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In South Sumatra, Indonesia, wildfires have burned large areas of forest and peatland, causing heavy smoke and haze over cities. To seek relief, about 3,000 Muslims gathered for a special prayer for rain, while authorities continue firefighting efforts and use aircraft to try to create rain.
Key Facts
South Sumatra has the highest number of wildfire hot spots in Indonesia, with 1,429 recorded.
In July, nearly 940 square kilometers (363 square miles) of land burned, including over 20 square kilometers in South Sumatra.
About 3,000 people gathered in Palembang for "salat istisqa," an Islamic prayer for rain.
Thick smoke from the fires reduced visibility and affected daily life in the province.
Firefighting efforts include cloud seeding, where salt particles are spread into clouds to encourage rain, using 30 aircraft and 22 helicopters.
The fires are worsened by a strong El Nino weather pattern and a long dry season.
Indonesian police have arrested 72 people suspected of starting some fires, and four companies are under investigation for illegal land clearing by fire.
The haze from the fires reached neighboring countries like Malaysia and Brunei.
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The murder trial of Lindsay Clancy is nearing its end, with the last witnesses expected to testify. The case focuses on whether Clancy was suffering from a rare mental illness called postpartum psychosis when she killed her three young children in Massachusetts.
Key Facts
Lindsay Clancy is on trial for the murder of her three children in January 2023.
The children were between 8 months and 5 years old.
Clancy’s defense says she had acute postpartum psychosis, a mental illness that can occur after childbirth.
Prosecutors argue Clancy planned the killings and tried to get her husband out of the house.
A forensic psychologist hired by prosecutors testified that Clancy killed her children to prevent them from suffering after she planned to take her own life.
The psychologist did not believe Clancy’s claim of hearing a voice telling her to kill the children.
Clancy has pleaded not guilty to the murder charges.
After the killings, Clancy tried to kill herself by jumping from a second-floor window and is now paralyzed from the waist down.
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Mike Mazzei, a businessman and former state senator, is competing in the Republican primary runoff for Oklahoma governor. He has received endorsements and support from President Donald Trump, who opposes Mazzei’s rival, Attorney General Gentner Drummond. The winner will face Democrat Cyndi Munson in the November election.
Key Facts
Mike Mazzei is running for the Republican nomination for Oklahoma governor.
President Donald Trump has endorsed Mazzei and criticized his opponent, Gentner Drummond.
Gentner Drummond is the current Oklahoma Attorney General and former Air Force pilot.
Drummond led the first round of voting but by a narrow margin over Mazzei.
Oklahoma's current governor, Kevin Stitt, is term-limited and endorsed Mazzei.
Trump carried Oklahoma with over 65% of the vote in his presidential races.
Both Trump and Drummond have criticized Governor Stitt.
The Republican nominee is expected to be favored in the general election, as a Democrat has not won since 2006.
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Large swarms of dragonflies have appeared across California following warm spring rains and monsoon storms. These dragonflies, especially a type called wandering gliders, benefit from the weather conditions and help control pests by eating other insects.
Key Facts
Californians have seen many dragonflies in parks, farms, and around ponds this summer.
The unusually warm spring rains and monsoon storms likely caused the increase in dragonfly numbers.
Wandering gliders are a migratory species of dragonfly that travel long distances using air pressure changes.
Dragonflies can fly very fast, up to 35 miles per hour.
Farmer Joe Del Bosque in Fresno County noticed more dragonflies than usual, which help control crop pests like aphids and fruit flies.
Dragonflies spend most of their life underwater as nymphs before becoming flying insects.
Their life cycle starts when female dragonflies lay eggs in freshwater, and the young live underwater from six months to five years depending on the species.
Dragonflies eat many insects, including mosquitoes and pests harmful to plants, making them beneficial for the environment.
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President Donald Trump has increased tariffs on $20 billion worth of goods from Canada after trade talks failed. This move could harm economies in U.S. states that share a border with Canada, complicating Republican efforts in key Senate races before the midterm elections.
Key Facts
President Trump raised tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian imports after trade negotiations broke down.
Canada plans to respond with its own tariffs shortly.
The tariffs may lead to higher prices and disrupted supply chains for U.S. consumers and businesses.
Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine warned that new tariffs would hurt U.S. industries like lobsters, blueberries, and lumber.
The dispute affects states such as Maine, Michigan, Ohio, and Alaska, where Canada is an important trading partner.
