Guinea-Bissau held a referendum that approved a new constitution giving the president much more power, including control over the prime minister and parliament. The vote happened under a military government that took power last year and is preparing for elections in December to return to civilian rule.
Key Facts
About 70% of voters approved the new constitution in last week’s referendum.
Voter turnout was nearly 60%, though some reports say many polling stations were empty.
The military government led a coup in November last year and proposed the referendum.
The main opposition party, PAIGC, and civil groups opposed the changes and called for a boycott.
The new rules let the president appoint and fire the prime minister and cabinet members.
The president can also create or remove ministries and dissolve parliament under some conditions.
The number of parliamentary seats will drop from 102 to 65; electoral districts will cut from 29 to 12.
The military says the changes will stabilize the state ahead of December elections, while critics fear more concentration of power.
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A vehicle carrying explosives blew up in Binnish, a town in Idlib province, Syria. The explosion killed at least five people and injured several others. Emergency responders and officials are investigating what caused the blast.
Key Facts
The explosion happened on Tuesday in Binnish, Idlib province, in northwestern Syria.
The vehicle was carrying munitions, which means weapons or explosives.
At least five people died because of the explosion.
Several other people were injured in the blast.
Emergency teams arrived to help the wounded and secure the area.
Authorities are working to find out what caused the explosion.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Cairo, Egypt, marking the first visit by a Chinese president to Egypt in ten years. He was welcomed by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
Key Facts
Xi Jinping is the President of China.
This visit is his first trip to Egypt in ten years.
Xi Jinping arrived in Cairo, the capital of Egypt.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi greeted President Xi upon arrival.
The visit highlights ongoing relations between China and Egypt.
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Israel’s Finance and Defence ministries are in conflict over the rising costs of Israel’s ongoing wars. The military warns that without more funding, the country’s security could be at risk as fighting continues in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and potential conflict with Iran.
Key Facts
Israel is involved in multiple ongoing conflicts, including Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and possible future conflict with Iran.
The Defence Ministry wants an extra 15 billion shekels ($5 billion) added to the 2026 budget, raising it to 184 billion shekels ($60.8 billion).
This defence budget is nearly the highest ever, second only to the 188 billion shekels spent during the first year of the war in Gaza.
The Finance Ministry is concerned that military spending could take up almost one-third of Israel’s total government budget.
The Defence and Finance ministries have long disagreed on how much to spend and how to manage military costs.
The military warns that budget shortfalls could reduce reserve forces and scale back intelligence operations.
Political divisions, especially involving Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and his far-right party, add complexity to budget discussions.
Israeli politicians face pressure from different voter groups who have conflicting views on military spending and the occupation of the West Bank.
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The UK government agency UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will stop funding the Jodrell Bank Observatory after March 2028. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has promised to find a way to keep the famous telescope site open.
Key Facts
The Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank is one of the largest steerable radio telescopes in the world, built in 1957.
UKRI decided not to include Jodrell Bank in its future funding plans after March 2028.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he wants to save the site and called it a national heritage and research asset.
The observatory was established in 1945 and played a key role in radio astronomy and space exploration history.
More than 150 public figures, including scientists and musicians, signed a letter urging the government to reverse the funding cut.
Scientific observations at Jodrell Bank are expected to stop on April 1, 2028, if new funding isn’t found.
The site is also known for its appearances in popular science fiction shows like Doctor Who.
The Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement is not currently threatened by these funding cuts.
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Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel will respond if the UK imposes sanctions over new West Bank settlements. The British government plans to change its policy and look at stopping UK companies from helping build or support these settlements.
Key Facts
The UK foreign secretary, Ed Miliband, announced a "comprehensive reset" of UK policy on Israel regarding West Bank settlements.
Miliband said UK companies might be banned from funding, building, or advertising new settlements.
Israel warned Britain that any sanctions will lead to Israeli retaliation.
Israel recently opened bids to build about 1,200 new homes in the E1 area, near Jerusalem.
