British Olympic swimmer Ben Proud has joined the Enhanced Games, a controversial event where athletes can use some banned drugs under medical supervision. Proud stresses that this event is separate from traditional clean sport. The Enhanced Games have received criticism for potentially harming athletes and compromising fair play.
Key Facts
Ben Proud is a British Olympic swimmer who won silver at the 2024 Olympics.
Proud joined the Enhanced Games, allowing some performance-enhancing drugs.
The Enhanced Games started in 2023, permitting FDA-approved substances.
The event is controversial and criticized for health risks and fairness issues.
Proud believes the Enhanced Games do not undermine clean sport's values.
Critics include the World Anti-Doping Agency and the US Anti-Doping Agency.
In her new book, former Vice President Kamala Harris discusses President Biden's decision to run for reelection, calling it reckless to leave the choice solely to him. Although she defends Biden's abilities, she also describes challenges during his campaign and criticizes his staff's handling of media coverage, particularly regarding her role.
Key Facts
Kamala Harris considers it reckless to have left the 2024 reelection decision to President Joe Biden.
Biden dropped out of the 2024 race after a poor debate performance, leaving Harris to lead the Democratic ticket, which she lost to Donald Trump.
Harris highlights Biden's ability but notes his tiredness affected his performance, particularly after extensive travel.
She claims Biden's staff did not adequately support her against negative media and narratives while she was vice president.
Harris accuses Biden's team of diminishing her success to prevent her from overshadowing him.
Harris's book, "107 Days," is scheduled for release on September 23 by Simon & Schuster.
The United Nations nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and Iran have given different statements about a deal to work together on Iran's nuclear program. While the IAEA says they can access all of Iran’s nuclear sites, Iran claims this is not guaranteed and wants more talks on the details of inspections.
Key Facts
The IAEA announced a deal to access all nuclear facilities in Iran.
Iran disagrees, stating the deal does not ensure access to all sites.
The agreement is supposed to restart cooperation after previous tension.
Iran halted cooperation after attacks by Israel and the US on nuclear sites.
Iran says future site access needs approval from its security council.
Iran is enriching uranium close to levels needed for nuclear weapons.
European countries may reinstate sanctions lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal.
The recent deal is an attempt to improve IAEA-Iran relations after a period of tension.
Police have found the remains of Jordan Moray, who went missing from his home in Cwmbach, Wales, six years ago. His death is not being considered suspicious. His family had continued to search for him over the years.
Key Facts
Jordan Moray went missing from his flat in July 2019, with his games console still running and his phone on charge.
The remains were found near the Llwyn-onn Reservoir in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, known as the Brecon Beacons.
South Wales Police confirmed the remains are those of Jordan Moray.
His death is not being treated as suspicious by the police.
Jordan's family continued to search for him, frequently hiking in the area.
A letter from a person named "Kevin Humphreys" intrigued detectives, but they could not find the author.
Possible sightings of Jordan were reported in 2021, in Stratford-upon-Avon, England.
Jordan's family expressed their loss and hope on social media after his remains were identified.
Thomas Skinner, a contestant on "Strictly Come Dancing," apologized after leaving a press interview early. He picked up a journalist's phone after noticing a personal message, which prompted him to step away to gather himself. He assured that he remains excited to participate in the show.
Key Facts
Thomas Skinner is a contestant on the upcoming series of "Strictly Come Dancing."
During a press event, Skinner noticed a personal message on a journalist's phone and left the interview early.
He apologized for picking up the journalist's phone and explained he needed a moment to gather himself.
Skinner is known for his past appearance on "The Apprentice" and as a social media personality with motivational videos.
He clarified that his early departure was unrelated to the dance show itself or any interview matters.
Skinner expressed eagerness to participate in "Strictly" and appreciated the support he has received.
His public image is seen as divisive, with both supporters and critics, partly due to his social media presence.
Israel carried out airstrikes in Yemen targeting Houthi rebel sites in response to drone and missile attacks on Israel. The European Commission president expressed plans to propose sanctions against Israel due to its actions in Gaza. The conflict in Gaza continues to impact civilians, with reports of casualties and a severe humanitarian crisis.
Key Facts
Israel targeted military facilities and a fuel station in Sanaa, Yemen, with airstrikes.
The European Commission president plans to seek sanctions and trade suspension against Israel.
Israel's actions are in response to earlier drone and missile attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels.
The strikes in Yemen killed and wounded multiple people, although exact numbers were not provided.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with the Health Ministry reporting deaths linked to malnutrition.
There is disagreement within the European Union about sanctions against Israel.
Previous Israeli airstrikes in Yemen have included targeting high-profile Houthi officials.
Senate Republicans want to change the rules to make it easier to confirm President Trump's non-judicial nominees by grouping them together. Currently, each nominee is approved one at a time, which can take days. This change aims to speed up the process because Democrats have slowed it down through full Senate procedures.
Key Facts
The Senate confirms over 1,300 government positions, but each is currently approved individually.
Senate Democrats are using full procedures for each nomination, slowing the process.