Democrats are using the trade conflict to criticize Republican candidates and gain support for reclaiming the Senate majority.
Trump threatened to raise tariffs on all Canadian autos, auto parts, and steel to 50% by 2027.
Some Republican advisors see the trade issue as a political challenge because it may upset voters in agricultural states.
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Senator Darline Graham and Representative Ralph Norman are competing in a special Republican primary runoff in South Carolina to fill the Senate seat left vacant by the late Senator Lindsey Graham. President Donald Trump supports Darline Graham and has actively campaigned for her, while Norman emphasizes his long political experience.
Key Facts
The runoff election is to replace the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who died on July 11, 2026.
Darline Graham was appointed as an interim senator following her brother Lindsey Graham’s death.
Ralph Norman is a longtime politician with nearly 20 years in government and previously ran for governor.
President Donald Trump endorsed Darline Graham early and campaigned for her before the runoff.
MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, contributed nearly $830,000 to Darline Graham’s campaign for voter outreach.
The two candidates competed in an August 11 primary, with neither receiving a majority, leading to this runoff election.
The main question is whether Trump’s support will help Darline Graham win despite her limited political experience.
The runoff will determine who will be the Republican nominee for the general election in November.
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The FBI has set a minimum reward of $25,000 for tips in over 50 unsolved missing and murder cases within Native American tribal communities. Many of these cases are recent, but some have remained unsolved for more than 20 years. The FBI hopes the rewards will encourage more people to provide information, though some community members remain cautious due to distrust of authorities.
Key Facts
The FBI created a minimum $25,000 reward for more than 50 unsolved cases in Indian Country.
These cases involve missing persons or homicides in Native American tribal areas.
Most cases are less than 10 years old; about a dozen are over 20 years old.
The FBI investigates federal crimes on nearly 200 Native American reservations.
Nearly 1,500 active missing Native American cases were recorded by the FBI at the end of 2025.
Families and experts worry that fear and distrust of the government may prevent people from coming forward.
Examples of cases include 8-year-old Maleeka Boone on the Navajo Nation and teenager Emily Pike in Arizona.
Some experts believe that higher rewards could encourage witnesses to share information despite challenges.
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The Supreme Court allowed President Donald Trump’s order restricting mail voting to proceed for now, but did not decide if it is legal. This decision delays legal challenges and may cause confusion for states, as new mail voting rules could start soon before the November elections. Some worry the timing makes it hard for states to follow the new rules properly.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court’s decision did not clear the legality of Trump’s mail voting restrictions but paused lawsuits for now.
Nearly one-third of U.S. voters use mail voting, which could be affected by new rules.
The court’s ruling restarts legal battles with a short timeline before November’s election.
The new Postal Service rules require specific envelope formats for mail ballots and electronic lists of voters using mail voting.
If states do not follow these new rules, their mail ballots might not be sent out.
Some states have already printed ballots and envelopes, making changes difficult close to the election.
Election officials warn this could cause confusion and disrupt voting processes.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said the decision could cause “chaos and uncertainty” before the midterms.
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An Australian woman, Leah Stewart, lost an arm after a shark attack at Coogee Beach in Sydney on June 13. She stayed in critical condition for over two weeks and has since begun recovering, sharing her gratitude for support received from around the world.
Key Facts
Leah Stewart, 34, was attacked by a large shark while swimming at Coogee Beach.
The attack caused life-threatening injuries, leading to the amputation of her arm.
During the attack, Stewart thought about her one-year-old daughter and worried about not seeing her grow up.
Stewart described the shark’s face as “horrific” and called it a “monster.”
She spent more than two weeks in critical condition but has made significant progress in her recovery.
A fundraising page raised over $558,900 to help cover her medical costs and support her family.
Leah expressed deep thanks for the support and said she feels like she has been given a second chance at life.
She hopes to use her recovery as an opportunity to give back through care and generosity.
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Eight famous costumes worn by Freddie Mercury will be shown at the V&A museum in London from October 2026 to January 2027. The display, created with Mercury’s close friend Mary Austin, features outfits from different times in his career, including his crown and cloak from Queen’s 1986 tour.
Key Facts
The exhibit is called "Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things" and is free to visit.
It runs from 24 October 2026 to 17 January 2027 at the V&A in London.
Mary Austin, Mercury’s former fiancée and friend, is lending seven costumes for the display.
