US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to invest up to $20 million in gloves that can deliver electric shocks, with capabilities of delivering up to 380 volts. The gloves will target compliance through "pain deterrence" and can provide up to 30 pulses per second, raising concerns among civil rights organizations regarding their potential misuse. The purchase would represent the largest acquisition of these devices from Compliant Technologies, amid growing scrutiny of ICE's enforcement practices following several fatal incidents.
US military strikes in Yemen's Houthi-controlled areas resulted in the deaths of 153 civilians and injuries to 243 others in 2025, primarily from three airstrikes in April that targeted Houthi forces. The deadliest of these strikes occurred at the Ras Isa fuel port, killing 80 people and injuring 171, leading to concerns about civilian harm which were later affirmed by a Pentagon review. The report, disclosed to Congress, noted a significant increase in civilian casualties compared to 2024, when only two civilian deaths were recorded, and indicated that an additional 15 incidents involving potential civilian casualties are under review.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth warned that the International Criminal Court (ICC) might investigate US military actions in Latin America, especially regarding strikes on alleged drug smuggling boats, which rights groups characterize as extrajudicial killings; a report indicated at least 221 fatalities from these strikes since September 2025. During his speech in Panama, Hegseth announced Colombia as the 19th member of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition, highlighting a 65% reduction in narco-vessel movements in the Western Caribbean and a $1 billion security package pledged by the US to support the newly elected Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella. Hegseth's comments and the military coalition aim to counter the ICC's jurisdiction claims while addressing the Trump administration's efforts to "disable" the tribunal, amidst criticisms from rights organizations regarding civilian casualties.
Brazil's data protection authority has ordered Discord to suspend its livestreaming feature within three business days due to failures in protecting children and teenagers from harmful content, particularly after a tragic incident involving a 13-year-old girl who was encouraged to end her life during a 45-minute livestream. The National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) identified that Discord lacked sufficient safeguards and was dependent on user reports, citing a need for stronger technical and security measures for minors. If irregularities are confirmed, Discord could face fines of up to 50 million reais ($9.7 million) per violation, prompting the company to propose a plan for enhanced user protections after meeting with Brazilian officials.
Paris Saint-Germain won the UEFA Super Cup for a second consecutive year by defeating Aston Villa 2-1, with Desire Doue scoring a pivotal second-half goal that was validated by a video review. Aston Villa's 17-year-old striker Brian Madjo made history as the youngest player to start and score in a UEFA Super Cup final shortly after his registration issues were resolved. This victory marks PSG's pursuit of six potential trophies this season and makes them the first team to win back-to-back Super Cups since Real Madrid in 2016 and 2017.
Israeli militants have besieged two Palestinian families in Qusra, cutting off their water and electricity and blocking medical care in a campaign of terror to take their properties. Settlers have used intimidation tactics, including stone-throwing and harassment, and have previously driven the al Tubasi family out of their home in a neighboring village. Since 2020, over 1,100 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli civilians and soldiers, with only one indictment, while rights group B’Tselem reports that 64 Palestinian communities have been forcibly displaced over the last three years.
Francesca Hong narrowly lost the Democratic gubernatorial primary in Wisconsin to Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley by less than a percentage point, marking a setback for the anti-data center movement she championed. Hong was a vocal proponent of a data center moratorium, a stance that resonated with 70% of Americans who oppose data centers in their areas, according to a Gallup poll. Despite her defeat, the anti-data center movement continues to gain traction across the country, with progressive candidates leveraging the issue in various state races.
Moroccan authorities are enhancing border security to prevent increased migrant crossings into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta, following a social media campaign inciting mass attempts to enter, with a specific rumor suggesting the border would open on August 15. In late July, approximately 72,000 people crossed into Ceuta irregularly, with around 2,000 remaining there, including about 1,000 minors who cannot be deported. The humanitarian crisis resulted in the recovery of 11 bodies by Moroccan authorities, while Spanish estimates indicate at least 80 deaths, with a human rights group estimating the total death toll at 141.
An Israeli air strike in northern Gaza killed one person, Mohanad Saada, and wounded five others, targeting a tuk-tuk vehicle near the Western Roundabout in Beit Lahiya. Since the onset of the conflict on October 7, 2023, Israeli attacks have resulted in over 73,388 Palestinian deaths and 174,259 injuries, predominantly among civilians. Despite a recent decrease in airstrikes, Israel has continued ground-level shelling and drone operations, with reports of additional attacks on the same day, including one that critically injured a 13-year-old boy.
A court in Damascus has sentenced ousted former leader Bashar al-Assad, his brother Maher, and six other high-ranking officials to death in absentia for crimes committed during the nearly 14-year war in Syria. The verdict, celebrated as a landmark moment for justice, also included the sentencing of al-Assad's cousin and former security chief Atef Najib, who was present at the trial. This development raises questions about the future of accountability and transitional justice within the current Syrian government.