Republicans propose grouping non-judicial nominees for faster confirmation.
The change doesn't apply to Cabinet positions with longer procedures.
The goal is to address a backlog of about 150 nominees.
John Thune leads the Republican effort for this rule change.
The proposal involves overruling a Senate parliamentarian decision without needing a two-thirds majority.
Votes and debate on the rule change are expected on Thursday, with a large group of nominees possibly confirmed next week.
President Trump visited a D.C. restaurant shortly before his special authority over local police operations was due to expire. His visit highlighted his past efforts to crack down on crime in the city, which he claims have been successful. The outing included protests from some people and cheers from restaurant patrons.
Key Facts
President Trump visited Joe's Seafood restaurant in Washington, D.C., making it his first restaurant outing in the city during his second term.
His visit followed a month after he declared a crime emergency in D.C., where federal and local law enforcement teamed up to reduce crime.
Trump's special control over the D.C. police was set to end shortly after his restaurant visit.
He claimed crime in D.C. had significantly dropped and stated the city was now safe.
Protests occurred outside the restaurant, including members of the group CODEPINK, who voiced their opposition to Trump's policies.
The restaurant received mixed reviews online after hosting Trump, with some people critical of the decision.
Trump's previous outings, like his visit to the U.S. Open, have also seen both support and opposition from the public.
Various efforts across the United States aim to reduce political and social divisions. These efforts include mentoring programs for young men, using artificial intelligence to gather community opinions, and creating a system to promote respectful political discourse. Each approach focuses on building understanding and trust among people.
Key Facts
Jordan Bowman founded "Journeymen" in Raleigh, NC, to help young men who feel isolated and lack direction.
Journeymen provides mentorship to encourage young men to express their emotions healthily.
In Bowling Green, KY, leaders used AI from Google's Jigsaw to gather community input for future planning.
The AI survey engaged one-tenth of residents and found 80% agreement on community goals.
Tim Shriver introduced "The Dignity Index" to evaluate the respectfulness of political speech.
The Dignity Index aims to promote discourse that respects and values others.
Each initiative attempts to bridge societal and political divides in the U.S.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog is visiting the UK, where there are calls for his arrest due to alleged war crimes related to the conflict in Gaza. The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians has requested an investigation, and demonstrators are protesting his visit. Herzog's trip has sparked widespread debate and controversy in the UK.
Key Facts
Isaac Herzog, the Israeli President, is visiting the UK to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Herzog's visit coincides with ongoing tensions due to Israeli military actions in Gaza and other regions.
The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians has urged UK authorities to investigate Herzog for alleged war crimes.
Protests have been organized in London to oppose Herzog’s visit and address.
Friends of Al-Aqsa has sought legal action against Herzog for promoting attacks on Gaza.
Amnesty International UK has criticized Herzog's use of his ceremonial role, claiming it supports collective punishment.
Public sentiment in the UK shows significant opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza, as reflected in protests and polls.
Nearly 130 people were killed in Niger by Islamist insurgents, according to a report from Human Rights Watch. These attacks happened between March and June and include a mass shooting at a mosque. The report highlights the challenges faced by Niger's military leadership in controlling the jihadist violence.
Key Facts
Islamist insurgents killed around 130 people in Niger since March, according to Human Rights Watch.
A mass shooting occurred at a mosque in the Tillabéri region in June, killing over 70 people.
Jihadist groups also destroyed schools and religious sites and imposed severe restrictions on people.
Since the coup in Niger in 2023, approximately 1,600 civilians have died in attacks by Islamic State fighters.
The Niger military leadership promised to curb the insurgency after taking power but faces challenges.
The Tillabéri region, bordering Burkina Faso and Mali, has been a focal point of the insurgency for years.
Niger and its neighboring countries have formed an alliance to combat jihadist insurgents.
Islamist insurgents in Niger are identified by red-banded turbans, reportedly worn by Islamic State fighters.
Former Premier League referee David Coote has been charged with creating an indecent image of a child. Police in Nottinghamshire conducted an investigation that led to the charge, and Mr. Coote is set to appear in court.
Key Facts
David Coote is a former Premier League referee.
He has been charged with making an indecent image of a child.
Nottinghamshire Police led the investigation that resulted in the charge.
The charge involves a video file found by police in February.
He is scheduled to appear in Nottingham Magistrates' Court.
Coote was dismissed by the referees' body PGMOL in December 2024.
His dismissal followed a probe into comments he allegedly made about Liverpool and its former manager.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris discusses decisions around President Biden's 2024 presidential campaign in her new book. She describes these decisions as reckless and criticizes how they were handled, emphasizing the impact on her own role and the political environment. The book covers events between Biden exiting the race and Trump winning the election.
Key Facts
Harris blames "recklessness" for Biden's 2024 campaign decision.
She believes the decision was more about personal ambition than considering the high stakes.
Harris' book, "107 Days," will be released on September 23.
The book covers the time frame when Biden left the race and Trump won.
Harris notes Biden’s poor debate was due to exhaustion, not incapacity.
She felt Biden’s White House did not defend her enough against attacks.
