The Trump administration has partnered with Venezuelan businessman Alejandro Betancourt to lead a new US-backed oil project in Venezuela. The US will gain majority control of over 65 billion barrels of proven Venezuelan oil reserves through this deal with Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez.
Key Facts
Alejandro Betancourt is a Venezuelan businessman who made his fortune under President Hugo Chavez.
Betancourt’s firm Derwick Associates won lucrative power plant contracts in Venezuela during the late 2000s.
He has faced investigations for alleged corruption and money laundering in multiple countries, but no formal charges or convictions.
The Trump administration plans to take a 35% passive stake in Betancourt’s oil company, North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP).
NABEP is Venezuela’s second-largest oil firm and produces about 200,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
The US aims to use Venezuelan oil to refill its reserves amid global energy market disruptions caused by the war involving Iran.
Betancourt denies all accusations and has continued to run international investment firms and business ventures.
The Venezuelan government says it retains sovereignty despite the oil deal with the US.
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Tropical Storm Edouard was growing stronger and might become a hurricane as it moved toward the Gulf Coast. The storm was expected to bring heavy rain and flooding to parts of Texas and Louisiana when it hit land on Tuesday.
Key Facts
Edouard was upgraded from a tropical depression to a tropical storm on Monday night.
The storm was about 40 miles south-southeast of Cameron, Louisiana, on Tuesday morning.
It was also about 70 miles east-southeast of Port Arthur, Texas, at the same time.
The storm’s winds were around 40 miles per hour.
Edouard was moving west-northwest at 8 miles per hour.
The National Hurricane Center warned the storm could become a hurricane.
Heavy rain and flooding were expected in Texas and Louisiana.
The storm was expected to reach land in Texas later on Tuesday.
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European financial leaders criticized the U.S. for inviting Russia’s Finance Minister Anton Siluanov to the G20 meeting in Asheville, North Carolina. They worried that allowing him to attend might make it seem like the world is accepting or normalizing Russia's actions during its war.
Key Facts
The G20 is a group of the 20 largest economies in the world.
Russia’s finance minister, Anton Siluanov, was invited to the G20 meeting in Asheville, North Carolina.
European financial officials opposed this invitation.
Their concern was that inviting Siluanov could make Russia’s aggressive war look acceptable.
The U.S. made the decision to invite him despite European criticism.
This issue reflects wider tensions over how to handle Russia amid its ongoing war.
The meeting focuses on global financial and economic cooperation.
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Nepal is burying hundreds of bodies after severe floods and landslides that have caused over 1,000 deaths and left nearly 4,000 people missing. Rescue teams are working in difficult conditions to find survivors and recover bodies, including many foreign nationals.
Key Facts
Nepal has counted 1,003 deaths from the floods and landslides.
About 3,916 people are missing in Nepal, including 583 foreign nationals.
China reported 16 deaths and 546 missing people due to the same weather event, with 261 foreigners missing.
Rescue efforts face challenges such as unstable ground and large piles of debris.
Mass burials are taking place in multiple trenches in Nepal to manage the bodies.
The floods were triggered by glacier collapse and a massive landslide.
Hundreds of people are feared trapped in hydropower tunnels flooded by the disaster.
Authorities say the flooding is unprecedented and may require new safety and planning methods in the future.
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King Haakon VIII of Norway took an oath before the Norwegian parliament in Oslo to officially begin his reign after the death of his father, King Harald V. People have been paying respects to the late King, whose coffin is lying in state at the Royal Palace until September 8.
Key Facts
King Haakon VIII swore an oath before Norway's parliament in Oslo.
This ceremony marks the start of Haakon's reign as King of Norway.
Norway’s late King Harald V passed away on the previous Friday.
Parliament observed a minute of silence in memory of King Harald V during the ceremony.
Queen Mette-Marit, King Haakon’s wife, was absent due to recovery from a lung transplant.
The late King Harald V’s coffin lies in state at the Royal Palace until September 8.
