Pakistan's Supreme Court has ordered the transfer of former Prime Minister Imran Khan from Adiala prison to Shifa International Hospital within two days, acknowledging a request from his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The court mandated a medical board, including Khan's sister and personal physician, to oversee his treatment due to concerns about his health, which has been adversely affected by his confinement since August 2023. This ruling follows a report detailing Khan's fluctuating blood pressure and anxiety, with the next court hearing scheduled for September 16, while PTI has announced a nationwide protest for September 27.
Pakistan's Supreme Court has ordered the transfer of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, 73, to Shifa International hospital for medical checks after concerns were raised about his health in prison, where he has reportedly lost most vision in his right eye. Khan, convicted on multiple charges including graft, is expected to remain in the hospital until September 16, following a medical team's findings of high blood pressure, palpitations, and anxiety after examining him at Adiala jail. His arrest in early 2023, which triggered nationwide protests and significant support for his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was largely viewed as politically motivated.
Zambian police arrested 11 individuals, including six opposition figures, on charges of "militia activity" in a raid on the home of presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, where high-grade military weapons and ammunition were reportedly found. The arrests occurred during a highly contentious election period, which saw the Electoral Commission of Zambia suspend vote counting for about six hours due to reports of violence and the alleged theft of ballot papers. Concerns about electoral integrity have been raised by opposition figures and Zambia's Conference of Catholic Bishops, who called for greater transparency and accountability in the electoral process, emphasizing that a "climate of fear cannot produce a free and fair election."
Zambia's government announced the arrest of 11 individuals, including six opposition members, for possession of military weapons during a raid on Thursday night, which the opposition claims involved shots being fired and was aimed at intimidation. The arrests coincide with an intensified election period, during which vote counting was temporarily suspended for six hours due to violence and ballot theft, raising concerns among opposition figures about the integrity of the electoral process and potential manipulation. The Conference of Catholic Bishops and international observers have also criticized the electoral environment, highlighting issues of intimidation, lack of transparency, and calls for accountability regarding the treatment of detained opposition members.
In Florida's upcoming primary elections, moderate Democrats Alex Vindman and David Jolly are favored as they seek nominations for Senate and governor, respectively, diverging from the progressive strategies that have succeeded in other states like New York and Michigan. Vindman, a retired Army lieutenant colonel, emphasizes a "Florida First" campaign focusing on economic stability and corruption, while Jolly, a former Republican congressman, aims to connect with everyday Floridians by addressing issues such as rising costs of living rather than progressive cultural topics. Analysts suggest that the closed primaries, which limit voting to registered party members, will challenge the ability of either candidate to appeal to a broader electorate, as they attempt to attract independents and disaffected Republicans.
A Virginia teacher, Brittany Jacobs, argues that her python, Nanner, did not start a fire at Forest Middle School but was simply trying to escape the blaze after it began. Authorities claim the fire originated when Nanner knocked over a heat fixture, resulting in significant damage to the school, including the death of a tortoise, while Jacobs insists all equipment was secure and that evidence suggests Nanner was trying to flee the fire. The fire alarm was triggered around 12:30 am on August 13, and firefighters found Nanner loose in the classroom amidst the flames, while Jacobs emphasized that video footage showed the fire was visible for 20 minutes prior to the python's escape.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents collaborated with Iranian government officials to deport over 100 Iranian nationals, amid escalating tensions that led to a U.S.-Israel bombing campaign in Iran. Internal emails show that ICE organized three controversial charter flights for the deportations between May and November of last year, under the direction of then-Acting Director Todd Lyons, with significant pressure from high-ranking Trump administration officials. Each flight carried at least a dozen deportees, including political activists and minority individuals, with many reportedly forced onto the planes against their will, raising concerns about their safety upon arrival in Tehran.
The Republican primary in Florida's 19th Congressional District has attracted a diverse group of candidates, including John Strand, a pardoned Jan. 6 rioter, and Catalina Lauf, a recent Florida transplant who won Trump's endorsement. With nearly all of the 10 candidates loyal to Trump, tensions have surfaced over accusations of "carpetbagging" among those who lack deep ties to the state, despite many Florida voters themselves being out-of-state transplants. Candidates like Jim Schwartzel are actively campaigning against those they label as "failed politicians" from other states, while others, such as Lauf and Strand, argue that representation of conservative values matters more than their origins.
Sophie Rottenberg, a 29-year-old woman, died by suicide in February 2025, revealing her struggles with severe mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, which she did not disclose to those close to her but instead shared with an AI chatbot named Harry. Her interactions with the chatbot amounted to nearly 1,800 pages, highlighting that she was among a growing number of Americans—3 in 10 adults and 1 in 5 teens and young adults—turning to digital tools for mental health support, despite the risks. A survey indicated that 0.15% of ChatGPT users, which translates to over 1.35 million individuals weekly, express suicidal plans or intent, raising concerns about the adequacy of these AI tools in handling serious mental health crises.
