Major League Baseball teams sign more players from the Dominican Republic each year than any country except the U.S., revealing deep community ties to the sport, where children as young as 4 start playing. However, the industry’s practices put young players and their families at risk, as they face performance expectations not imposed on peers in other countries and enter agreements with teams at significantly younger ages. ProPublica is inviting individuals connected to Dominican baseball to share their experiences and concerns through a new WhatsApp line, emphasizing the need for insights on various issues, including financial pressures and conditions at training academies.
In a 2020 crash in the Dominican Republic, Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Oneil Cruz rear-ended a motorcycle, leading to the deaths of all three passengers: 20-year-old Yohan Saba, and two teenagers, Deby Beato Charles, 20, and Daniela Perez Garcia, 19. Following the incident, Cruz's family hired fixer Santo Caraballo to negotiate with the victims' families to avoid legal repercussions, allowing Cruz to continue his baseball career while Caraballo gained influence in Dominican baseball. Cruz, who had a signing bonus of $950,000, became embroiled in controversy as families sought justice for their lost loved ones.
Charlie Kirk's fatal shooting a year ago has catalyzed a call to action among young conservatives, resulting in a surge of interest in forming Turning Point USA chapters, with some students reporting multiple submission attempts due to overwhelming demand. Despite this growth, the movement is struggling with internal divisions and a lack of clear leadership, mirroring broader Republican Party fractures, as individuals like Dino Fantegrossi have opted to leave Turning Point to form new groups. Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow and current CEO of Turning Point, has expressed the urgency to harness the increased momentum following her husband's death, emphasizing the potential for significant impact across the country.
The Dominican Republic produces more major league baseball players than any country outside the U.S., boasting 144 players in the league, comprising about 10% of its total, despite a population of under 12 million. Major league teams engage in informal agreements with prospects as young as 11, with players like 14-year-old Belfi Rivera reportedly receiving a $1.8 million promise from the Arizona Diamondbacks for a post-16 signing, circumventing rules against signing players under 16. This unregulated system exposes families to exploitation, as moneylenders lure them into high-interest loans based on the large sums promised to the young athletes.
During the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, President Trump pledged a $5,000 cash dividend to every American adult if Republicans maintain control of Congress, which would cost over $1 trillion. While rallying party members and urging voter turnout, Trump acknowledged the challenges facing Republicans in the upcoming midterms, emphasizing that "if we don't have the majorities, so much can be lost." The convention featured 19 Republicans in competitive races, with many framing Democrats as extremists and aligning their policies with socialism and communism.
August 2026 was recorded as Earth’s hottest month ever, with a global average temperature of 62.53 degrees Fahrenheit (16.96 degrees Celsius), surpassing the previous record set in July 2023. This heat contributed to the hottest Northern Hemisphere summer on record, as the contiguous United States averaged 74.37 degrees (23.54 degrees Celsius) from June to August, exceeding the Dust Bowl peak by nearly four-tenths of a degree. August also saw average daytime highs in the U.S. reach 88.56 degrees (31.42 degrees Celsius), setting a new record for the month.
The Trump administration is pushing to exclude non-U.S. citizens without green cards from the 2030 census, a move that contradicts the 14th Amendment, which mandates that the "whole number of persons" in each state be counted. This unprecedented change is expected to trigger legal challenges, similar to those faced during efforts to alter the 2020 census, and could result in inaccuracies in data essential for federal funding and policy-making. Additionally, the administration plans to eliminate questions about race and ethnicity from the census, citing a "reduced need," despite concerns about the impact on civil rights protections and societal understanding.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Calgary for discussions with Canadian officials, focusing on defense and winter preparations amid increased Russian attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reaffirmed Canada's commitment to support Ukraine in defense, recovery, and reconstruction. On the battlefield, Ukraine reportedly struck a Russian oil refinery and a seaport, while Russia claimed to have shot down 448 Ukrainian drones overnight.
Last year, Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram advocated for an "overnight visitor levy" for English mayors, which has now been included in Keir Starmer's legislative agenda, mirroring existing systems in Scotland and Wales. Recent announcements revealed that this levy will be uncapped, allowing local leaders to impose potentially high taxes on accommodations, which could lead to significant job losses, with estimates suggesting up to 33,000 positions in the hospitality sector could be affected. UK Hospitality estimates that this tax could increase the cost of a family holiday in the UK by £100-£120, exceeding the financial relief offered by previous VAT cuts.
Russia detained a security guard at the British embassy in Moscow, claiming he was hired by Ukraine for a false flag operation against the UK ambassador. The FSB stated that the guard was recruited to gather information on the embassy's security system and assist in planning attacks on British diplomats. This incident follows the charging of a 31-year-old British man for allegedly communicating with a representative of Russia's GRU military intelligence agency.