Mourners have begun visiting to pay their respects to the late King.
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Cocoa farmers in Ghana are opposing a new law that stops them from using their land for other purposes without permission. President Mahama says that growing local cocoa processing is important for the country's economic growth, but farmers and industry leaders say the law relies on old systems from colonial times.
Key Facts
Ghana introduced a new law requiring permission to convert cocoa farming land for other uses.
Cocoa farmers are rejecting this law and pushing back against it.
President Mahama supports local cocoa processing to boost Ghana’s economy.
Industry leaders believe the new regulations still depend on outdated colonial-era models.
The cocoa sector is a key part of Ghana’s agriculture and economy.
The debate highlights tensions between farmers’ land use and government economic policies.
Local processing means turning raw cocoa into products within Ghana instead of exporting raw beans.
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The U.S. Ambassador to Belgium, Bill White, called Belgium’s health minister a "loser" on social media using an AI-generated image. After being summoned by Belgium’s foreign minister, Maxime Prévot, White promised to stop making public personal attacks against Belgian officials and to handle complaints through official channels.
Key Facts
U.S. Ambassador Bill White posted an AI-made image mocking Belgium’s health minister, Frank Vandenbroucke.
The image called Vandenbroucke a "loser" and suggested he "destroys every form of fun."
Belgium’s foreign minister, Maxime Prévot, called the post unacceptable and demanded an explanation.
Prévot summoned Ambassador White to the Belgian foreign ministry.
White agreed to stop public insults and to address issues directly with the government first.
Both diplomats said they had an open and honest conversation about improving U.S.-Belgium cooperation.
The offensive social media post was removed from White’s Instagram.
This incident could have harmed the diplomatic relations between Belgium and the United States.
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Wildfires in southwestern France have damaged large areas of forest and threatened nearby wine regions like Bordeaux. The hot and dry weather, worsened by climate change and the El Nino weather pattern, has made fires more frequent and intense, affecting grape quality and farming conditions.
Key Facts
In 2026, wildfires burned at least 465,000 hectares (about 1.15 million acres) in France, including the Gironde region near Bordeaux.
Around 220,000 people were evacuated due to the fires in Gironde.
France is the largest wine exporter in Europe, with 739,000 hectares (1.8 million acres) of vineyards.
High temperatures this summer reached up to 40°C (104°F) and caused grapes to ripen faster, changing their acidity and increasing alcohol content.
Wildfire smoke can travel far and affect vineyards even if flames don't reach them directly.
The 2026 fire season is one of the worst in decades for southwestern Europe.
Climate change and the El Nino phenomenon contributed to hotter, drier conditions that worsen fires and stress grapevines.
Authorities have mostly controlled the fires by early September.
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Experts warn that strong winds from the El Niño weather event could kill many trees in England that are already weakened by heat and drought. Climate change has caused record heatwaves and dry conditions, making trees more fragile and less able to survive storms expected this autumn.
Key Facts
El Niño is a natural weather pattern made worse by global warming, causing heavier rain and storms.
England’s trees have been stressed by a very hot and dry summer, leading to early leaf loss and weaker growth.
The UK Met Office predicts the strongest El Niño in over 100 years, with increased wind and rain this autumn.
Fragile trees may lose roots due to dry soil followed by heavy rains, increasing the chance of falling.
Some tree species like silver birch, common beech, and oak may disappear from certain areas.
Old trees, especially ancient oaks, are suffering the most from this year’s extreme heat and dryness.
Kew Gardens lost over 400 trees in 2022 due to heat and drought, and the 2026 event may cause even more deaths.
The full effects of this year’s weather on trees might only be clear in two to three years.
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Deadly floods hit Nepal near the border with Tibet on August 26, causing more than 1,000 deaths and leaving nearly 4,000 people missing. Rescue teams are working to find about 900 missing workers, many trapped in tunnels at hydropower sites along the Trishuli River.
Key Facts
Floods struck Nepal’s border area with Tibet on August 26, 2026.