Thousands of students are expected to participate in the Students Say No to Pauline Hanson protests across major cities and towns, with rallies organized by groups like the National Union of Students. The movement aims to promote an anti-racist, anti-sexist agenda in response to Hanson’s controversial calls for a monocultural Australia and her history of opposing pro-education policies. Critics, like Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell of One Nation, argue that students should prioritize academics rather than engaging with the political movements organized by groups she associates with the Socialist Party.
In the Wisconsin primary for governor, David Crowley narrowly defeated Democratic socialist Francesca Hong by a few thousand votes, raising questions about the limits of the progressive movement in a crucial swing state. Crowley, who previously exited the race, garnered support from moderate voters and was endorsed by outgoing Governor Tony Evers, while Hong faced scrutiny over past controversial statements. The Democratic party aims for a trifecta in governance against Republican Tom Tiffany, who has ties to the January 6 election certifying vote controversy, highlighting the significance of this election for both local and national politics.
Colts backup quarterback Anthony Richardson scored a touchdown in a 13-13 preseason tie against the Patriots. In separate local news, a hiker died after a medical emergency on the Mt. Hale Brook Trail while officials warned about scam callers impersonating law enforcement in New Hampshire. Additionally, thousands of backpacks filled with school supplies are being distributed to children across the state following a donation drive.
Nick Reiner, 32, has been indicted on two counts of first-degree murder for allegedly stabbing his parents, Hollywood figures Rob Reiner and Michele Reiner, in their Brentwood home in December. He is currently held without bail and faces the possibility of the death penalty, although prosecutors have not confirmed if they will pursue capital punishment. The indictment highlights a betrayal within the family, as noted by Los Angeles county district attorney Nathan Hochman, and comes as the Reiner family continues to mourn their loss, with eldest son Jake Reiner describing the violent event as a devastating blow.
Millions across Europe witnessed their first total solar eclipse in 27 years, starting at 15:34 GMT. The path of totality, where the moon completely blocked the sun, affected about 15 million people as it passed through northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and a small part of Portugal, resulting in two minutes of darkness. A partial eclipse was also visible to many in Western Europe, Northwest Africa, most of Canada, and part of the northern United States.
Faten Elwan, a Jerusalem-based journalist with over 300,000 Instagram followers, is experiencing significant limitations on her account visibility, which she believes is due to being "shadow-banned" by Meta. Her account has been suspended eight times since late 2023, and a recent report analyzed over 3,500 verified cases of digital rights violations, coining the term "platformicide" to describe the systematic suppression of Palestinian voices online. The report indicates that Meta's actions represent a structured approach to erasing Palestinian digital presence, rather than random errors, with implications for access to online infrastructures that affirm their existence.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will leave her position at the end of August 2026 to focus on her family, as announced by President Donald Trump on Truth Social, noting she has been a strong leader since 2018. Leavitt, the youngest person to serve as White House press secretary at age 27, will still act as a key outside advisor to Trump and the Republican Party as they prepare for the Midterm Elections in November. Her departure follows a trend of high-level officials stepping down from the administration, including former Attorney General Pam Bondi and ex-Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, as well as challenges faced by other officials amidst leadership scrutiny.
Venture capitalists Josh Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger are poised to acquire the Los Angeles Lakers for a record $12.5 billion, surpassing last year's valuation of $10 billion. The deal, which is subject to board approval and due diligence, has shocked fans and industry experts, particularly as it ends Kushner and Iger’s previous interest in an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas. Following the announcement, Magic Johnson expressed enthusiasm for the new ownership, predicting championships would return to LA under their leadership.
On a recent Wednesday, millions across Europe experienced a total solar eclipse that began in Russia's Arctic north and passed over western Europe, with the best views in Spain, Iceland, and Greenland. In Iceland, a record 31 cruise ships catered to about 53,000 passengers, while over 450,000 tourists flocked to Spain, where officials estimated as many as six million people would seek optimal viewing spots along a path stretching 124 miles. The event also featured a day-long music festival in Iceland, hosted by Björk, and included activities by NASA that studied the atmospheric effects of the eclipse.
Annabelle Shaw, a Year 8 student with Down Syndrome, has scored eight goals this hockey season for her team, the Panthers, but may face challenges in continuing her sport due to proposed cuts to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Currently, over 700,000 Australians access NDIS funding, which has skyrocketed from an estimated $22 billion a year for 475,000 participants in its inception to $54 billion for the current fiscal year, highlighting its rapid growth and financial strain. The average funding per participant is approximately A$65,000 ($44,800), prompting the government to introduce tighter controls to manage the scheme's escalating costs.