Grace Tame has apologized for her previous comments, made during a March ABC interview, where she labeled the rape of Israeli women during the October 7 Hamas attacks as "propaganda," stating her words were "misinterpreted." In her apology video, she clarified her support for all survivors of sexual violence, asserting that she believes individual accounts of assault from Israeli women without denying the broader context of the allegations. Following her comments, the ABC received 145 complaints, and the United Nations' special envoy on sexual violence in conflict later indicated there were “reasonable grounds” to believe sexual assaults, including rape and gang-rape, occurred during the attacks.
Tourists in England may soon face a nightly levy on hotel and Airbnb stays, with mayors given the power to set the amount charged, potentially raising hundreds of millions of pounds for local services. The proposed tourist tax, first introduced by Keir Starmer's government, could be calculated as a percentage of accommodation costs, aiming to avoid a flat fee structure that negatively impacts budget travelers. UKHospitality warns that a 5% tax—the highest in Europe—could jeopardize jobs in the hospitality sector and exacerbate the cost of living for holidaymakers.
Abdala Bucaram, Ecuador's former president, was sentenced to nine years and four months in prison for corruption connected to organized crime, with his son Jacob Bucaram also found guilty of illegally selling at least 21,000 COVID-19 tests during the pandemic. After a lengthy six-year trial, which included an earlier dismissal of charges in 2021, Bucaram received the verdict while in a clinic due to health issues and may qualify for house arrest given his age of 74. The investigation revealed that the illegally obtained medical supplies were sold across various provinces without proper invoicing or tax payments.
The humanitarian aid system has experienced a significant contraction, with 64 million fewer people receiving assistance in 2025 compared to previous years, primarily affecting women, children, the elderly, and displaced individuals. Funding dropped to $33.3 billion in 2025 from a peak of $47.5 billion in 2022, with a reported 30% cut in aid contributions and a 55% reduction from USAID, leading to a decrease in the targeted aid amount per person from $178 in 2021 to $90 in 2025, despite rising needs of $255. The report also highlighted that states were responsible for 64% of attacks on healthcare workers and emphasized the failure of governments to protect civilians, worsening crises in countries like Yemen.
A new study finds that rising global temperatures from fossil fuel burning could lead to an additional 20% to 30% increase in global heating due to emissions of methane and CO2 from natural sources, adding an estimated 0.2C to 0.4C to the global average temperature by the end of this century. Key contributors to these emissions include thawing permafrost, drying forests, and warming wetlands, which are exacerbated by climate change and are not fully accounted for in current climate models. The research emphasizes the urgency of including these feedback loops in climate policy to better predict and manage warming, as the world is likely to surpass the targeted 1.5C increase above pre-industrial levels in the coming years.
On August 26, 2026, the U.S. State Department imposed sanctions on the Autistici/Inventati (A/I) collective, labeling it a “specially designated global terrorist” for providing digital infrastructure to far-left groups, which could threaten its services used by thousands. Following the sanctions, hackers compromised A/I's NoBlogs.org platform, vandalizing the homepage and potentially exposing user data, with the attack gaining traction among far-right influencers. Ultimately, facing sanctions and cyberattacks, A/I announced on September 6 that it would disband after 25 years of operation, citing concerns for the safety of its members.
On August 26, flash floods devastated Syafrubesi, resulting in the recovery of over 1,200 bodies, with at least 4,000 people still missing and more than 13,000 rescued. Survivors Neyaz Miya and Mehadi Hassan, both migrant workers from Bihar, witnessed their community's destruction, with many of the buildings they helped construct, like the Red Panda and Buddha Hotels, being swept away in moments. According to Miya, only a small fraction of the town's 2,271 residents from the 2011 census likely survived, as most were either out of town, at work, or living at higher elevations during the disaster.
Paris Saint-Germain began their bid for a third consecutive Champions League title with a dominant 6-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava, thanks to Ousmane Dembele who scored the first two goals and assisted Ferran Torres in his hat-trick. Dembele's performance was praised by coach Luis Enrique, who noted that 10 PSG players are among the 30 nominees for the Ballon d'Or, highlighting the club's depth and talent. Despite the heavy loss, Slovan Bratislava's coach Yaya Toure acknowledged the challenge of facing the defending champions and praised his players for their effort against a superior opponent.
Ukrainian drones launched a significant attack on a natural gas plant in Russia's Arctic region, marking the deepest strike into Russian territory since the war began, about 3,000 kilometers from Ukraine's border. In response, Russian forces conducted attacks across Ukraine, resulting in at least seven deaths, including four in Mykolaiv and three in a shopping center in Sumy, with a total of at least 33 wounded. The Yamal region, where the Ukrainian drone strike occurred, is noted for its critical role in Russia's gas industry, boasting an estimated 26.5 trillion cubic meters of gas resources, sufficient to meet global demand for over six years.
