A clinical trial compared three diets—ketogenic, Mediterranean, and plant-based—in adults with obesity, prediabetes, and fatty liver disease. The study found that while all diets improved health markers, the ketogenic diet led to greater improvements in liver health and blood sugar control.
Key Facts
The study involved 55 adults with metabolic health issues; 42 completed the trial.
Participants followed ketogenic, Mediterranean, or very-low-fat plant-based diets, with all meals provided to ensure adherence.
Each group lost about 10% of their body weight during the study.
The ketogenic diet improved liver insulin sensitivity two to three times more than the other diets.
Liver fat decreased by 67% on the ketogenic diet, compared to about 45% on the other diets.
Blood sugar, insulin levels, and HbA1c dropped more significantly in the ketogenic group.
Half of the ketogenic group no longer met criteria for prediabetes after the trial.
The ketogenic diet did not negatively affect cholesterol levels despite higher fat intake.
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The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, cared for nearly 1,000 sea creatures confiscated in two illegal wildlife smuggling operations this summer. The animals were rescued from traffickers and carefully treated and acclimated at the aquarium to give them a safe place to live.
Key Facts
Two smuggling busts this summer led to nearly 1,000 confiscated marine animals arriving at the Aquarium of the Pacific.
The first operation in June involved about 2,000 animals, including fish, sharks, and invertebrates seized from a box truck.
Aquarium staff worked overnight to move and care for 500 animals from the first bust, performing water tests and careful acclimation.
About 25% of the animals died shortly after arriving due to the stress of transport and adjustment.
A second operation in late July brought another 300 marine animals to the aquarium after a federal wildlife center stay.
The Aquarium of the Pacific is a founding member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Wildlife Confiscations Network, which helps place seized animals in accredited facilities.
Since joining the network in 2023, the aquarium has cared for more than 3,300 trafficked animals, including reptiles, corals, and axolotls.
Southern California is a major entry point for illegally trafficked wildlife coming mostly from Asian countries.
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Brazil’s presidential candidates Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Flávio Bolsonaro have started running free TV and radio ads to win votes. These traditional ads remain very important in Brazil, reaching many people even as social media grows in popularity.
Key Facts
Brazil’s presidential election campaigns use free ads on TV and radio to reach voters.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is running for a fourth, nonconsecutive term as president.
Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, is Lula’s main opponent.
Campaign ads are expected to be very aggressive, possibly even harsher than in 2022.
TV and radio remain influential in Brazil because they reach remote areas better than the internet.
Ads’ airtime is free and given based on party size and lower house representation, not money.
Older voters often prefer watching ads on TV and radio over social media.
Campaign ad styles may change due to social media influence but still focus on traditional platforms.
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Ratko Mladic, a Bosnian Serb general convicted for the Srebrenica Genocide and other war crimes, died in prison in The Hague at age 84. He had been serving a life sentence for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity committed during the Bosnian War in the 1990s.
Key Facts
Ratko Mladic led Bosnian Serb forces during the 1992-1995 Bosnian War.
He was convicted for genocide, including the 1995 killing of over 8,000 Bosniak men and boys in Srebrenica.
Mladic was known as the “Butcher of Bosnia” for his role in war crimes and ethnic cleansing.
The United Nations Secretary-General reaffirmed the seriousness of Mladic’s crimes after his death.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic criticized the UN court for denying Mladic early release despite health problems.
Mladic died in detention at The Hague, where he had been serving a life sentence.
The Srebrenica Genocide was the first European genocide since World War II.
He led the longest siege of a capital city in modern history, the Sarajevo siege, resulting in over 11,500 deaths.
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Greenland’s government says it cannot yet decide if forced birth control used on Inuit women in the 1960s and 70s was genocide. Two expert reports disagree on this, but both agree the women’s rights were violated. Denmark has apologized and agreed to pay compensation.
Key Facts
Between 1966 and 1970, about 4,500 Greenlandic women and girls were given birth control implants without their consent.
Denmark apologized in 2025 for this forced contraception, calling it systematic discrimination.
Greenland’s justice minister said the government can’t confirm whether this was genocide.
Two expert panels looked at whether these acts met the official definition of genocide.