The death toll has passed 1,000 people.
Around 4,000 people remain missing after the floods.
About 900 workers are missing at hydropower construction sites.
Approximately 500 people are believed to be trapped inside tunnels at these sites.
Rescue teams are continuing efforts despite difficult conditions in mud-filled tunnels.
The flooding was caused by heavy rains and related natural events, including a glacier collapse and landslide.
The area affected is largely hard to access due to the damage.
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Danielle Brooks talked to CBS News about her new movie called "If I Go Will They Miss Me." She said that being a mother and wife helped her play her role in the film.
Key Facts
Danielle Brooks is featured in a new movie titled "If I Go Will They Miss Me."
She appeared on "CBS Mornings" to discuss the film.
Brooks shared that her experience as a mother influenced her acting in the movie.
She also mentioned that being a wife guided her portrayal of the character.
The interview is available to watch on the CBS News app and website.
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Millions of French students are starting the new school year with several new rules in place. These changes include restrictions on mobile phone use and revised exam schedules aimed at improving the school environment during the final year of President Emmanuel Macron’s term.
Key Facts
The French school year 2026-2027 has started with new regulations for students.
Mobile phones are banned for teenagers in high schools.
Changes to exam schedules have been introduced.
The adjustments aim to address issues like sexual violence and improve student wellbeing.
These reforms are happening during the last year of President Macron’s presidency.
The article highlights government efforts to create safer and more focused school settings.
Public primary schools, such as Annette Zaidman school in Paris, are part of this new policy rollout.
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A car bomb exploded outside a police station in Los Patios, Colombia, near the Venezuelan border. The blast killed one civilian and injured eleven others, including police officers. The government condemned the attack and promised to find those responsible.
Key Facts
The explosion occurred around midnight near a police station in Los Patios, part of the Cucuta metropolitan area.
One civilian died and eleven people, including police officers, were injured.
President Abelardo de la Espriella said Colombia will not give in to terrorism.
In August, a similar bomb attack near Cucuta injured 11 officers and killed a police dog.
Officials blamed the previous attack on the National Liberation Army, a large rebel group in Colombia.
The area has conflicts involving drug gangs and rebel groups fighting over smuggling routes into Venezuela.
A peace deal with FARC, a major rebel group, reduced violence but smaller groups continue fighting.
President de la Espriella recently canceled ongoing peace talks with various rebel groups to focus on reducing crime.
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A jury found Duane "Keffe D" Davis guilty of the murder of rapper Tupac Shakur in a Nevada court. Davis, who was 63 years old at the time, was convicted though he did not fire the fatal shots, as Nevada law allows conviction for helping others commit murder.
Key Facts
Duane "Keffe D" Davis was convicted of murdering Tupac Shakur.
The trial took place in Clark County, Nevada.
The jury had twelve members who reached the guilty verdict on August 31, 2026.
Davis was a former gang member and is the only living person among those in the car during the shooting.
Davis did not shoot Tupac himself but was found guilty for assisting the crime.
Nevada law permits convicting someone who helps commit murder even if they did not directly cause the death.
Tupac Shakur was a famous rapper who was murdered over 25 years ago.
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Finance ministers and central bank leaders from the G20 major economies met in Asheville, North Carolina, with the United States holding the G20 presidency. The meeting focused on increasing economic pressure on Iran and boosting global growth, but Russia’s invitation to the event caused strong criticism from European countries.
Key Facts
The G20 meeting took place over two days in Asheville, North Carolina.
The United States currently holds the rotating presidency of the G20.
Leaders aimed to encourage more economic action against Iran.
They also discussed ways to support economic growth worldwide.
Russia was invited to the meeting unexpectedly.
European countries strongly criticized Russia’s return to the G20 event.
The G20 is a group of 20 major economies that meet to discuss global economic issues.
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In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), President Felix Tshisekedi proposed a national dialogue to address ongoing crises. The opposition rejected this offer, calling it a distraction, and instead urged people to protest.