Many recent graduates, like Irene Chang and Jacqueline Kline, are struggling to find jobs, with Chang applying to around 450 positions and Kline over 500 since last December without securing offers, as they believe AI is impacting entry-level job opportunities. The unemployment rate for recent graduates (aged 22-27) was 5.7% as of June, higher than the overall rate of 4.1%, and 47% of them in a ZipRecruiter survey felt AI affected hiring in their fields. Economists note that since late 2022, early-career workers (ages 22-25) in AI-exposed roles have seen a 16% relative employment decline, while older workers in those fields have maintained stable or increased employment rates.
As of July 23, the U.S. has reported over 4,850 measles cases since the beginning of last year, surpassing the highest total since 1991, with three recorded deaths, including two unvaccinated girls in West Texas. The resurgence of measles, a highly contagious disease that signals declines in vaccination rates, poses significant risks, as it often precedes outbreaks of other vaccine-preventable diseases. Concerns are rising about the implications of recent changes to vaccination policies under the current administration, which could further undermine access to vaccines and public trust in immunization efforts.
ProPublica is investigating the U.S. military budget, highlighting issues such as a $533 million artillery plant that failed to produce anything, emphasizing the opaqueness and inefficiencies in Pentagon spending. In a separate matter, eight senators criticized the Trump administration's demands for access to foreign health data, expressing concerns that it could set a troubling precedent. ProPublica, recognized for its impactful journalism, has won nine Pulitzer Prizes and aims to shed light on underreported subjects across the nation.
Top seed Alexander Zverev won his ATP season-best 46th match by defeating Terrance Atmane 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (8/6) in the fourth round of the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters. In contrast, Serena and Venus Williams lost their first doubles match together in four years to Payton Stearns and Marta Kostyuk with a score of 6-2, 1-6, 10-8. Additionally, other notable results included Alex de Minaur overcoming Arthur Fery 7-5, 7-6 (7/3), and Elena Rybakina defeating Magdalena Frech 6-4, 7-6 (7/2).
Mike Ashley's Frasers Group has increased its stake in luxury fashion house Hugo Boss to 48% after 17.6% of shareholders accepted an offer of €38 a share, which was only a 4% premium over existing shares. Last week, Ashley's group also purchased the Harvey Nichols department stores for approximately £40 million, which includes 13 stores and 1,200 employees. Frasers Group aims to expand its influence in the luxury market, having already invested in various brands like Flannels and Mulberry, while Ashley's personal wealth rose by £317 million to £3.44 billion last year.
Wladimir Klitschko shared a heartfelt tribute to his late ex-partner Hayden Panettiere, who passed away at 36, expressing deep grief and noting that their family is in "profound shock." Police reported her death in Greenville, South Carolina, as a potential overdose leading to cardiac arrest, with no signs of foul play or trauma; however, the cause of death is still unconfirmed. Klitschko, who has an 11-year-old daughter named Kaya with Panettiere, reflected on her struggles and achievements, emphasizing that "young and talented people like Hayden should not leave this world so soon."
Jason Arday, a prominent sociologist and the youngest Black person to attain a professorship at Cambridge University in 2023, died at 41 amid allegations of plagiarism and fabricating parts of his biography, which included claims of being mute until age 11 and running 600 miles in six days. Following his resignation from Cambridge, he faced intense scrutiny and online racism, sparking discussions about the balance between diversity initiatives and academic integrity. Critics argue that Arday's rise and fall reflect broader issues within academia regarding the treatment of Black and Brown scholars and the pressures of meeting diversity goals.
Disabled bus pass holders in England will be able to travel for free at all hours starting in April next year, a change fueled by £60 million from existing budgets, with £40 million from the Department for Work and Pensions and £20 million from the Department for Transport. Currently, bus passes for disabled individuals are only valid on weekdays from 9.30 am to 11 pm, prompting criticism about limitations on their mobility. The announcement has been largely praised, although there are concerns regarding the funding and sustainability of this policy shift amidst broader financial pressures.
The article discusses the evolution of propaganda in the context of technology, particularly how AI-generated content is used to shape public perceptions during conflicts like the 2026 US-Iran war. It highlights the impact of social media, with accounts sharing AI animations amassing millions of views, showcasing both Iran's military capabilities and exaggerated portrayals of US political figures. Propaganda's role varies across political systems, with the article noting the difference in centralized propaganda in authoritarian regimes versus the pluralistic nature in democracies, alongside tips for identifying and navigating propaganda in today's information landscape.
Researchers have found that long-term exposure to wildfire smoke significantly increases health risks, contributing to an average of 24,100 deaths annually in the United States from 2006 to 2020. Wildfire smoke contains dangerous particulate matter (PM2.5) that can lead to a range of health issues, including lung diseases, heart disease, and increased risks for pregnant women. Notably, during the 2023 Canadian wildfires, which involved 6,000 fires burning 15 million hectares, PM2.5 pollution reached North America, Europe, and Asia, with estimates indicating about 5,400 acute deaths and approximately 64,300 chronic deaths linked to this exposure.
Voters in Florida will vote on Tuesday for party nominees in state and federal elections, marking the first primaries using new congressional districts drawn by the Republican-led legislature. Congressman Byron Donalds is leading the Republican race for governor, with the potential to become Florida's first Black governor, while former Congressman David Jolly is expected to win the Democratic nomination. The state, which swung heavily to Republicans in recent years, has seen significant shifts, including DeSantis winning re-election by 19 percentage points in 2022, further complicating Democrats' efforts to regain footing.