The costumes include his debut album cover outfit, the “Mercury Wing” catsuit from the Bohemian Rhapsody video, and his crown and cloak from the 1986 Magic Tour.
Freddie Mercury’s real name was Farrokh Bulsara, and he was born on 5 September 1946 in Zanzibar.
Austin and Mercury met while working in fashion in Kensington and got engaged in 1973.
The display uses sound, light, and sets to bring Mercury’s performances and style to life.
The exhibit highlights how Mercury used clothes to create a powerful stage image and express himself.
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Europe’s heatwaves are causing more insurance claims, especially for life and health insurance, due to heat-related deaths and worsening health issues. This may lead to higher insurance costs for customers as companies try to cover these growing expenses.
Key Facts
Europe is experiencing intense heatwaves that increase drought and wildfire claims for insurers.
Life and health insurers, along with reinsurers (companies that insure insurers), face rising costs from heat-related deaths and health problems.
The ageing population in Europe is more vulnerable to heat, increasing life insurance claims.
Between 2004 and 2024, the percentage of Europeans aged 65 and older rose from 16.4% to 21.6%.
Most excess deaths during recent heatwaves (about 9,000 out of 10,650) occurred in people aged 65 and above.
Older adults are more affected by heat because their bodies cool down less effectively.
Recent heatwaves in Europe have caused thousands of excess deaths and broken temperature records.
S&P has not yet downgraded insurers but warns risks may rise as heatwaves become more frequent and the population ages.
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The NHS in England will offer free home testing kits for cervical cancer to women who have missed their screening appointments. These kits let women collect samples at home to test for high-risk HPV, a virus that can cause cervical cancer, making screening easier and more accessible.
Key Facts
Millions of women in England who missed cervical screening will be sent free home testing kits.
Only about two-thirds of women currently attend cervical screening appointments.
The home test kit includes a swab to collect a sample from the vagina, which is sent by post to NHS labs.
The test looks for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types that cause most cervical cancers.
Women aged 30 to 65 not up to date with screening will get an invitation by app, text, email, or letter.
If high-risk HPV is found, women will be asked to see a clinician for further screening.
The NHS aims to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 through improved screening.
Health leaders say the home kits offer a discreet, convenient option to increase screening rates and save lives.
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At least 35,000 more people died during Europe’s four extreme heatwaves this summer than expected, based on partial data from about half the continent. Germany, France, and Spain reported the highest numbers, with deaths linked to unusually high temperatures that broke many records.
Key Facts
Europe experienced four record-breaking heatwaves between May and August 2026.
At least 35,000 excess deaths occurred, meaning deaths above the usual number for this time of year.
Germany reported the highest heat-related deaths, about 14,000 from April to August, with nearly 10,000 deaths in one week alone.
Spain counted nearly 5,000 heat-related deaths, the highest ever recorded for the country.
France recorded 7,300 extra deaths from late May to late July, based on available data.
Heat worsens existing health problems, like heart or lung diseases, leading to deaths that may not list heat as the direct cause.
Different countries use various methods to estimate heat-related deaths, causing some delays in final numbers.
Scientists say that human-caused global warming is making these extreme heat events more common and severe.
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A rare tornado hit southern France near the city of Carcassonne, causing damage to around 100 homes and injuring at least 26 people. The tornado developed under a large thunderstorm near the historic Carcassonne site.
Key Facts
The tornado occurred in southern France near Carcassonne.
About 100 homes were damaged by the tornado.
At least 26 people were injured.
The tornado formed under a supercell thunderstorm.
Carcassonne is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tornadoes are rare in this part of France.
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President Donald Trump and his political action committee MAGA Inc. spent nearly $830,000 to support Senator Darline Graham in the South Carolina Republican Senate runoff. Graham, who is endorsed by Trump and is the sister of former Senator Lindsey Graham, will compete against Representative Ralph Norman for the GOP nomination.
Key Facts
MAGA Inc., linked to President Trump’s team, spent over $827,000 on voter outreach for Graham on the day before the runoff.
Darline Graham is running in a special GOP runoff in South Carolina to replace Senator Lindsey Graham.
President Trump called Graham the “perfect person” to continue her brother’s legacy during a tele-rally.
Graham faced criticism for saying national security “is not my thing” but defended her experience by comparing herself to Trump as a non-politician initially.