The E1 settlement plan could divide the West Bank and isolate East Jerusalem from the rest of the territory.
Miliband called the settlements illegal under international law and said they risk making a Palestinian state impossible.
The UK Prime Minister also warned the settlements could end hopes for a two-state solution, which supports independent Israel and Palestine living side by side.
Israel opposes the two-state solution, while the Palestinian Authority supports it, and Hamas opposes Israel’s existence.
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The Metropolitan Museum of Art canceled the planned 2027 Met Gala exhibit honoring British designer John Galliano because of past racist and antisemitic comments he made in 2010 and 2011. Galliano said he agreed with the decision to avoid causing pain, and museum leaders supported the cancellation to handle the issue with care.
Key Facts
John Galliano was known as a top fashion designer but made racist and antisemitic remarks publicly in 2010 and 2011.
Galliano’s comments led to a conviction and his firing from Dior in 2011.
The Met Gala planned a 2027 exhibit called "John Galliano: Horizons" to honor his work.
After public backlash, Galliano and the museum decided to cancel the exhibit.
Galliano apologized and acknowledged the hurt his comments caused, especially to Jewish and Asian communities.
He has been sober for 15 years and worked at another fashion house, Maison Margiela, until 2024.
Museum officials said they want to balance recognizing artistic work with ethical responsibility.
The Met and Vogue are planning a new exhibit to replace the canceled Galliano show.
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The Oscars, starting in 1929 as a brief ceremony, have become a major event in Hollywood, known for honoring movies while also reflecting the industry’s challenges with fairness and influence. The award statue costs about $400 to make, but winning can lead to more money and career opportunities, though not always.
Key Facts
The first Oscar ceremony took place in 1929 and lasted only 10 minutes.
The Oscar statue costs roughly $400 to produce.
Winning an Oscar can increase a winner’s pay and job offers, but it does not guarantee success.
Since 1951, winners and their families cannot sell or give away their Oscar without offering it back to the Academy for $1.
The name “Oscar” likely came from an Academy librarian who named it after her uncle.
The Oscars have faced criticism and scandals, including notable films being overlooked or losing.
Efforts have been made to diversify Academy membership, such as recruiting younger members and responding to the #OscarsSoWhite movement.
The Oscars have both cultural importance and contradictions in how they reflect Hollywood’s power and values.
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Prime Minister Andy Burnham spoke to the UK Parliament about giving more power to local areas in England and increasing government control over essential services like water and energy. He said mistakes since the 1980s, including centralizing power and privatizing services, hurt the country’s growth, and promised a plan to improve public control later this year.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham became UK Prime Minister on July 20.
He wants to give more power to regions outside London to help their economies grow.
Burnham plans to increase public control over essential services such as water and energy.
He criticized past policies since the 1980s for centralizing political power and privatizing economic power.
His government will work with local councils to create devolution deals, even where elected mayors are not wanted.
Burnham’s speech lasted three and a half hours and marked his first address to Parliament since taking office.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch opposed Burnham’s plans, calling them more government control and taxes.
Burnham mentioned exploring local power sharing models in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
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President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia was officially sworn in for a second term after winning the recent election with 60% of the vote. His main opponent, Brian Mundubile, was arrested and charged with treason amid ongoing disputes and accusations of election rigging.
Key Facts
Hakainde Hichilema took the oath of office at a ceremony in Lusaka’s National Heroes Stadium.
Brian Mundubile, Hichilema’s main rival, and his running mate were arrested and face treason charges.
Mundubile and others deny any wrongdoing and claim the election was manipulated.
Police raided Mundubile’s home after the election, during which a former cabinet member was killed.
Several opposition figures challenging the election results have been detained.
Zambia’s courts were unexpectedly closed, limiting the opposition’s ability to file legal challenges.
Leaders from the US, China, and several African countries attended the inauguration.
Hichilema promised to govern fairly and continue efforts to improve Zambia’s economy.
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Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro, the hosts of "Dancing With the Stars," gave a preview for season 35 of the show. They mentioned that the new cast will be announced on Good Morning America.
