Zambia's general election, set for Thursday, features incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema competing against 14 opponents, with a focus on economic recovery and governance reforms, amidst the addition of 70 new constituencies increasing parliamentary seats from 156 to 226. Over 8.7 million voters are expected, with more than 70% of the population living on less than three dollars a day while inflation recently fell to 6.5%. The youth vote, with nearly half of registered voters aged 18 to 35, will be crucial, particularly in urban areas, while only one female candidate is running for president despite women making up about 51% of the population.
The Liverpool supporters' group Spirit of Shankly emphasized that the interests of the football club and its fans must take precedence amid reports of a consortium led by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos nearing a deal to acquire a one-third stake in the club. The consortium, which includes investor Amit Bhatia and Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin, is reportedly finalizing a deal, with an announcement expected soon from the current owners, Fenway Sports Group. Bezos, whose wealth is estimated at over $280 billion, has previously considered bids for NFL teams but has now shifted focus to Liverpool, prompting Spirit of Shankly to seek clarity and advocate for fans' interests in any changes to club ownership.
Three people were killed in a Houthi attack on a cargo ship named Tihamah in the Red Sea, marking the first deadly strike by the group since the onset of the recent US-Israel conflict with Iran. Two of the deceased were crew members, one Pakistani and one Indonesian, while a Yemeni government vessel sent for assistance was also fired upon, resulting in an additional casualty. The attack follows an escalation in Houthi attacks on shipping in the region and the collapse of a years-long truce in Yemen’s civil war.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei appointed six senior military commanders, including Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi as commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Major-General Ali Abdollahi as chief of staff of the Armed Forces, in a move to strengthen the country’s wartime security establishment. These appointments come after the death of former commander Mohammad Pakpour during an attack by the US and Israel in February and are viewed as a consolidation of Khamenei's authority, allowing for a more effective response to crises. Analysts have noted that the appointments focus on battle-hardened veterans, with an emphasis on enhancing military readiness for "powerful offensive operations."
Recent drone strikes by Kyiv on warehouses of Russia's largest online retailer could potentially trigger a financial crisis, according to analysts. In unrelated news, Commonwealth Bank home loan applications have decreased by 15% since May. Additionally, a US Secret Service operation involving journalists as a decoy has raised ethical concerns amid alleged threats to Air Force One.
Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied the opportunity to officiate at the World Cup due to being refused entry to the United States, will referee the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on August 11, 2026. Artan, 34, faced allegations of being "associated with suspected members of terrorist organisations," which he rejected, sparking outrage in Somalia where he returned as a hero. UEFA's decision to appoint him for the Super Cup follows an agreement with the Confederation of African Football to enhance collaboration, marking a significant moment for Artan as the first Somali referee in European competition.
A large-scale study conducted by Public First revealed that 70% of respondents consider hard work as a key British value, while 80% agree that community is essential, though over 65% feel that Britain has become increasingly divided since Brexit. The survey, which included 6,000 adults, highlighted that fewer than one in three people feel optimistic about the UK's future, with 70% perceiving worsening conditions over the last five years. Additionally, while half of the participants reported negative views on immigration and only 20% expressed pride in the diversity of cultures, a significant 75% believed in a common set of values shared by British people.
Minnesota Democrats are poised to decide a competitive Senate primary between moderate Representative Angie Craig and progressive Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, as immigration has become a crucial issue in the race. Craig, who has faced backlash for voting in favor of Trump's immigration policies, has prominent supporters but also battles criticism from Flanagan, who has garnered support from progressive figures like Representative Ilhan Omar and advocates for more left-leaning policies such as Medicare for All. The primary is seen as a test of the party's identity ahead of the midterm elections, especially following a contentious immigration enforcement operation that resulted in two fatalities in January 2026, inciting widespread protests against the Trump administration's policies.