One panel said rights were violated but could not say for sure it was genocide based only on contraception.
Another panel found no evidence that authorities intended to destroy the Greenlandic population.
Denmark will pay affected women 300,000 Danish crowns (about $46,800) each.
Greenland plans to create a reconciliation commission to address the issue further.
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The FDA classified a recall of shredded iceberg lettuce linked to a cyclosporiasis outbreak as Class I, the most serious recall type. This lettuce was connected to over 11,000 illnesses and some deaths across 20 states, but officials say the recalled products are no longer in stores, and lettuce overall remains safe to eat.
Key Facts
The recall involves shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico.
Cyclospora is a parasite that causes intestinal illness called cyclosporiasis.
Since May 1, 17,180 cyclosporiasis cases have been confirmed in the U.S., compared to 1,180 cases last year in the same period.
About 11,458 cases and hundreds of hospitalizations were linked to the recalled lettuce.
Two deaths occurred in Michigan due to the parasite.
The FDA’s Class I recall means there is a serious risk of harm or death if exposed to the product.
Taylor Farms voluntarily removed all relevant iceberg lettuce from the market on July 17.
Reported illnesses dropped significantly after the product removal.
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Dolly Parton died on Tuesday, and since then, her music streaming has greatly increased worldwide. By Wednesday, she became the most streamed artist in the world, with millions of people listening to her songs.
Key Facts
Dolly Parton died on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
Streams of her music in the U.S. jumped from 1.2 million on Monday to 30.5 million on Tuesday, then 46.3 million on Wednesday.
Worldwide streams rose from 2.5 million on Monday to 41.8 million on Tuesday, and then to 79.7 million on Wednesday.
Her most streamed songs include "Jolene," "9 to 5," "Islands in the Stream," and "I Will Always Love You."
Collaborations like "Tyrant" with Beyoncé from Beyoncé’s 2024 album also saw big increases.
Books about Dolly Parton, including her memoir and stories about her songs, became top sellers on Amazon.
Data about streaming came from the company Luminate, which tracks music and video plays.
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King Harald V of Norway died at age 89 after a 35-year reign. His son, Crown Prince Haakon, immediately became King Haakon VIII, and Haakon’s wife, Mette-Marit, became the new queen consort amid public scrutiny due to her past emails with Jeffrey Epstein and her son’s recent criminal conviction.
Key Facts
King Harald V died peacefully on August 28, 2026, at Oslo University Hospital.
Harald was treated for haemolytic anaemia and a serious bacterial infection before his death.
Crown Prince Haakon, aged 53, became King Haakon VIII following his father’s death.
Haakon studied political science in the U.S. and has a master’s degree from the London School of Economics.
Haakon’s wife, Mette-Marit, will become queen consort seven months after DOJ released her emails with Jeffrey Epstein.
Mette-Marit's son, Marius Borg Høiby, was convicted of rape and is serving a four-year prison sentence.
Public support for the Norwegian royal family has dropped by about 10 percentage points in the past year.
Mette-Marit has apologized for her links to Epstein but has not been accused of any crime.
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Colombia’s new President Abelardo de la Espriella has announced a plan to deport foreign nationals living illegally in the country, mainly targeting Venezuelan migrants. This policy marks a change from previous governments, which aimed to provide legal options for migrants fleeing Venezuela’s crisis, and has drawn criticism from opposition leaders and migrant groups.
Key Facts
President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered police to start deporting illegal foreign nationals in Colombia.
The policy mainly affects Venezuelan migrants, the largest migrant group in Colombia with about 2.8 million people.
Nearly 2 million Venezuelans hold temporary protection permits, while around 500,000 live in Colombia without legal permission.
De la Espriella plans to first deport foreigners involved in crimes, then those without regularized status.
Opposition politicians describe the policy as xenophobic and argue it may be more about politics than security.
Some say the long and porous border makes deportations ineffective because people can return easily.
De la Espriella has aligned himself with right-wing leaders like U.S. President Donald Trump, who also promoted strict deportation policies.
The policy contrasts with past Colombian governments, which tried to support Venezuelan migrants legally.
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A Virginia family is searching for four relatives missing after flash floods hit the Nepal-China border. Rescue teams are working to find survivors among thousands missing in the disaster, and families continue to hope for their loved ones’ safe return.
