quarter operating income to $2.6 billion, doubling from $1.3 billion last year. This refund is part of a broader trend where businesses have received about $100 billion in refunds following a Supreme Court ruling against certain import tariffs imposed by former President Trump. Despite this, Trump continues to impose duties on various goods, including a potential 50% levy on nearly $20 billion worth of imports from Canada, as negotiations over a trade deal remain stalled.
On August 13, a train derailment in Lewes, East Sussex, injured 30 people, including 20 who needed hospital treatment, following a report of a pre-existing track defect exacerbated by high temperatures reaching 27°C during the UK’s fifth heatwave. An interim report from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) indicated that the train, which was traveling at approximately 65 mph, encountered a “track geometry irregularity” of the track that may have buckled due to heat, resulting in three carriages ending up on their side and trapping passengers. Network Rail and Greater Thameslink Railway (GTR) issued apologies in light of the incident and acknowledged its significant impact on customers and local communities, with the railway stretch between Lewes and Haywards Heath remaining closed until at least August 26 for recovery efforts.
A second Ukrainian suspect, identified as Vladimir Z, has been arrested in Croatia and will be extradited to Germany in connection with the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline blasts, where he allegedly participated in planting explosives. This follows the arrest of the first suspect, Serhii K, a former Ukrainian army officer charged with orchestrating the attacks, also linked to Ukrainian state entities. The explosions in September 2022 damaged both the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, critical for Russian gas exports, and were viewed as a sabotage aimed at disrupting Russia's funding for its war efforts.
Andy Burnham has called for a collective effort from councils, charities, and communities to tackle homelessness by Christmas, emphasizing that government funding alone, including an additional £100 million pledged this winter, may not suffice. He noted that rough sleeping has reached a record high, with 4,793 people reported sleeping rough in England on a single night in autumn 2025, reflecting a continuing trend of increasing homelessness. Burnham is also committing to donate 15% of his prime ministerial salary to homelessness causes, underlining his dedication to this issue and aiming to mobilize a nationwide initiative to reduce rough sleeping.
A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration can proceed with canceling Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 5,000 Ethiopians in the US, asserting that those affected are in the country illegally and must either leave or face deportation. This decision follows a series of TPS terminations under the Trump administration that have affected people from multiple countries, with Ethiopia being the last nation to see its protections revoked, despite ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises in the region. Advocacy groups expressed disappointment over the ruling, highlighting the dangers faced by Ethiopian nationals in the US amid escalating tensions and violence in their home country.
Arsenal, the reigning champions of the Premier League, finished the 2025-26 season with 85 points, seven points clear of second-place Manchester City, and they've strengthened their squad for the new season by signing Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis. Manchester City, now in the post-Pep Guardiola era, suffered a disappointing start with a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield, while both Manchester United and Liverpool are also looking to improve under new management. The upcoming season holds high expectations for Arsenal, who hope to retain their title amidst increased pressure and scrutiny.
Angélique Kidjo has made history as the first African musician to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, celebrating her 40-year career in music and her contributions to global sounds. At the unveiling ceremony, she emphasized the importance of unity in humanity, stating, "It doesn't matter where we come from, what language we speak, which skin color we have." Kidjo has released 18 albums, won five Grammy awards, and was named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People in 2021, with her recent album, HOPE!!, featuring collaborations with artists like Pharrell Williams and Quavo.
During a debate, Republican fill-in senator Darline Graham admitted she is “not that informed on national security” when asked about threats to the US in the South China Sea, prompting gasps and boos from the audience. Her opponent, representative Ralph Norman, articulated a strong stance on protecting Taiwan from Chinese aggression and criticized Trump's handling of foreign issues, including the war with Iran. The debate occurs ahead of South Carolina's primary on August 25, with early voting starting the next day.