Baltimore police officer Dequwan Houchins, 30, has been indicted for allegedly faking traffic stops to avoid service calls, facing four counts of false entry in a public record and five counts of misconduct in office, with potential penalties of 12 years in jail and a $4,000 fine for each false entry if convicted. An undercover investigation revealed that during four shifts, Houchins made nine legitimate traffic stops and falsely recorded eight stops, while also failing to file required body-cam footage; on one occasion, he was found ordering a smoothie instead of conducting a stop. Houchins's actions have prompted condemnation from city officials, with Baltimore's police commissioner criticizing him as "a lazy cop" who jeopardized public trust and placed additional burdens on his fellow officers.
India and Pakistan will renew their fierce hockey rivalry at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, where they are grouped together in Pool D, with their match scheduled for August 19 at 15:00 local time in Amstelveen, Netherlands. This upcoming contest marks their first meeting in the Hockey World Cup in 16 years, since India defeated Pakistan 4-1 in 2010. Historically, India and Pakistan have faced each other five times in the World Cup, with India winning three matches and Pakistan claiming two titles, while Pakistan holds the record for the most World Cup victories with four titles compared to India's single title from 1975.
The United States and Iran have intensified their demands during negotiations over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas is shipped, increasing uncertainty about a broader peace deal amid their ongoing conflict. President Donald Trump has called for Iran to pay compensation for deaths and injuries linked to its actions over the past 50 years, including the families of 17 US sailors killed in the USS Cole attack, while Iran has countered with six conditions for reopening the strait, including an end to US threats and the lifting of naval blockades. Oil prices surged more than 5% following Trump's demands, reflecting growing concerns over the chances of reaching a diplomatic agreement as Iran continues to hold tightly to its conditions.
British driver Andy Green, the first person to break the sound barrier in a car, plans to attempt a new land speed record in Utah with a hydrogen-powered vehicle, targeting to surpass his own 20-year record of 350.092 mph (563.4 km/h). Green will be driving the 32ft JCB Hydromax, equipped with two hydrogen internal combustion engines producing a combined 1,600 horsepower, while aiming to set records for both hydrogen internal combustion engines (185.5 mph/298.5 km/h) and electric vehicles (341.3 mph/549.2 km/h). Last week, Green achieved a practice speed of 368.347 mph (592.797 km/h), but must officially complete the record attempt in front of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile to qualify.
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, killing at least 132 people and injuring over 570, with major damage reported in cities like Cali and Pereira. The earthquake occurred at 7:34 AM local time and had its epicenter in the Chocó department, with its effects felt in neighboring Venezuela. President Abelardo de la Espriella pledged that the national government is focused on rescuing trapped individuals and providing aid to affected communities.
Doctors at North Devon District Hospital have received emergency training in managing difficult births after the indefinite closure of the maternity unit, leaving pregnant women facing journeys of at least 90 minutes to the nearest hospital in Exeter, over 50 miles away. Expectant mothers report concerns about potentially giving birth at home or en route due to this closure, with some considering relocating to ensure safer delivery options. The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has stated the suspension is temporary, but it remains unclear when maternity services will resume, raising fears about the hospital's future and staff morale.
In Wisconsin's pivotal primary for governor, which occurs a week after progressives made gains in Michigan, State Representative Francesca Hong is vying against David Crowley, with both candidates representing differing factions of the Democratic Party. Hong, if elected, would be the first woman and first Asian American governor of Wisconsin, and her campaign focuses on progressive issues like free childcare and student debt cancellation, while facing scrutiny over her past social media posts. The outcome of this primary could signal the direction of Democratic voter preferences ahead of the November midterm elections, especially after recent progressive successes have raised questions about the party's future trajectory.
Francesca Hong, a 37-year-old democratic socialist and state lawmaker, is the frontrunner for the Democratic Party's gubernatorial nomination in Wisconsin despite efforts from moderate opponents like Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who is backed by outgoing Gov. Tony Evers. The media has focused on a past tweet where Hong suggested that Thanksgiving should be canceled due to its colonial history, with headlines expressing concern over her stance, thus overshadowing more pressing state issues like free childcare and restoring Wisconsin's Limburger industry. Ultimately, the notion that Hong poses any real threat to Thanksgiving is unfounded, as governors in the U.S. lack the authority to abolish national holidays.