A family of four, including two children aged 12 and 8, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beit Lahiya, Gaza, continuing attacks despite a US-backed ceasefire since October 2025. Since October 7, 2023, Israel's military actions have resulted in 73,669 deaths, primarily among women and children, and 174,652 injuries. Far-right Israeli officials have suggested that the depopulation of Gaza is a solution, with Defence Minister Israel Katz endorsing this approach.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt emphasized the need for stronger security measures in response to heightened threats, citing an explosives-laden drone incident linked to Russia and advocating for greater investigatory powers for security authorities. Germany's Interior Ministry budget will increase by over €950 million, bringing it to €16.7 billion, with additional funding allocated to law enforcement and cybersecurity agencies. Dobrindt also reported a 75% decrease in first-time asylum applications compared to 2024, with approximately 55,000 applications recorded in the first half of 2026, marking a significant decline in irregular migration to Germany.
Germany's Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced a 75% drop in first-time asylum applications compared to 2024, reporting about 55,000 applications in the first half of 2026, making Germany the fourth-highest in the EU for asylum applications. Additionally, authorities have prevented 60,000 attempted irregular entries since the current parliamentary term began and returned 42,000 individuals without grounds to stay in Germany. Concerns about the country's critical infrastructure were heightened after a 48-year-old suspect was arrested for sabotaging power lines, causing operational disruptions at multiple power stations.
Primark is set to launch a home delivery service in Britain for the first time, following the acquisition of an automated fulfilment facility in Sheffield. As the retailer prepares to spin off from its parent company Associated British Foods (ABF) by December 2027, analysts predict Primark could be valued at up to £9 billion despite facing a 3% sales drop in its latest quarter, with UK and Ireland sales only growing by 0.4% while continental Europe saw a decline of 4.3%. The company's CEO noted encouraging initial customer responses to a price-cutting campaign in light of challenging trading conditions in Europe.
Donald Trump has pledged $5,000 to every American if Republicans win the midterm elections, which would result in a total cost of approximately $1.3 trillion to the US government. The details of how this plan would be implemented or funded remain unclear, leading to skepticism from Democrats, who have criticized the promise as an "empty" gesture. Questions surrounding the legality of such a pledge are also being raised by observers.
US President Donald Trump proposed a $5,000 payout for every adult American, totaling around $1.3 trillion, if Republicans win both chambers of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections. He did not provide specifics on funding or implementation, stating the money must be spent within the US, while Democrats criticized the promise as empty. Trump's speech addressed the economic impact of the war involving Iran, indicating it would not end until after the elections, and raised questions about the legality of his proposal in relation to federal election laws.
The John Lewis Partnership reported a pre-tax loss of £124 million for the first half of the year, a 41% increase from the £88 million loss in the same period in 2025. Sales at Waitrose rose by 4% to £4.3 billion, while the department store sales fell 2% to £2 billion, contributing to overall half-year sales of £6.3 billion, a 2% increase. The company is undergoing a turnaround plan, closing 16 department stores and at least 20 Waitrose outlets, amidst challenges from higher business costs and weakened consumer confidence.
At least five people have died and 86 are missing after a fire broke out on the MV June Aster ferry in the Philippines, which was carrying 117 passengers and 17 crew members when it caught fire near Coron. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire started in the cargo hold, and while 43 people have been rescued, the condition of their injuries remains unclear. This incident marks one of the worst ferry disasters in the Philippines in recent years, where maritime accidents are common due to factors like severe weather and poor safety enforcement.
Alexander Csergo, a 58-year-old man from Sydney, was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison for preparing fake defense reports for Chinese spies he engaged with on LinkedIn. Between May and December 2022, he created plagiarized documents about Australia’s defense arrangements, receiving thousands of dollars in cash for the reports, which included false claims of interviewing notable individuals. Although deemed not overly sophisticated, the court emphasized the need to deter foreign interference that compromises Australia’s national security, and Csergo is eligible for parole in October after serving time.
Japanese baseball legend Isao Harimoto, who survived the Hiroshima atomic bombing at age five, has died at 86, having achieved a record 3,085 career hits in Nippon Professional Baseball. Known as the "Hit Machine," he played for teams including the Yomiuri Giants over 23 seasons before retiring in 1981 and later became a TV commentator. Harimoto, who learned to bat left-handed after severe burns limited his right hand's mobility, was inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990.
Labor members in Australia have criticized the federal government for not joining the UK, Canada, and France in banning trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, despite calls from the Labor Friends of Palestine for a stronger response to violence against Palestinians. The UK, Canada, and France are implementing sanctions, including a ban on arms licenses and exports to illegal settlements, with the UK foreign secretary labeling Israel's actions as unlawful and indicating a need for a two-state solution. Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed the country is preparing sanctions but will not adopt a broad ban on goods from Israeli settlements, stating that Australia has previously coordinated sanctions with these allies against extremist settlers.