A federal judge dismissed the seditious conspiracy case against Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes and several members after the Justice Department withdrew from the prosecution. Judge Amit Mehta had previously sentenced Rhodes to 18 years in prison for his role in the January 6 Capitol riot, where he and five other Oath Keepers were convicted of attempting to overthrow the government. The dismissal is seen as diminishing the accountability for the January 6 insurrection, which was described as an assault on the peaceful transfer of power in the U.S.
The "Last Wave of Defense" group members, ranging in age from 14 to 21, were convicted for orchestrating violent attacks aimed at destabilizing Germany's political system, including attempted murder and arson, receiving juvenile prison sentences from one and a half to five years. They were responsible for an arson attack that destroyed a community cultural center in Altdöbern, causing damages of several hundred thousand euros, and made attempts to set fire to refugee accommodations while promoting racist slogans. Authorities believe the group has a membership estimated in the "mid-double-digit range" throughout Germany, highlighting concerns about the rapid radicalization of young people.
Pakistani authorities have imposed new restrictions on international media, requiring permission for reporting outside of Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore, following a violent crackdown that resulted in dozens of protesters killed in Kashmir. This move marks the first time restrictions have been placed on international journalists, further solidifying Pakistan's low ranking of 153 out of 180 on the World Press Freedom Index. Under the new guidelines, journalists face potential loss of accreditation for undefined "acts against ideology, sovereignty, security or public order," prompting concerns over censorship and media freedom in the country.
The article highlights several resources and strategies for fantasy football drafting in 2026, including Jeff Ratcliffe's recommendations for five wide receivers to target if opting for a running back-heavy approach early in the draft. It also features Ratcliffe's complete "Do Not Draft" list, emphasizing the importance of avoiding certain players in order to improve one's chances of winning. Additionally, the article mentions Zay Flowers' significant extension and offers insights into auction draft strategies, comparing receivers CeeDee Lamb and Justin Jefferson.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is requesting increased air defense from allies following a Russian attack on Kyiv that resulted in at least 17 deaths and numerous injuries, with Ukraine managing to shoot down 98 out of 115 drones but no ballistic missiles. Zelenskyy highlighted the urgent need for ballistic missile interceptors to prevent such casualties, as air defense missile supplies in the first half of this year fell to a third of their 2025 projected levels. The attack, which targeted civilian infrastructure including a brewing company and a railway station, caused significant destruction and prompted calls for new sanctions against Russia, with European leaders condemning the atrocities committed during the ongoing conflict.
An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon killed one person and injured 11, marking one of the deadliest bombings since the June ceasefire. The attack targeted the town of Tebnine and a cemetery, with the Israeli military claiming it was a response to Hezbollah's violation of the ceasefire, which had resulted in more than 1 million people being displaced during recent fighting. Since the onset of the ongoing conflict, Israel has reportedly killed 4,321 people in Lebanon, while Hezbollah has killed at least 40 Israelis, including 38 troops.
Vladimir Tkachuk, head of the Russian drone manufacturer Uraldronzavod, was critically injured in a car bomb explosion near Ekaterinburg, with his bodyguard killed in the attack, which is believed to be linked to ongoing assassination attempts related to the war in Ukraine. Uraldronzavod is known for producing the Upyr kamikaze drone and has faced sanctions from western governments, while Tkachuk also runs a pro-war Telegram channel with over 500,000 followers. This incident follows a recent bombing in Moscow that killed five people, indicating Ukraine's sustained capability to carry out clandestine operations within Russian territory, raising concerns about the country's internal security.
Pakistan's ruling party, the Pakistan Muslim League-N, has won 24 of the 34 available seats in the first two phases of the legislative assembly elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, despite a boycott campaign led by the outlawed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). Voter turnout exceeded 56% in the regional capital, Muzaffarabad, and 50% in several areas, demonstrating public confidence in the democratic process amid protests and violence. The elections are being conducted in three phases due to security concerns and heavy monsoon rains, with the remaining 11 seats scheduled for a vote on August 10.
Abdul El-Sayed's victory in Michigan's Senate primary marks a significant shift in the Democratic Party as he emerges on a left-wing platform, backed by prominent figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Despite backing from the party establishment and $32 million from Aipac, El-Sayed's opponent Haley Stevens failed to secure victory, highlighting a growing embrace of progressive policies among Democratic primary voters. As El-Sayed prepares for a general election contest against former Republican congressman Mike Rogers, his ability to unite different voter demographics will be crucial, given the historical context that no Republican has won a Senate race in Michigan since 1994, making this race a pivotal test for the Democratic party's future direction.
Under China's new "ethnic unity" law implemented on July 1, 2026, Tibetans face increased pressure to conform to Mandarin language and culture in efforts that many perceive as cultural assimilation. The law prohibits actions that incite division among China's 56 ethnic groups and promotes a strong sense of national unity, which has drawn criticism for infringing on the rights of minorities like Tibetans. The Chinese government is also marking the 75th anniversary of its claim over Tibet, further intensifying the situation, as rights groups and activists argue that such policies already mirror similar measures enacted in regions like Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia.