Key Facts
Flash floods struck near the Nepal-China border on August 26, 2026, causing mudslides and severe damage.
More than 2,000 people are missing after the floods, including about 90 Americans.
A tour group of 40 guests and 7 guides, organized by Himalayan Glacier Adventure and Travel Company, was caught in the disaster; all are missing.
Mukti Patel’s father, sister, brother-in-law, and another relative were among those missing; they were staying at a hotel that was swept away.
The missing relatives include dual U.S.-Canadian citizens and Canadian citizens.
Rescuers from China’s People’s Armed Police Force and Nepalese teams are clearing debris and searching for victims.
Families are requesting more international help to speed up rescue efforts.
The last contact with some missing family members was on the day the floods began, including a birthday call.
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Cleveland police have arrested seven more men connected to a crash on the A66 that killed two officers. The total number of arrests in the investigation has reached 24, with some facing serious charges including arson, drug offenses, and threats to kill.
Key Facts
Seven men were recently arrested as part of an investigation following the A66 crash.
The total arrests related to the case now total 24 people.
Four men (ages 21, 25, 35, and 40) face charges including arson, criminal damage, and drug possession.
The arson involved setting fire to a caravan on Atlee Road, Middlesbrough.
Criminal damage charges relate to ramming a garden wall on Steele Crescent, Middlesbrough.
Police found Class A drugs and a Mercedes car during the arrests.
Three other men were arrested on suspicion of threats to kill and possession of criminal property but have been released on bail.
Police also seized £15,000 in cash during the operation.
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Western officials say Russian President Vladimir Putin does not want a direct military fight with NATO despite harsh warnings against the UK and other allies. Russia is expected to continue using indirect tactics like cyber-attacks and sabotage to pressure Western countries.
Key Facts
Putin aims to avoid direct war with NATO but uses strong warnings to apply pressure.
CIA chief John Radcliffe visited Moscow partly to warn Russia against attacking NATO members.
Russia’s threats include possible attacks on UK forces and weapons factories.
Russian tactics likely focus on cyber-attacks, sabotage, and assassination attempts rather than open warfare.
Russia is suspected of recent drone incidents in several NATO countries, including an explosive drone at Germany’s Leipzig airport, though Russia denies involvement.
The war in Ukraine has intensified, with both Russia and Ukraine increasing long-range strikes.
Russia faces heavy casualties and struggles to replace soldiers at the current rate of losses.
Despite some frustration and petrol shortages in Russia, Putin remains in power and has not called for mass military drafting.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans to increase drone attacks on Russia to 1,000 per day, a significant rise from the current number. Ongoing fighting has caused deaths and injuries in multiple regions of Ukraine, while Ukraine also struck a Russian oil refinery far from the front lines.
Key Facts
Ukraine currently launches about 300 drones daily against Russia; Zelenskyy wants this number to rise to 1,000.
The increase aims to target Russian military production and oil facilities deep inside Russia.
Recent Russian attacks caused deaths and injuries in Kyiv, Sumy, Kherson, and Kharkiv regions.
Ukraine’s military intelligence says strikes on Russian industry reduce fuel supplies and export income for Russia.
The CIA director, John Ratcliffe, recently met with Russian intelligence officials in Moscow, a rare event during stalled peace talks.
Russian officials confirmed Ratcliffe’s visit but said he did not meet with President Vladimir Putin.
Ukraine’s strikes hit an oil refinery in Russia’s Yaroslavl region, about 1,000 kilometers from the fighting zones.
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Police in Nairobi, Kenya, used teargas to break up a protest by traders. The traders were demonstrating against new government taxes that increased import fees by about 30 percent for shipping containers.
Key Facts
The protest took place in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.
Kenyan traders were protesting against higher taxes on imported goods.
The government increased the minimum import fee for a shipping container by nearly 30 percent.
Police responded to the protest by firing teargas.
The protest occurred on a Friday.
The higher taxes affect traders who bring goods into Kenya from other countries.
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A large fire broke out at a waste facility near Wembley Stadium in north-west London, causing major disruption to nearby tube and rail services. About 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines responded to the blaze, and the cause of the fire is still unknown.