At least 30 children, primarily British, are suspected of being conceived through IVF in northern Cyprus using the wrong sperm or egg donors, with half of these cases linked to the Dogus IVF Centre, where parents have raised concerns about being misled. Eleven of the 30 children have undergone commercial DNA tests, revealing genetic ancestry from Turkey or nearby regions, contradicting the parents' claims of selected Western European donors. The UK’s Foreign Office has issued updated travel advice warning that fertility treatment in northern Cyprus is risky due to poor regulation, prompting further investigation by the territory's Ministry of Health.
Andrey Klepach has been removed from his position as chief economist at Russia's state development bank VEB following his public comments about the negative impact of the Ukraine war on the Russian economy. Klepach, who was appointed in 2014, warned of rising income inequality and a slower GDP growth rate compared to the US and Ukraine, noting that the Russian economy may not grow at all in 2026, as suggested by the central bank. He also pointed out that Russia is falling behind in technological and economic competition globally, including against Ukraine, calling for urgent attention to the deteriorating quality of governance and the potential for a social crisis.
A landmark trial beginning in California will decide if Meta misled the public about the safety of its platforms Instagram and Facebook, claiming they are addictive to minors and violate privacy laws by collecting data on children under 13 without parental consent. The states involved, California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, seek approximately $200 billion (€173 billion) in damages and significant changes to Meta's platforms. The trial, described by Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman as "the largest consumer protection lawsuit in American history," is expected to last six to eight weeks, with a verdict anticipated by October.
Jeanie Buss is contesting her siblings’ decision to sell the family's 17.8% stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner, arguing that the sale violates a court ruling that mandates her approval as a cotrustee. The Lakers were recently valued at a record $12.5 billion, following a previous sale to Mark Walter for $10 billion, and if the transaction is completed, Iger and Kushner will control approximately 83% of the franchise. Jeanie Buss, who has served as the Lakers' governor since 2013, asserts that maintaining at least 15% ownership is necessary for her continued role in governance, and the NBA Board of Governors is set to review the sale on September 15-16.
Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema has been re-elected for a second five-year term with 60% of the vote, while his closest challenger, Brian Mundubile, received 38%. The election faced allegations of irregularities, violence, and the arrest of opposition figures, although regional observers noted that the election day was largely peaceful despite concerns about media access and electoral reforms. Hichilema emphasized the importance of democratic processes, stating, "We are truly humbled by the trust you have placed in our hands," as hundreds celebrated his victory in Lusaka.
Israeli settlers have besieged three Palestinian families in Qusra, south of Nablus, for over a week, cutting them off from essential supplies, with 15 individuals, including two children, trapped inside their homes. The Israeli forces ordered the families to evacuate on August 13, converting 16 homes in the area into military barracks and conducting a raid that resulted in the arrest of nine individuals in Beit Imrin, a nearby village. Despite international outcry from the UN, France, Spain, and the UK, Israeli settlers continue their actions with reported complicity from Israeli soldiers, reflecting a systemic strategy of settler violence backed by the state.
Esad Darwish, a 42-year-old woman from Deir el-Balah, Gaza, is facing significant delays in accessing breast cancer treatment due to the ongoing war, which has led to a collapse of the healthcare system, with the mammography machine often out of service. The World Health Organization estimates there are about 10,000 cancer cases in Gaza, with more than 2,000 new cases diagnosed annually, and since the beginning of the war, Yafa Hospital has seen a 40 percent increase in patients with advanced stages of cancer. Currently, over 4,000 women are waiting to travel outside Gaza for treatment, and delays can result in a mortality rate of five out of every 100 cases due to travel challenges.
As trade negotiations with the United States reach a critical point, Canada is trying to prevent the implementation of a 50-percent tariff on approximately $20.2 billion worth of exports, including various goods such as electronics and dairy, set to start on Wednesday. The tariffs are a response to perceived unfair treatment of U.S. products and could jeopardize hundreds of Canadian businesses across multiple sectors if enacted. With 70 percent of Canadian exports targeting the U.S. market, the stakes are high, as Canada has more to lose from the negotiations compared to the U.S.
A 55-year-old man, Lee Ellis, has been charged with manslaughter after a 55-year-old victim was bitten by a dog during an altercation on a footpath in Wakefield, resulting in the victim's death in hospital. Ellis is also charged with being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, causing injury resulting in death. The German shepherd involved in the incident has been seized and is currently held in police kennels, while Ellis has been remanded in custody and is set to appear in Leeds magistrates court on Tuesday.
Moscow has threatened the UK with "consequences" after reports emerged that British drones have been used in Ukraine's deep-strike attacks on Russian mainland targets for the first time. Ukraine has intensified its drone strikes, launching three times as many in July compared to January, and has reportedly killed seven people in recent attacks on Russia while Russian missile strikes in Ukraine resulted in ten fatalities. The conflict has led to heightened civilian casualties and concerns about the escalating impact of the war as both sides' air defenses become increasingly strained.