The Spanish government has decided to allow 500 migrant children in Ceuta to relocate to the mainland, reversing its earlier stance that anyone who entered illegally would be sent back. Of the estimated 70,000 migrants who crossed into Ceuta on July 30, most have returned to Morocco, but it is legally obligated to care for unaccompanied minors until they turn 18. As of March, 21,104 individuals aged 16-23 were under state guardianship, with approximately 3,500 being under 17 and about 50% of them from Morocco, while girls constituted around 8% of the total.
Germany’s upcoming state election in Saxony-Anhalt on September 6 could allow the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party to govern alone for the first time, as current polls show the party leading with support as high as 42%. An AfD victory would not only reshape the domestic political landscape, allowing for changes in education, anti-racism initiatives, and public broadcasting, but could also weaken Germany’s influence in the EU on key issues like climate policy and relations with Ukraine. This potential shift may signal a broader vulnerability to far-right parties within Europe, affecting upcoming elections in several countries, including France, Italy, Spain, and Poland.
The US Department of Justice has defended its prosecution of former FBI director James Comey, asserting in court documents that there is "no serious dispute" the seashells post he shared—arranged to read "8647"—could be interpreted as a threat against President Trump, suggesting it conveys "Kill President Trump." Comey was indicted in April after a grand jury in North Carolina charged him with making a threat against the president and transmitting that threat via social media. His lawyers have denied the allegations, arguing that the phrase "86 47" does not signify violence and requesting the case be dismissed for being a vindictive and selective prosecution related to Comey's past conflict with Trump.
Trouville-sur-Mer, a Normandy beach town just two hours from Paris, remains largely unchanged since the 19th century, offering a serene escape from city life. The wide beaches and vibrant boardwalk are popular with Parisians, many of whom visit for the day to relax under colorful umbrellas. The town's appeal was historically captured by Impressionist artists like Claude Monet, illustrating its enduring charm and connection to the tradition of "sea bathing."
A Ukrainian man identified as Vladimir Z has been arrested in Croatia for his alleged involvement in the 2022 bombings of the Nord Stream gas pipelines, which were damaged by undersea explosions in September 2022. Berlin is seeking his extradition to face trial in Karlsruhe, following a previous arrest attempt in Poland where he was released due to a court ruling that Germany lacked jurisdiction over the case. The German prosecutor's office linked him to a group that planted explosives on the pipelines, while another suspect, Serhiy K, was arrested in Italy and extradited to Germany in November 2022.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in India achieved a significant victory when Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned amidst student protests in July. The movement, now focused on enhancing government school conditions, launched the "Fix the Schools" campaign on Independence Day, aiming to document and address issues such as broken infrastructure and lack of basic amenities in schools, with a target of auditing at least 100 rural government schools in two months. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke emphasized the need for accountability in government schools, which have been neglected regardless of political leadership, as they seek to mobilize citizens to pressure local authorities for improvements.
The UK's largest water reuse system, located in Cambridgeshire, cannot be activated due to drinking water regulations, which has prevented thousands of residents from saving about 25 litres of water per person per day. Developed by Cambridge Water as part of a mixed-use urban quarter for 8,000 people, the system was completed in 2021 but remains unused, while the country faces critical water shortages exacerbated by recent droughts. Experts are urging an urgent change to the law, as existing regulations hinder the implementation of such sustainable water reuse systems across the UK, leaving the country lagging behind others in Europe that have successfully operated similar systems for over 20 years.
The US Forest Service (USFS) faces a significant staffing shortage during a critical wildfire season, with firefighters reporting an unsustainable pressure on crews that are already overwhelmed and lacking in leadership roles. Last year, many firefighters worked over 1,000 hours of overtime, and this year is expected to be even worse, as the agency's hiring goal of 11,300 positions has remained unchanged despite increasing fire risks due to climate change. Fire officials contrast this with public assurances from USFS chief Tom Schultz, who claims the workforce is fully staffed, highlighting a disconnect between agency statements and the realities experienced on the ground.