Trump’s super PAC had mostly avoided funding primary races this year but made a significant exception for Graham.
Ralph Norman, Graham’s opponent, emphasizes his loyalty to Trump’s agenda and critiques Graham as inexperienced.
Kalshi traders gave Graham a 67% chance of winning the runoff on Monday night.
The runoff winner will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the November general election.
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Woolworths’ popular Disney-themed Ooshies toy collection has caused a temporary drop in sales at rival supermarket Coles in Australia. The Ooshies promotion encouraged customers to shop at Woolworths to collect toys, changing shopping habits and sparking a resale market.
Key Facts
Woolworths offered a promotion giving customers a collectible Disney Ooshie toy with every $30 spent.
The Ooshies come in random packaging, so kids open packs to find and trade different characters.
Coles reported a sales slump linked to Woolworths’ Ooshies promotion, affecting mainly physical store sales.
Woolworths ran out of Ooshies early due to strong demand.
The toys have created a trading culture among children, including swapping games and battles.
Some schools and after-school centers banned Ooshies due to conflicts and distractions from trading.
Many adults are buying and trading Ooshies online, with a large Facebook swap group created for collectors.
The promotion led nearly two-thirds of parents to change shopping patterns, often favoring Woolworths.
Environmental concerns arise about the long-term impact of producing many small plastic toys.
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An oil tanker was hit by a projectile while passing through the Strait of Hormuz near Oman, causing damage but no injuries, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations. The area has seen many attacks on ships during the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel, raising concerns over security and oil shipments.
Key Facts
An oil tanker was damaged by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz off Oman's coast.
No crew members were injured in the attack.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for oil and gas shipments.
There have been 68 confirmed incidents near the Strait in six months related to the Iran-US-Israel conflict.
At least 20 people have died and 35 have been wounded in these incidents.
About half of the attacks have targeted tankers, with other ships including container and bulk carriers also affected.
Liberia-flagged vessels have faced the most incidents, followed by ships from Panama and the Marshall Islands.
Pakistan’s army chief held talks with Iran about preventing further conflict escalation and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
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Woodside Energy has stopped its long-term plans to reduce emissions and invest in clean energy, despite making higher profits due to increased oil prices linked to the Iran conflict. The company will focus more on fossil fuels and less on new energy projects like hydrogen and ammonia.
Key Facts
Woodside Energy’s half-year profit rose 27% to $1.67 billion (A$2.33 billion) due to higher oil prices from global supply disruptions.
The company plans to drop its $5 billion (A$7 billion) investment commitment in new energy products by 2030.
Woodside is reviewing its ammonia business in the United States, which was previously seen as a key clean energy option.
Under CEO Liz Westcott, Woodside is ending its scope 3 emissions targets, which measure pollution from customers using its products.
The company says clean energy investments will now depend on customer demand and commercial markets.
Woodside’s growing fossil fuel profits come as climate change, driven by burning fossil fuels, causes more severe weather events worldwide.
Climate activists and investors are pressuring Woodside and its backers to take stronger action against climate change.
Woodside increased its interim dividend for shareholders from 53 cents to 57 cents per share.
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Three teenage boys from Scots College in Sydney are charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in an alleyway. They appeared in the Surry Hills children’s court, remain on bail, and have been ordered to stay away from the girl.
Key Facts
The boys are students at Scots College, a private school in Sydney.
Two boys are 14 years old, and one is 13 years old.
They face charges including aggravated sexual assault and sexual touching.
The alleged incident happened on 22 July and lasted about 55 minutes.
All three boys are banned from going within 200 metres of the alleged victim.
The case was heard in a children’s court, and the boys cannot be publicly named.
The court reminded the media not to reveal the boys’ identities because they are minors.
The trial was delayed and is scheduled to continue on 20 October.
Scots College said it is cooperating with police on the investigation.
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The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has been at sea for 250 days after leaving the Middle East, where it was involved in U.S. activities related to Iran. The ship is now scheduled to make a port stop in Thailand, according to messages shared with USA Today.
Key Facts
The USS Abraham Lincoln recently left the Middle East.
The ship was deployed in connection to U.S. actions involving Iran.
Sailors and crew have been at sea for about 250 days.
A port visit is planned in Thailand for the ship and crew.
Family members of sailors shared this information with USA Today.
The ship is a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier.
This deployment is part of ongoing U.S. military operations overseas.
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