Key Facts
DR Congo faces multiple challenges, including an Ebola outbreak and ongoing security issues.
The country is working on a peace deal with the M23 rebel group.
President Felix Tshisekedi suggested holding a national dialogue to solve political problems.
Opposition parties said the dialogue offer is a cover for the president to take more power.
The opposition wants to organize public demonstrations instead of joining the dialogue.
Managing the Ebola outbreak is harder because of the political and security problems.
Previous talks between officials and rebels have shown some progress toward peace.
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Federal weather forecasters predict a warmer-than-normal fall across much of the United States, with wetter conditions expected in parts of the Southwest and Southeast. These patterns are linked to a strong El Niño event developing in the Pacific Ocean, which affects weather across the country.
Key Facts
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts above-average temperatures for most U.S. states from September through November.
The Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies have the highest chance of warmer temperatures this fall.
Parts of the Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico) and Southeast (Georgia, Carolinas) are expected to receive more rain than usual.
Some areas like the Pacific Northwest and Great Lakes may see drier conditions.
El Niño is a climate pattern where warmer ocean water in the tropical Pacific influences weather worldwide.
Strong El Niños often bring wetter winters to southern U.S. states and milder temperatures in northern regions.
El Niño can reduce Atlantic hurricane activity by increasing wind shear, which disrupts storms.
Past strong El Niños, such as in 1997-98 and 2015-16, caused severe weather events and global temperature impacts.
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EU defense ministers are meeting in Dublin to discuss ways to improve Ukraine’s air defenses. This happens as Ukraine faces a shortage of US-made air defense missiles and endures increased attacks from Russia, which is also working to weaken European support for Ukraine.
Key Facts
EU defense ministers are gathered in Dublin to support Ukraine.
Ukraine is running low on US-built air defense missiles.
Russia has intensified missile and drone attacks on Ukraine.
Russia’s attacks target Kyiv and surrounding areas repeatedly.
Russia is conducting a "hybrid war" aimed at destabilizing Ukraine’s European allies.
Over 2,800 drones were fired by Russia at Ukraine in August 2026.
The meeting also aims to address efforts to strengthen Europe’s own defense capabilities.
Concerns exist about Russia’s attempts to weaken the unity of Kyiv’s supporters in Europe.
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Flash floods hit the Grand Canyon on Saturday afternoon, killing two men and damaging much of the area. Rescue teams airlifted dozens of people to safety, and one person remained missing as of Monday, with search efforts continuing.
Key Facts
Flash flooding occurred on Saturday afternoon in Bright Angel Canyon, part of the Grand Canyon.
Two adult men died in the floods; a 46-year-old man’s body was found near Crystal Rapids.
Nearly all footbridges across Bright Angel Creek were destroyed by the floodwaters.
Rescue crews airlifted 45 people on Saturday and evacuated 37 more by Sunday afternoon.
The National Parks Service closed Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, and several trails and bridges due to damage.
About 40% of the park’s Transcanyon Waterline, which supplies water to visitors and residents, was damaged or destroyed.
Heavy rain and floods are linked to seasonal monsoonal showers bringing moist air to the region.
Search teams planned to continue looking for the final missing person between Phantom Ranch and Cottonwood Manzanita.
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Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) met in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and signed a statement condemning attacks on Iran and sanctions imposed by the US and Israel. They supported Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy and called for resolving conflicts through diplomacy.
Key Facts
The SCO includes countries such as Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Iran, and others.
The Bishkek Declaration condemns military strikes on Iran and Western sanctions on some SCO members.
The declaration says US and Israel’s attacks on Iran violate international law and threaten global peace.
SCO members expressed condolences for the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
The group supports Iran’s sovereignty and seeks peaceful diplomatic solutions to conflicts.
The declaration also points out that Israeli attacks on Palestine destabilize the Middle East.
SCO opposes unilateral sanctions that violate UN and World Trade Organization rules and harm the global economy.
SCO leaders reaffirmed Iran’s rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to peaceful nuclear activities.
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