Since the Taliban's takeover in August 2021, over 37,000 Afghan nationals have relocated to Germany, including those who worked with German forces and at-risk individuals such as activists and journalists. While some, like Ahmad Samid, feel Germany has upheld its promises to help, many others, including Javad Niazi and around 600 Afghans still waiting in Pakistan, feel abandoned as the current German government has ceased resettlement programs. The government has been offering financial incentives for Afghans to forgo their plans to immigrate to Germany, leading 300 individuals to accept cash offers and abandon their hopes for a future in the country.
Since the Taliban's resurgence in August 2021, over 37,000 Afghans, including local staff and their families, have relocated to Germany, but many, like Javad Niazi, remain stranded in Pakistan, unable to escape the reality of living under constant threat. Despite initial promises from German politicians, the new government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz has decided to terminate resettlement programs, leaving around 600 Afghans still waiting for assistance. Recently, Germany offered monetary incentives — up to €10,000 for returning to Afghanistan or a third country — to those willing to forfeit their hopes of relocation, with only 300 accepting the offer so far.
A Ukrainian-manufactured Maya decoy drone exploded in a sunflower field near Bulgaria's Kardam village, approximately 100 meters from a border checkpoint with Romania, marking the first drone explosion on Bulgarian territory since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Bulgarian officials reported no casualties or significant damage from the explosion, which occurred at 8:10 a.m. local time, although Prime Minister Rumen Radev indicated the drone had a "significant amount of explosives." In response to the incident, Bulgaria's Defense Minister stated the need for new anti-drone systems and plans to acquire up to 10 electronic warfare systems through the EU, emphasizing the urgency for improved airspace defenses amid increasing drone incursions in the region.
On August 4, a quadcopter drone with explosives evaded air defense at Germany's Leipzig/Halle Airport and struck a Ukrainian cargo plane but failed to detonate, later being discovered four hours later by a bus driver. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt indicated that the incident represented a "new level of danger," with U.S. intelligence suggesting the drone was of Russian origin and part of a broader hybrid warfare campaign against NATO. Since 2024, Moscow has reportedly deployed drones to various NATO nations to gauge air defense response and exploit vulnerabilities, leading to operational disruptions, including at airports and military facilities.
As the UNIFIL mandate is set to expire at the end of 2026, there remains significant support for peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, where thousands have been killed since the Israeli war began in 2023. Analysts note that the expected successor force may have fewer troops and be part of a regional agreement instead of directly enforcing UN Resolution 1701, which calls for Israeli withdrawal and the disarmament of Hezbollah. The current negotiations between Israel and Lebanon have sidelined UNIFIL's involvement, limiting its role to monitoring violations rather than participating in the newly proposed "pilot zones" for troop withdrawal and disarmament.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a 15-point Gaza roadmap proposed by the U.S., insisting on full disarmament of Hamas before any Israeli withdrawal. Despite this rejection, there has been a notable reduction in Palestinian casualties in the Gaza Strip, dropping from 47 to 8 within a week, while the ongoing conflict has resulted in over 73,386 Palestinian deaths and 174,250 injuries since October 2023. Additionally, humanitarian efforts are underway, with over 201,000 buildings in Gaza reported as damaged or destroyed, and concerns persist that such projects may further entrench Israel's military presence.
Record-low water levels have been measured on the Rhine River, with a gauge at Kaub reporting an all-time low of 15 centimeters (5.9 inches), causing many cargo vessels to stop shipping past this point. The ongoing drought in Germany has led to significant economic impacts, as companies reliant on waterborne transport face supply shortfalls and increased shipping costs, with lighter loads being transported. Additionally, endurance swimmer Nathalie Pohl has embarked on a 200-kilometer swim from Frankfurt to Cologne to raise awareness about child water safety, amidst concerns of 261 drowning deaths reported in Germany up to the end of July.
