According to UNESCO, 2.4 million girls in Afghanistan are currently barred from secondary education, with the number representing a 200,000 increase from last year and projections suggesting it could approach four million by 2030. Afghanistan is the only country globally preventing girls and women from attending secondary schools and universities, with bans in place since March and December 2022, respectively, and the UN indicates a predicted shortfall of over 11,000 qualified female teachers by 2030. Additionally, significant challenges exist within the education system, with over two million primary school children out of class and national literacy at only 37%, as nearly 90% of 10-year-olds cannot read a simple text.
Venezuela and Israel have agreed to restore consular relations, marking a significant shift after Venezuela severed ties 17 years ago in response to Israeli actions in Gaza. This decision follows the deployment of an Israeli team to Venezuela to assist with recovery efforts after two earthquakes impacted the country. Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez has pursued closer ties with Israel and the US since the abduction of leader Nicolas Maduro in January, indicating a broader realignment in the region amid changing political dynamics.
Hungary's parliament has elected 73-year-old András Baka as head of state with a vote of 140 to 6, succeeding Tamás Sulyok amid significant political reforms following Prime Minister Péter Magyar's rise to power. Baka's administration will focus on dismantling the legacy of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, overseeing the drafting of a new constitution while restoring checks on governmental power, including reinstating the Constitutional Court's oversight and limiting prime ministerial terms to two. Since coming into office, Magyar's government has enacted 27 laws and two constitutional amendments, abolished the Sovereignty Protection Office, and canceled several states of emergency used by Orbán for governance.
Paramount CEO David Ellison may relocate the company out of California if the state does not cease its antitrust efforts against the proposed $110 billion merger with Warner Bros Discovery, with plans to begin this process by October 1. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, leading a coalition of 12 attorneys general, warned that the merger would give the combined entity control over 27% of US theatrically released films and one-third of the country’s basic-cable output. Additionally, the report suggests Elkison might also pull Warner Bros Discovery out of California if the merger is finalized, with potential new locations being Tennessee, Texas, or Georgia, which are not part of the lawsuit.
Four prominent human rights organizations have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging that sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court (ICC) infringe on the constitutional rights of U.S. citizens and groups. The lawsuit states that these sanctions, initiated through a February 2025 executive order, compel organizations to limit their human rights and legal work, which violates their rights. The campaign against the ICC has included sanctions on ICC officials and groups supporting its investigations, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio vowing to intensify pressure on the court.
Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, faces accusations of using "nasty tactics" after issuing a legal threat to the Guardian for reporting on his financial transactions, which are under investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA). The Guardian highlighted that Reform UK received a secret £1 million donation and a £5 million gift to Nigel Farage, raising concerns about potential money laundering, and Tice's threat seeks to reveal the sources of this journalistic reporting. Critics, including John Whittingdale and Margaret Hodge, condemned Tice's actions as an attack on press freedom and emphasized the importance of protecting journalists' sources in the pursuit of accountability.
Brazil's Supreme Court is set to hear cases that could significantly alter environmental protections for the Amazon rainforest, following Congress's override of several environmental vetoes by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Deforestation in the Amazon has declined to its lowest level in a decade during the first half of 2026, while the court will also consider issues such as Indigenous land rights and the future of the soya moratorium, which has been credited with helping to curb deforestation since its inception in 2008. Environmental groups warn that a new environmental licensing law could weaken protections in the Amazon, with reports of significant developments like controversial highway construction occurring without proper reviews.
Lucy Davis, the 53-year-old actor from The Office, has been diagnosed with incurable stage four breast cancer that has metastasised to her bones, including her spine, right hip, and ribs, and she has stated it is too late for chemotherapy. Diagnosed a year and a half ago, she emphasized the importance of humor and a positive outlook while acknowledging the physical challenges she faces, such as needing a wheelchair at times. Davis expressed a desire to continue acting and working for animal rights, stating, "Cancer asks a lot from us, physically and mentally," and she hopes to inspire others on a similar journey.
Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo report that the current outbreak of the Bundibugyo Ebola virus has resulted in over 2,000 deaths and more than 4,380 recorded infections since it was declared on May 15. The case fatality rate has reached 45.9%, surpassing the 39.6% rate of the 2014-2016 West African outbreak, and the death toll doubled to 1,000 in just three weeks. The World Health Organization is conducting clinical trials for potential treatments and vaccines, including the Ervebo vaccine, while facing challenges from security issues and healthcare worker strikes in the region.
Robert Gilman, a 32-year-old former US Marine, was released by Russia after spending over four years in prison on disputed charges, with the US government describing the release as a humanitarian act rather than a prisoner exchange. He was detained in January 2022 and faced various accusations, ultimately leading to a cumulative sentence of approximately 10 years, while his health significantly deteriorated during his time in captivity, including a 47-day "dissociative stupor" attributed to prison abuse. US officials, including former President Trump and Senator Ed Markey, praised the efforts to secure his release, emphasizing the need for ongoing advocacy for other unjustly detained Americans.