Key Facts
The fire happened at a mixed-waste facility in Neasden, less than a mile from Wembley Stadium.
Around 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines worked to control the fire.
Tube lines affected include a complete stop on the Metropolitan line and no service between Wembley Park and West Hampstead on the Jubilee line.
Rail services to London Marylebone station were also disrupted.
An Amazon warehouse nearby was evacuated as a precaution.
This is the third major fire at a London recycling centre this summer.
Many fires at recycling centres are caused by discarded lithium batteries, such as those from vaping devices.
Battery fires at waste sites are estimated to cost around £1 billion annually.
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Yemen’s ongoing conflict has split the country’s education system into two parts controlled by different groups. Students who finished high school in areas controlled by the Houthis face problems getting their certificates officially recognized by the government in Aden, which affects their chance to study abroad.
Key Facts
Yemen has been divided between the internationally recognized government in Aden and the Houthi rebels since a war started over ten years ago.
Students in Houthi-controlled areas receive school certificates that the government in Aden has recently stopped authenticating due to lack of access to records.
Without this authentication, students cannot have their certificates verified by the Foreign Ministry, a required step to study abroad.
The government says it can verify some certificates but not others, because it does not have all the student data.
Students and parents say they are unfairly punished and have no control over the political conflict.
The two sides run separate education systems with different school calendars and different textbooks.
Education experts say the divided system harms students and society by creating unequal opportunities.
The lack of coordination between authorities in Sanaa (Houthi-controlled) and Aden (government-controlled) deepens the education challenges.
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Christine Fréchette, leader of Quebec’s governing party Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), called President Donald Trump a “real adversary” as she started her election campaign. She said this because of the ongoing trade conflict between the United States and Canada.
Russia increased attacks across Ukraine, causing civilian deaths and damaging homes and warehouses near Kyiv. In Kherson, a drone strike killed a 61-year-old man and destroyed key heating equipment, raising concerns about long-term heating shortages.
Key Facts
Russia launched more attacks in different parts of Ukraine.
Civilians were killed in these attacks.
Homes and warehouses near Kyiv were damaged.
A drone strike in Kherson killed a 61-year-old man.
The strike destroyed the city’s remaining thermal plant equipment.
Officials warned this damage could cause long heating shortages.
The attacks show a rise in violence affecting civilians and infrastructure.
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Andrea Pugh-Kelley, a 31-year-old environmental scientist in Florida, was diagnosed with a rare thyroid cancer called Hurthle cell carcinoma after a routine visit to her gynecologist. The gynecologist noticed a lump on her thyroid and recommended tests that led to the diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
Key Facts
Andrea Pugh-Kelley had a routine gynecological appointment during which her doctor checked her throat.
The doctor found a swollen nodule on her thyroid and recommended an ultrasound and thyroid tests.
Pugh-Kelley was diagnosed with oncocytic thyroid cancer (Hurthle cell carcinoma), a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
This type of cancer often shows no symptoms until tumors grow large, but can cause swallowing difficulties, voice changes, and lumps.
She had a robotic thyroidectomy to remove the tumor and will have further tests but may not need more treatment.
Pugh-Kelley had not noticed symptoms before her appointment and credits her gynecologist’s thoroughness with saving her life.
She advises people not to skip doctor visits and to ask questions or get second opinions if something feels wrong.
Thyroid cancer is less common in Black women, but they face higher risks of advanced disease and lower survival rates.
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A flash flood near the Nepal-Tibet border left nearly 2,000 people missing, including at least 90 Americans. Rescuers confirmed three Americans were found safe, and the U.S. government is providing aid to help flood victims.
Key Facts
The flood happened on Wednesday near the Nepal-Tibet border.
About 600 people have died, and the number is expected to rise.
At least 90 Americans remain missing after the flood.
Many missing Americans were pilgrims visiting Mount Kailash, a sacred site.
The Isha Foundation, an India-based spiritual group, reported 22 of its American members missing.
The U.S. State Department confirmed three Americans were rescued and no deaths have been reported among U.S. citizens so far.
The U.S. will provide $500,000 in aid to help flood survivors with shelter, supplies, and hygiene support.
American families and authorities are still trying to reach many missing people.
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