Harris believes the White House halted positive comments on her work.
Her presidential campaign was the shortest in modern U.S. history.
Missouri's Republican-controlled House approved a plan to change the state's U.S. House districts to help Republicans win an extra seat. This redistricting, supported by former President Donald Trump, aims to boost Republican chances in the next elections. The new plan will now go to the state Senate for further approval.
Key Facts
Missouri Republicans want to redraw congressional districts to gain an extra seat.
The plan is backed by former President Donald Trump.
The proposal targets a Kansas City district currently held by Democrat Emanuel Cleaver.
If passed, Republicans could hold seven of Missouri's eight House seats.
Former President Trump supports the plan to help keep a Republican majority in Congress.
The Missouri House also passed a separate measure changing the rules for citizen-led ballot initiatives.
The redistricting plan is part of a larger national political strategy by the Republican Party.
The proposed changes may face legal challenges and could be delayed by a public referendum.
Seven Chinese nationals were sentenced to 20 years in prison in South Africa for smuggling Malawians and forcing them to work under harsh conditions. Authorities found 91 Malawians, including 37 children, at a factory in Johannesburg during a raid after a tip-off. The group was found guilty on multiple charges, including human trafficking and labor law violations.
Key Facts
Seven Chinese nationals received 20-year prison sentences for human trafficking and forced labor in South Africa.
The group smuggled Malawians into South Africa and made them work in poor conditions at a factory.
Authorities raided the factory in Johannesburg and found 91 Malawians, 37 of whom were children.
The Chinese nationals were guilty on 158 of 160 charges, including helping illegal immigrants stay in South Africa.
Workers faced 11-hour shifts every day, low pay, and no proper safety equipment.
Employees were paid less than South Africa's minimum wage and could not leave the factory's guarded premises.
The prosecuting authority in South Africa believes this sentencing aids their fight against human trafficking.
Israeli military action targeted Qatar, leading an expert to raise questions about the reliability of the United States' security promises in the Gulf region. The situation involves complex international relations between Israel, Qatar, and the U.S.
Key Facts
An Israeli strike was carried out against Qatar.
Adam Weinstein is a Middle East deputy director at the Quincy Institute.
Weinstein is questioning the United States' security commitments in the Gulf.
The incident involves international relations, affecting Israel, Qatar, and the U.S.
The U.S. provides security assurances to countries in the Gulf region.
A mural by street artist Banksy has been removed from a wall at the Royal Courts of Justice in London. The artwork, which depicted a protest scene, was taken down because the building is legally protected. Banksy had confirmed he created the mural through a social media post.
Key Facts
A Banksy mural was removed from the Royal Courts of Justice in London.
The mural showed a protester and a judge, with a protest theme.
The building is legally protected, which is why the mural was taken down.
Banksy confirmed he created the mural via an Instagram post.
The artwork was reportedly a commentary on protests and government actions.
The courts service is required to maintain the appearance of the legally protected building.
Removal of the artwork was observed by passers-by and security staff had guarded it.
The 2025 Americana Honors & Awards show will be broadcast live on YouTube on September 10 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The event, hosted by John C. Reilly, will include performances and appearances from several notable musicians.
Key Facts
The event is the 24th annual Americana Honors & Awards show.
It will be available to watch live on YouTube.
The show will take place on September 10, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET.
John C. Reilly is hosting the event.
Special performances include John Fogerty and other well-known artists like Emmylou Harris.
Presenters include Brandi Carlile and Rodney Crowell.
A wide range of musical acts will perform, including Darrell Scott, Dawes, and Gillian Welch & David Rawlings.
NASA's Mars rover, Perseverance, found rocks in a former river on Mars that might contain signs of ancient microscopic life. Scientists say more tests are needed on these samples, ideally on Earth, to confirm any signs of past life. The samples are waiting to be collected from Mars, but the return mission has been delayed.
Key Facts
NASA's Perseverance rover discovered rocks that might hint at past microscopic life on Mars.
The samples were collected from a dry river channel called Neretva Vallis.
The rocks contain iron phosphate and iron sulfide, which on Earth are linked to microorganisms.
The rover collected 30 samples so far, and scientists want to study them on Earth.
The return mission to bring samples back has been delayed to the 2040s due to budget issues.
Researchers stated that both biological and non-biological processes could explain the findings.
Samantha Cameron's fashion brand Cefinn will close due to rising costs and international trading issues. The brand has been in operation for eight years and will sell off its remaining stock before shutting down.
Key Facts
Cefinn is a fashion label founded by Samantha Cameron, wife of former UK Prime Minister David Cameron.
The brand has been active for eight years but is closing due to financial difficulties.
Rising costs and international trade restrictions have negatively impacted the business.
Cefinn's online shop and physical stores will stay open temporarily to sell remaining stock.
The brand is known for high-end women’s clothing, including trousers and floral dresses.
The upcoming winter collection will be Cefinn's final release.
The name "Cefinn" includes letters from the Cameron name and the initials of their children.
Many UK fashion retailers face similar challenges with increased costs and changing consumer habits.