A Florida paddleboarder, Mike Head, rescued a woman from an alligator attack in Silver River, where a 9-foot 8-inch alligator bit her on the arm. After hearing cries for help, Head paddled to her side, used his paddle to drive the alligator away, and applied a rope as a tourniquet to stop her bleeding. This incident is part of a troubling trend, as Florida has seen multiple alligator attacks this summer, including a fatality involving a 31-year-old woman in Seminole County.
A New York State judge ruled that the jury for Luigi Mangione's upcoming murder trial in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson will remain anonymous, with jury selection set to begin on September 8. Mangione, 28, has pleaded not guilty to murder and related charges stemming from the December 2024 shooting, which was accompanied by a five-day manhunt and significant media coverage; prosecutors allege they have hundreds of hours of evidence including DNA, fingerprints, and a 3D-printed pistol linked to the crime. Although Mangione's defense initially considered using an "extreme emotional disturbance" argument, they retracted that plan, and he now faces federal stalking charges with the possibility of life in prison, while a separate federal trial is set for January.
Andy Burnham has adopted a strategy of addressing minor everyday issues through a program of "everyday fixes," such as scrapping VAT on electricity bills and capping bus fares, in an effort to connect with voters. He aims to demonstrate that the government is paying attention to citizens' frustrations, building a narrative that counters the notion of a government that fails to care while acknowledging the risks of being perceived as merely offering consumer gimmicks. Burnham's approach reflects a desire for proactive leadership, contrasting with Keir Starmer's promise of a lighter touch, but its long-term effectiveness will hinge on forthcoming budget decisions and maintaining a cohesive message.
Clifford Wilby, a 63-year-old man, was found guilty of harassing Labour MP Stella Creasy on a tube train in July 2025, where he blocked her exit and filmed her while speaking about her shortcomings as a parliament member. Previously, in a Zoom meeting in 2024, Wilby had displayed abusive behavior towards Creasy, culminating in the meeting being terminated due to his aggression. The deputy chief magistrate ruled that Wilby's conduct constituted threatening and abusive behavior, with sentencing scheduled for September 8, 2025.
Probation staff voted 91% in favor of a strike, complicating Andy Burnham's plans to modify an early release scheme for prisoners, particularly concerning the killers of PC Andrew Harper. Approximately 5,000 inmates were set to be released early under the emergency plan to alleviate overcrowding in prisons across England and Wales. The union, Napo, expressed concerns about the probation service's capacity to handle the workload associated with the early release, emphasizing that public safety may be compromised.
The University of Michigan will implement a pass-or-fail grading system for first-semester students in response to a mental health crisis among college students, aiming to foster intrinsic motivation and collaboration. This change affects students in the College of Literature, Science and the Arts (LSA), with transcripts reflecting "pass or no credit." A study from the 2024-2025 Healthy Minds Study highlighted improvements in mental health, reporting severe depression symptoms dropped to 18% from 23% and suicidal ideation decreased to 11% from 15% within a year across 135 US colleges and universities.
Robert Gilman, a former US Marine, has been released by Russia after four years of detention, expected to arrive at Andrews Air Force Base on Tuesday night. He was held in Voronezh, Russia, after being charged in 2022 for allegedly kicking a police officer while intoxicated, although his family claims the charges were false and that he was seriously ill at the time. Gilman, who was considered one of at least 10 Americans imprisoned in Russia, will receive medical treatment in San Antonio, Texas, following concerns for his health, including a severe case of pneumonia that left him in a catatonic state.
Poland's preparations for the Under-20 Women’s World Cup, set for September 5 to 27, are on track despite a potential boycott by UEFA, which represents 55 member associations upset with FIFA president Gianni Infantino's controversial financial proposals. France and New Zealand have confirmed their participation in the 24-team tournament, while the US and England's football associations remain non-committal. The situation reflects a larger governance dispute within football that could impact future tournaments, including the Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco scheduled for October.
The UEFA Super Cup match on August 12 features Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) against Aston Villa at Salzburg Stadium, with Al Jazeera covering the event from 16:00 GMT. PSG aims to become the second team to retain the Super Cup in the modern era, having previously defeated Tottenham in a penalty shootout, while Villa has lost key midfielders and brought in new signings, including Brazilian Joao Gomes. Historical matchups show PSG previously had a slight edge, finishing the last encounter against Villa with a 3-1 aggregate victory despite losing the second leg 3-2.
Rights organizations have initiated a legal challenge in a New Hampshire federal court against President Donald Trump's new executive orders aimed at restricting birthright citizenship for some infants born in the U.S. The orders, signed shortly after a June 6-3 Supreme Court ruling upheld birthright citizenship, seek to redefine categories deemed ineligible under the 14th Amendment and target "birth tourism." Lawyers for the administration previously allowed the July deadline to challenge the Supreme Court's decision to pass, while legal experts view Trump's current actions as a test of the Court's ruling, where only Justice Brett Kavanaugh expressed dissent on constitutional grounds.