On the evening of the solar eclipse, Cornwall witnessed a communal gathering as people celebrated the rare celestial event, with emotional moments shared by residents like Lisa Redfern, who built a pinhole camera for the occasion. Communities hosted various activities, including air displays and live music, and members of the Kernow Astronomers provided safe viewing through telescopes. The atmosphere was profoundly impacted by the eclipse, prompting reflections on its historical significance, with local expert Carolyn Kennett noting the awe it inspired in ancient people, while modern attendees enjoyed picnics and shared eclipse glasses amidst a dramatic drop in temperature and animal behavior changes.
Karoline Leavitt will resign as White House press secretary at the end of August, as announced by President Donald Trump on social media. She recently gave birth to her daughter, Viviana, in May and expressed that she cannot fulfill the demands of the role while being the best mother to her two young children. After her departure, Trump stated that Leavitt will become one of his top outside advisors.
Brazil has ordered the social media app Discord to suspend its livestreaming feature within three business days after a 13-year-old girl died by suicide following a livestream where she was allegedly encouraged to harm herself, leading to the arrest of five teenagers. The National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) found robust evidence of Discord's failure to protect minors from violent and suicidal content, highlighting that the platform's moderation systems are flawed and largely reliant on user reports. With over 90 million daily active users globally, Discord's livestreams have reportedly been involved in serious crimes, prompting calls for stronger regulations and accountability for tech companies in Brazil.
Heidi Beirich, a prominent expert on far-right extremism and former chief financial officer of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), has been arrested by the Justice Department and charged with multiple financial crimes, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and concealment money laundering. The government alleges that Beirich was involved in a scheme where $140,000 of donor money was funneled into a joint bank account linked to her romantic relationship with an informant, as part of a wider investigation into the SPLC's now-defunct program that paid informants to infiltrate white supremacist groups. The SPLC has denied the accusations, claiming they are politically motivated, and a federal judge has allowed the case to move forward despite the SPLC's attempts to have it dismissed.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has declared that the September 30 deadline for withdrawing US-led coalition forces from Iraq is "fixed and final," marking the end of an international military presence that began with the 2003 invasion. Following discussions in mid-July, the deadline was agreed upon, with expectations that Iraq will be free of foreign military presence by October 1, 2026, allowing for a transition to a focus on economic and security cooperation. At the height of the conflict in 2007, US troop levels exceeded 170,000, but following a resurgence of ISIS, US forces returned at Iraq's request in 2014, with operations officially concluding in 2021.
Eurovision Song Contest organizers introduced new rules barring countries involved in armed conflicts from hosting the event, which could affect Israel and Ukraine, both of whom have recently performed well in the competition. Under these rules, a winning broadcaster will be ineligible to host if security, safety, or stability is materially affected by conflict, with the EBU also raising the minimum age for performers from 16 to 18 and requiring lead vocals to be performed live. Eurovision's next contest is slated to be held in Bulgaria following Dara's victory with "Bangaranga" in the 2026 edition.
Former Guerrero state governor Ángel Aguirre has been charged with forced disappearance and obstruction of justice in connection with the 2014 disappearance of 43 students from the Ayotzinapa teacher training college, a case emblematic of Mexico's cartel violence and government impunity. Aguirre is accused of ordering the destruction of surveillance tapes that could provide insights into the students' abduction, and he remains in a maximum security prison as he awaits trial. Despite only three of the students' remains being identified, ongoing investigations have implicated federal forces in the incident, and Mexico’s president has pledged to pursue truth and justice in the matter.
Russia's highest court upheld a lawsuit that bars the anti-war opposition party Yabloko from participating in the upcoming parliamentary election scheduled for September 18-20. The case, initiated by the pro-Kremlin party Rodina, accused Yabloko of copyright infringement and extremist activities, leading to significant public support with at least 500 supporters gathering outside the courthouse. Yabloko's leader, Nikolai Rybakov, announced plans to appeal the decision, emphasizing that the party had not violated any laws, while Yabloko's founder, Grigory Yavlinsky, criticized the government's actions as a sign of fear against their pro-peace platform.
Russia's Supreme Court upheld a lawsuit against the anti-war opposition party Yabloko, barring its candidates from participating in the parliamentary elections scheduled for September 18 to 20. The lawsuit, initiated by the pro-Kremlin Rodina party, claimed Yabloko had infringed copyright and engaged in extremist activities, with at least 500 supporters gathering outside the courthouse to protest the decision. Yabloko's leader, Nikolai Rybakov, announced intentions to appeal the verdict, asserting that the ruling reflects a fear among those in power and a desire to suppress opposition to the war in Ukraine.
Paramount Skydance is considering selling CNN to address concerns related to an antitrust lawsuit from 12 states, including California, blocking its proposed $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. Chief legal officer Makan Delrahim emphasized the company's willingness to collaborate with political leaders and acknowledged the political environment surrounding the merger. Critics, including the Writers Guild of America and free speech advocates, argue that selling CNN will not address the fundamental issues raised in the antitrust lawsuit, which targets Paramount's overall market power rather than specific editorial independence concerns with CNN.