Today marks a year since thousands of National Guard members began their deployment in Washington, D.C., as part of President Trump's anti-crime efforts, which will extend to Inauguration Day 2029, making it the longest and largest deployment under his administration. The deployment, initiated under claims of a "crime emergency" despite violent crime being at a 30-year low, is projected to cost around $3 billion by 2029, with studies indicating no impact on violent crime rates. Additionally, over 130 fatalities were reported following a 7.4 magnitude earthquake in western Colombia, affecting four major cities and expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue.
Union workers with HCA Healthcare are staging protests across the country, advocating for higher wages and better staffing conditions, despite the hospital system reporting $6.8 billion in profits, a 17.8% increase from the previous year. Employees, including environmental services technician Esther Reyes who earns $16.80 an hour, are calling for a minimum wage of $25 per hour, improved wage scales, and better benefits, highlighting struggles to cover basic necessities while the CEO received over $26.5 million in compensation. Amid ongoing staffing shortages impacting patient care, nurses like Jody Domineck are pushing for safer nurse-to-patient ratios in response to the challenges faced on the job.
Pete Hegseth's recent appointments to the Defense Policy Board (DPB) include Marc Andreessen and Blake Masters, both linked to the venture capital fund 1789 Capital, where Donald Trump Jr. is a partner; this fund has invested in several defense contractors benefiting from federal contracts. Notably, companies backed by Andreessen's firm, Andreessen Horowitz, and 1789 Capital have secured billions in federal loans since the beginning of the second Trump administration, raising concerns about conflicts of interest as many board members have ties to the defense industry. The DPB's previous composition and its influence on U.S. military strategy echo historical patterns of advisory committees being populated by individuals seeking business interests with the federal agencies they advise.
Ten candidates are competing in a special primary election in South Carolina to replace the late Senator Lindsey Graham, with the election set for Tuesday. His sister, Darline Graham, currently serving as interim senator, is on the ballot, and if no candidate wins a majority, a runoff will be held on August 25. The winner will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in the November general election, marking an expedited campaign process following Graham's death on July 11.
Republicans in South Carolina will vote on Tuesday to select a replacement for the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who died on July 11 from cardiovascular disease, just weeks after he won the primary on June 9. Ten candidates are vying for the position, with Darline Graham, Lindsey's sister, leading in a recent poll at 30.4%, followed by US Representative Ralph Norman at 17.5% and Russell Fry at 16.6%. Darline has been appointed to finish her brother's current term until January, and while Republicans are favored to win the Senate seat, Graham's lack of legislative experience could pose a challenge in the upcoming midterm elections against Democratic nominee Annie Andrews.
Since its declaration fewer than three months ago, over 2,000 people have died from Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with at least 1,000 of those deaths occurring in the last three weeks. A total of 4,381 Ebola cases have been confirmed across five provinces, making this the fastest-growing outbreak in the DRC, second only to the West African outbreak from 2014 to 2016, which resulted in 11,310 deaths. Complications in the response include unpaid health worker strikes, misinformation, and cultural burial practices, while there is currently no approved treatment or vaccine for the outbreak's Bundibugyo strain, though WHO noted that vaccine trials are underway.
Hotel prices in Europe have surged significantly due to a surge of tourists anticipating the total solar eclipse on August 12, with Reykjavík room rates averaging over $793, marking a 98% increase from last year. Spain expects 460,000 visitors specifically for the eclipse, with hotel prices rising 135% in A Coruña to $451, and 24% in Mallorca to around $448, alongside substantial increases in Santiago de Compostela and Bilbao. Authorities are concerned about heightened fire risks due to a projected 1.5 million additional car journeys, leading to a massive police operation deploying 35,000 officers and implementing strict fire safety measures.