Key Facts
Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro are co-hosting "Dancing With the Stars" season 35.
They shared a preview of the upcoming season.
The new cast members will be revealed on a TV show called Good Morning America.
The announcement is set for Wednesday.
"Dancing With the Stars" is a popular dance competition show on TV.
This season will be the 35th installment of the series.
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The U.S. government is partnering with North American Blue Energy Partners to control about 20% of Venezuela’s oil reserves. This deal is part of President Donald Trump’s effort to increase U.S. involvement in Venezuela’s oil industry and was approved by Venezuela’s National Assembly, which is controlled by the ruling party.
Key Facts
The U.S. will take over some Venezuelan oilfields that were previously managed by Chinese and Russian companies.
The deal involves North American Blue Energy Partners working with the U.S. government, including the Pentagon.
This new agreement covers roughly one-fifth of Venezuela’s large oil reserves.
Venezuela’s National Assembly, dominated by the ruling party, voted to approve the deal.
The move aligns with President Trump’s plan to boost U.S. access to Venezuela’s oil resources.
The oilfields are located in regions known for oil production, such as the area around Lake Maracaibo.
The deal aims to revive Venezuela’s oil sector through increased private and foreign participation.
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Germany says Russia was behind an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport in August. The drone was carrying explosives and was found near a Ukrainian plane, but was defused. Germany is responding by closing a Russian consulate and planning more sanctions and controls on Russian activities.
Key Facts
The drone attack attempt took place on August 4 at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany.
The drone carried explosives and was found close to a Ukrainian aircraft.
German officials said the drone’s design and parts matched those used in previous Russian covert operations.
The German Interior Minister said intelligence indicates the attack involved agents working for Russian government groups.
Germany will close the Russian consulate in Bonn starting September 18 and end the Russian House cultural center contract in Berlin.
Germany plans to propose adding more Russians to EU sanctions lists and increase checks on Russian travelers and ships suspected of breaking sanctions.
Russia denies involvement and calls the accusations a pretext to increase tensions with Germany.
Western officials have tracked about 200 sabotage incidents in Europe blamed on Russia since the war in Ukraine began.
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Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK and newly sworn-in MP for Clacton, claimed he was under a second parliamentary standards investigation about his finances. However, officials say no new investigation has started and the existing inquiry, which focuses on a large donation and other funding issues, is still ongoing.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage said a "second standards investigation" into his finances was happening, but this has not been officially confirmed.
The existing investigation began in May, looking at a £5 million donation from Christopher Harborne that Farage did not declare properly.
Complaints were made about funding from George Cottrell, a convicted fraudster, including payments for social media work and security before the 2024 election.
The standards commissioner paused the investigation during a July byelection but reopened it when Farage was re-elected with a bigger majority.
It is unclear if the investigation scope has been formally extended to include Cottrell’s donations.
Farage claims some videos linked to donations were personal, while critics say political content should have been declared.
If found in breach of the rules and given a suspension over 10 days, Farage might face another byelection.
Farage said he plans to spend less time in Parliament and focus more on touring the country.
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Andy Burnham, the new UK Prime Minister, spoke in the Commons about the need for honest reflection on the country’s problems over the past 40 years. He said Brexit and past policies have led to low growth, and his government plans to focus on cutting costs for essentials, regenerating communities, and increasing public control of services.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham became UK Prime Minister about six weeks ago and made his first Commons speech.
Burnham blamed Brexit and policies since the 1980s, including those by Margaret Thatcher, for economic problems.
The UK economy is estimated to be 6% smaller due to Brexit effects over the last decade.
The government will prioritize reducing costs for childcare and mortgages, improving communities, and public control of water, housing, and energy.
Louise Haigh, Burnham’s deputy, will lead taskforces on these priority areas.
Burnham hinted at meeting a defense spending target of 3% of GDP by 2030.
He plans to attend the COP31 climate summit and support both green energy and some gas projects.
Burnham supports reconsidering electoral reform if there is public backing after the next election.