All 78 officers and staff at Lahore's Ghaziabad police station were suspended following the alleged rape of a 20-year-old woman with learning disabilities by an assistant sub-inspector. The incident has raised significant public outrage in Pakistan, where rights groups highlight a long-standing lack of accountability within law enforcement and the stigma faced by survivors of sexual violence. Despite legal reforms, the national conviction rate for rape was about 0.5% in 2024, and over 20,000 crimes against women were reported in Punjab province in the first half of 2026, indicating ongoing systemic issues.
South Africa's foreign minister is advocating for new rules and greater transparency for former heads of state on foreign trips, following ex-President Jacob Zuma's controversial visit to India where he met businessman Ajay Gupta, who is linked to a major corruption scandal. The Gupta family previously left South Africa in 2018 amid allegations of state capture, and a 2022 commission found that Zuma had acted to advance their interests. In light of this meeting, Foreign Affairs Minister Ronald Lamola proposed that former leaders provide detailed trip information for assessment of any associated risks, including reputational and diplomatic ones.
The UN human rights chief Volker Türk expressed alarm over the rise in executions in Iran, reporting that at least 56 individuals have been executed on national security-related charges since 19 March, including 27 linked to anti-government protests. Iran executed at least 2,159 people in the previous year, marking the highest figure since 1981, with 45 of those being suspected dissidents, while more than 100 others currently face execution on similar charges. Türk urged Iranian authorities to halt all executions and criticized the lack of fair trial guarantees, noting that some defendants were sentenced to death after just a three-hour hearing.
Abdul El-Sayed won a competitive Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate in Michigan by approximately 1 percentage point, despite facing nearly $60 million in support for his opponent, Rep. Haley Stevens, from pro-corporate super PACs including AIPAC, which spent a record $30 million in attack ads against him. His victory marks a significant shift in Democratic politics, as his platform included commitments to Medicare for All and a strong stance against U.S. military aid to Israel, reflecting changing sentiments among voters regarding Israel and Palestine. The election demonstrates the diminishing influence of the Democratic establishment and the growing acceptance of progressive views within the party, as evidenced by endorsements from prominent figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic nomination for Senate in Michigan, narrowly defeating Rep. Haley Stevens, marking a significant victory for the progressive wing of the party. El-Sayed will now face former Rep. Mike Rogers in the general election, a crucial match-up for Democrats aiming to regain control of the Senate. Despite Stevens outspending him significantly during the campaign, El-Sayed's progressive platform and support from prominent leftist figures helped him secure the nomination.
The Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass has launched, featuring a new underwater town and a variety of Pokémon profiles, including 722 Rowlet, 1017 Ogerpon, and 893 Zarude. This August also brings new rewards in Pokémon Champions, while the Pokémon Club Program expands to support more kids in building life skills through Pokémon. Additionally, new LEGO Pokémon sets are now available for collectors and younger trainers, alongside ongoing events and product releases in the Pokémon franchise.
Many politicians and tech companies are advocating for the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to meet increasing energy demands, which require only about two hectares of land compared to the 280 hectares needed for conventional plants. SMRs can deliver between 10 and 200 megawatts of power, while traditional reactors generate between 1,000 and 1,600 megawatts; to match the output of the approximately 400 high-capacity reactors globally, tens of thousands of SMRs would need to be built. Despite potential safety benefits due to lower levels of radioactive material and distributed sites, the overall risk of severe incidents could increase with a greater number of reactors, as even rare accidents can have devastating consequences, as seen in the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
A lottery player in Bitonto, Italy, accidentally discarded a winning ticket worth €1 million (£857,158) after being told it was "non-payable." Following a two-day search through collected waste, waste workers successfully retrieved the ticket, which was discovered intact among other damaged tickets. The cost of the recovery operation will be covered by the winner, who previously signed a declaration agreeing to pay for the search.
Sleep deprivation has significant effects on judgment and cognitive function, as highlighted by research from Catia Reis and other sleep researchers, indicating that average adults need about 7.5-8.5 hours of sleep per night. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to serious health risks, including the accumulation of toxins in the body that may result in heart or brain disease, with the worst cases potentially being fatal. However, a rare genetic variation allows some individuals, classified as "natural short sleepers," to thrive on less than six hours of sleep without negative health impacts, as demonstrated by an 80-year-old triathlete studied by Ying-Hui Fu's research team.
U.S. missile stockpiles are significantly dwindling due to heavy usage in the ongoing conflict with Iran, with the U.S. Army's precision missiles like PrSMs and ATCAMs nearly depleted; the stockpile of Patriot interceptors has shrunk by two-thirds since the war began. While senior military officials claim the U.S. has enough offensive weapons for immediate needs, the replenishment of these precision missiles takes years, potentially leaving the U.S. vulnerable in future conflicts. The FDA is weighing approval for Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine, mFlusiva, which has shown stronger protection than traditional flu shots in a trial of over 40,000 participants, though it faces skepticism due to past controversies surrounding mRNA technology.