El Geely E2, el coche eléctrico más vendido de China, se lanzará en España a un precio de 13.990 euros y ofrecerá una autonomía de hasta 345 km, lo que lo posiciona como un potencial superventas. Además, el Nissan Dayz es destacado como el coche de pasajeros más barato del mercado, partiendo de un precio de 8.060 euros. Estas iniciativas reflejan un intento creciente por democratizar el acceso a vehículos eléctricos en Europa.
The Turkish parliament passed a bill with 467 out of 592 MPs in favor, aimed at strengthening national solidarity and facilitating a peace process with the PKK, allowing for potential sentence suspensions for PKK members under certain conditions. Up to 3,600 prisoners could benefit from this law, which applies to lower-level convictions related to PKK membership but excludes those convicted of homicide and pre-2005 crimes. The bill symbolizes a significant shift in Turkish politics, reflecting changing security dynamics in the region and highlighting deep societal divides, especially seen in the opposition from the ultranationalist IYI party.
One year after the PKK symbolically disarmed, Turkey's parliament passed the "Law on Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Integration," with 467 out of 592 MPs in favor, marking a potential shift in the peace process with the PKK. The law allows for the suspension of sentences for certain PKK-related convictions, potentially benefiting up to 3,600 prisoners, provided the PKK disbands and disarms completely. The bill has been met with both support, including from the pro-Kurdish DEM party as a first step, and fierce opposition from the ultranationalist IYI party, highlighting deep societal divisions in Turkey.
Ukraine and Russia have engaged in continued strikes against each other, with Ukraine reporting seven deaths and at least 24 injuries from missile attacks in Zaporizhzhia, which were allegedly carried out using North Korean missiles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also claimed that 50,000 North Korean soldiers are being sent to assist Russian forces, following earlier reports of 11,000 troops being deployed to the Kursk region. In addition, overnight strikes by Russia have resulted in the injury of two individuals in Sumy and damage to a children's hospital in Kyiv, while Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian targets have claimed at least 13 lives in Tatarstan.
Luigi Mangione is set to stand trial next month for the alleged murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, facing serious charges including second-degree murder and weapons-related offences, to which he has pleaded not guilty. The trial, which has attracted significant media attention and public debate, is set to begin jury selection on 8 September, and if convicted, Mangione could face decades in prison. Key evidence against him, including surveillance footage of the shooting and a notebook with his writings, has been allowed in court, while his defense has struggled to establish a robust strategy, previously withdrawing an proposed emotional disturbance defense.
In Manila, workers collected waste from a river that was inundated with rubbish after nine consecutive days of heavy rainfall, which was equivalent to more than a month's worth of rain in some areas. The extreme weather caused flooding, landslides, and accidents, resulting in at least 16 fatalities in the northern Philippines. Additionally, this severe weather led to school and government office closures across the main island of Luzon.
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has gained between $390,000 and $2.9 million from his fossil fuel interests since joining the court in 2005, with significant profits stemming from a property in Grady County, Oklahoma. As the Supreme Court prepares to hear a case involving fossil fuel companies Suncor Energy and Exxon on October 5, 2023, critics argue that Alito should recuse himself due to potential conflicts of interest, although he and the court have rejected these calls. Alito's reported assets, excluding personal property, grew from approximately $1.1 million in 2005 to between $3.4 million and $8.4 million by 2024, with substantial rental income reported in 2019 and 2022.
Hungary's parliament voted 140 to 6 to appoint Andras Baka as the new president, replacing Tamas Sulyok, whose term was cut short by a constitutional amendment. Baka, a former head of the Supreme Court and critic of the previous Prime Minister Viktor Orban, has pledged to promote openness and impartiality in governance. His appointment has sparked protests from Orban's Fidesz party, which boycotted the vote, and raised concerns about the legitimacy of Sulyok's removal as part of Prime Minister Peter Magyar's efforts to reshape the political landscape following his election victory.
The SummerSlam fallout episode of WWE Raw achieved its best viewership in 11 weeks, indicating a solid increase in audience interest. Vince McMahon is expected to make a "loud" and "shocking" return to public life, according to Jeff Jarrett. Additionally, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods have been announced for an upcoming Jericho cruise, showcasing their continued presence in the wrestling entertainment space.
Russia has released Robert Gilman, a former US marine who had been imprisoned since January 2022 for allegedly kicking a police officer, after he deteriorated to a catatonic state and required medical attention. Gilman, 32, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison and had been described as being in a dissociative stupor with severe pneumonia, prompting calls for his release from US officials. He is one of at least 10 Americans known to be imprisoned in Russia, and his release could signal Moscow’s intent to improve relations with the US under the Trump administration.