Former Labour leader Keir Starmer announced he will leave Parliament to focus on international affairs.
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At least 119 people, including one British man, were rescued in Nepal following deadly flash floods caused by a glacier collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border. The disaster has killed over 1,100 people and left thousands missing, with rescue teams continuing efforts amid dangerous conditions.
Key Facts
118 Nepali nationals and one British man were rescued on Tuesday after flash floods.
The death toll in Nepal is over 1,050, with 66 deaths reported in Tibet.
More than 4,000 people are still missing due to the floods.
Nepal’s prime minister said 11,000 people have been rescued so far, including 330 foreign nationals.
A glacier collapse triggered the floods, generating an earthquake-like event and causing large-scale flooding.
Rescue teams are focusing on reaching workers trapped in tunnels at hydropower stations.
Thirty-six British nationals are missing, and the UK has sent a rapid rescue team to help.
The disaster is linked to climate change, which makes mountain glaciers and ice-covered land less stable.
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People in Texas and Louisiana are preparing for heavy rain and flooding as Tropical Storm Edouard gets closer to the coast. The storm is expected to bring severe weather to these areas.
Key Facts
Tropical Storm Edouard is moving toward the Texas and Louisiana coast.
Residents in both states are getting ready for strong storms.
Heavy rain is expected from the storm.
Flooding could happen because of the rain.
Local authorities are likely monitoring the situation to keep people safe.
The storm’s path is being tracked by weather agencies.
It is important for residents to follow safety warnings and prepare for the storm.
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Hundreds of people have died in Nepal due to recent catastrophic floods. Many bodies are washing up, and because morgues are full, authorities have started mass burials without identifying all the victims.
Key Facts
Nepal experienced severe flooding that caused many deaths.
Bodies continue to be found daily, with many unidentifiable.
Morgues in major cities are full and cannot store more bodies.
Authorities have begun burying bodies in large groups without formal identification.
The floods were linked to glacier collapse and large landslides in the Himalayas.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, especially near hydropower tunnels where people remain missing.
The disaster has caused widespread destruction and loss in southern Nepal.
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Ed Miliband, the UK Foreign Secretary, has said Britain will change its policy on Israel to stop UK companies from supporting construction in Israeli settlements in the West Bank. He plans to introduce new measures soon to prevent UK involvement in projects like the E1 plan, which critics say would divide the West Bank and harm the chance for a Palestinian state.
Key Facts
Ed Miliband wants to stop British companies from helping build Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
The focus is on the E1 settlement project, which could split the West Bank and hurt the possibility of peace between Palestinians and Israelis.
Israel has begun inviting companies to bid for contracts to build thousands of homes in the E1 area.
The UK and 20 other countries, including Germany, France, and Italy, have called the E1 plan unacceptable.
Some former British diplomats have asked the UK government to threaten companies involved in these settlements with action.
The UK government is considering tougher sanctions, including possibly banning trade with illegal settlements.
British ministers have condemned settler violence and called for more sanctions on those involved in illegal settlements.
The Israeli embassy in London responded by citing past statements from Israel’s foreign minister.
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A woman named Erin Piacenti, who worked for Bank of America, was killed in a random stabbing attack in Times Square, New York. The attacker, Pamela Cisneros, was shot and killed by police after the incident. Another man was also stabbed and hospitalized.
Key Facts
Erin Piacenti, 32, was a Bank of America employee and held a law degree from Fordham Law School.
The stabbing happened Monday afternoon in Times Square, near Bank of America's office and a police station.
The attacker was identified as Pamela Cisneros, 49, from Queens, who was shot dead by police.
Cisneros had past mental health-related encounters with police but no arrest record in NYC.
Two people were stabbed: Piacenti, who died, and a 68-year-old man who was hospitalized.
Cisneros used two knives taken from a shopping bag during the attack.
Police tried to persuade her to drop the knives before using a stun gun and then shooting her.
Times Square is a heavily policed area known for tourism and events like the New Year's Eve ball drop.
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