South Korea is experiencing its hottest recorded temperatures, with a high of 42.5°C reached in Yangsan, marking the highest since modern record-keeping began. The intense heatwave has resulted in at least 19 fatalities, and for the first time, Seoul is under a severe heat warning as part of a new government system responding to rising temperatures. This unprecedented weather event underscores the growing challenges posed by climate change in the region.
Hungary's Lake Velence is facing a critical environmental crisis with water levels dropping to just 29 centimeters (11 inches), the lowest recorded since measurements began in 1933. The ongoing drought, marked by temperatures soaring to 40 degrees Celsius and lack of rain, is leading to a massive fish kill and has resulted in the closure of five swimming spots due to poor water quality and increasing bacteria levels. The tourism industry in the region is suffering significantly, with many businesses closing down and a stark reduction in visitors as the once-popular tourist destination struggles to maintain its appeal.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket's empty upper stage, weighing at least 4,000 kg and roughly the size of a five-storey building, crashed into the Moon near the Einstein crater at a speed of about 5,400 mph (8,700 km/h), creating a new crater and a dust plume extending up to 100 km (62 miles). The impact, occurring in daylight for many observers, generated a brief flash too faint for amateur astronomers to detect; however, larger observatories in the Americas are analyzing the event, which offers a unique opportunity for planetary geologists to study impact dynamics. Researchers are eager to compare images from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and learn more about lunar geology, which will assist in the design of safer lunar landers and bases.
Peruvian Cardinal Pedro Barreto has hailed a $150 million settlement for 1,373 individuals allegedly poisoned by a toxic smelter operated by the Doe Run Company as a “historic milestone.” The lawsuit, which began in 2007 on behalf of 17 children, revealed that nearly 100% of children under six in the affected region had blood lead levels exceeding 10 μg/dL, leading to significant health concerns. While the settlement marks a significant legal achievement, Barreto emphasized that it does not fully compensate for the neurological damage inflicted on the affected children.
Texas state Rep. James Talarico voted in five elections using his parents' address after buying a home nearby, which might violate voting laws; he did not change his voter registration until September 2024, despite purchasing the home in June 2022. Talarico's actions come amid accusations against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for similar voter fraud practices, with both officials facing scrutiny over their residency and voting histories. Both Talarico and Paxton, who has made eradicating voter fraud a key focus of his tenure, may not face legal consequences due to vague laws regarding voter residency, according to Texas ethics attorney Andrew Cates.
Mexico's National Autonomous University announced that around 58,000 students must retake their entrance exam due to suspicions of widespread cheating identified by an abnormally high number of high scores, particularly a jump from 3.5% to 16% of applicants scoring over 100 out of 120. In total, nearly 160,000 students took the exam, with about 3,174 results annulled and estimates suggesting that nearly half of the 75,000 tests could have involved cheating. The university has filed a criminal complaint and postponed the academic year start date to August 31, 2023, in response to the scandal.
In the past 10 months, Omaha residents have reported lead contamination in their yards, but responses from the city and federal government have been inconsistent, with some residents receiving cleanup promises while others were denied. Despite the EPA's established lead contamination levels, the city claims it cannot use independent testing to mandate cleanups, leading to confusion and frustration among residents like Peter Olson, who found elevated lead levels in his yard after previously undergoing cleanup. Since the cleanup began in 1999, over 13,000 residential properties have been addressed, yet many residents still await proper testing and remediation, with a potential expansion that could affect nearly 27,000 additional properties.
UN forecasts indicate that 50 million people could face acute hunger by the end of next year due to the developing El Niño weather system, which may exacerbate existing food insecurity for the 225 million already affected in 45 countries. Central and South America, the Caribbean, and southern Africa are expected to be the hardest hit, while southeast Asia may face reduced rainfall detrimental to agriculture. The World Food Programme plans to allocate at least $80 million for anticipatory relief efforts to mitigate the impacts of this El Niño, which could rival the severity of the 2015-16 event that affected 60 to 100 million people.
Nvidia is reportedly negotiating to provide nearly $250 billion (€217 billion) in financial guarantees to OpenAI for a significant data center project, highlighting both the financial power and potential risks within the AI ecosystem. The circular financing model, where companies invest in each other and then become customers, is an increasingly common practice among major tech firms, with Nvidia at the center of this ecosystem thanks to its leading AI chips. The interconnected nature of the industry is acknowledged by experts, though they believe the strong financial positions of companies like Nvidia, Microsoft, and Amazon mitigate systemic risks.
Last week, around 72,000 migrants attempted to cross into Spain's Ceuta from Morocco, but most returned home within 24 hours, with at least 88 reported deaths during the journey. EU interior ministers held an emergency meeting, stating that the Schengen area was not at risk, despite media portrayals suggesting a significant threat to Europe. Misinformation and right-wing political opportunism have fueled demands for stricter border security, even as local experts argue the situation reflects a humanitarian crisis rather than an invasion.