Researchers at Texas A&M University are studying whether changes in the way people walk can signal early signs of Alzheimer's disease before memory problems appear. They plan to measure walking patterns in adults without symptoms and compare these with brain scans and blood tests to find possible early indicators of the disease.
Key Facts
Scientists are investigating if walking patterns, called gait, can reveal early Alzheimer's disease signs.
The study focuses on adults aged 45 to 85 who do not yet show dementia symptoms.
Participants will undergo brain MRI scans, blood tests, cognitive exams, and walking assessments.
Researchers will measure normal walking speed, fastest walking speed, and gait variability (differences between steps).
"Gait reserve" is studied as the difference between usual walking speed and the fastest comfortable pace.
Changes in gait may reflect how the body adapts or struggles to adapt to different environments.
Early detection of gait changes could help doctors identify people at risk before memory loss starts.
Walking changes are not unique to Alzheimer's but could serve as an early warning to prompt further testing.
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Eight young people from a town near the Tunisia-Libya border died after a small boat carrying 15 migrants capsized in the Mediterranean Sea. The local community held a funeral to mourn the victims.
Key Facts
The tragedy happened late last week near Tunisia’s coast.
A small boat with 15 migrants overturned in the Mediterranean.
Eight of the passengers, all young locals, died.
The victims came from a town close to the Libya border in Tunisia.
Residents of that town held a funeral to remember the deceased.
Migration by boat across the Mediterranean is a common but dangerous route.
The article highlights the ongoing risks migrants face in this region.
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An alleged criminal leader named Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala gave testimony at a South African commission investigating corruption. The commission is looking into claims that a suspended police deputy chief accepted illegal payments from criminals.
Key Facts
Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala is identified as an alleged underworld kingpin.
He testified at the Madlanga Commission in South Africa.
The commission is focused on corruption issues.
One case involves a suspended deputy police chief accused of taking bribes.
The testimony occurred on Wednesday, August 27, 2026.
The inquiry is high profile, attracting public and media attention.
The investigation aims to uncover links between criminals and police officials.
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Norway’s King Harald is very sick and in the hospital, with his condition described as "very serious." His family is at his side, and many people outside the Royal Palace in Oslo are waiting and leaving flowers while hoping for updates on his health.
Key Facts
King Harald of Norway is 89 years old.
His health is currently "very serious," according to the royal court.
Family members are gathered at the king’s bedside in the hospital.
Hundreds of people have gathered outside the Royal Palace in Oslo.
Many people have laid flowers near the palace as a sign of support.
The public is awaiting more news about the king’s condition.
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The world's ocean surface reached a record-high temperature in August 2024, and a strong El Niño weather pattern is developing. These changes could affect storms, rainfall, and temperatures across the United States this fall and winter.
Key Facts
The global average sea-surface temperature hit 21.1°C (around 70°F), surpassing the previous record from March 2024.
Ocean temperatures are usually highest in March or April, making the August record unusual.
El Niño is a climate pattern where parts of the tropical Pacific Ocean become warmer than normal.
Forecasters expect a strong El Niño event through fall and winter with over 90% chance.
Warm ocean water causes more evaporation, putting extra moisture into the air.
El Niño can change the jet stream’s path, influencing where storms travel across North America.
The Southern U.S., including California and the Southwest, may have more rain or snow during this El Niño.
The northern U.S. and southern Canada could experience warmer-than-average winter temperatures.
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The U.S. Senate approved a sanctions package called the Graham sanctions, targeting Russia’s war economy. Some people believe that supporting Ukraine's military directly is a better way to reduce Moscow's fighting ability and promote peace.
Key Facts
The Senate passed a sanctions bill known as the Graham sanctions package.
The bill aims to punish Russia’s war economy.
Critics think the sanctions focus on the wrong targets.
Some say peace depends on weakening Russia’s military power.
Supporters of this view want more direct aid to Ukraine’s defense forces.
The issue is part of the larger conflict involving Russia and Ukraine.
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In Cameroon, the killing of many women in recent months has caused public anger. Famous footballer Nchout Njoya Ajara and others are urging the government to take stronger action to stop violence against women.
Key Facts
At least eight women were killed in one week in Cameroon.
Official data reports 50 women killed from January to April 2026, compared to 77 in the whole of 2025.
The latest victim was a 44-year-old woman stabbed in a hotel in the capital, Yaoundé.
Nchout Njoya Ajara, a well-known Cameroonian female footballer, called for an end to femicides, saying "silence is complicity."
Most killings are linked to domestic violence and happen across different regions.
The government is reviewing a bill to protect women against gender-based violence, but it has not yet become a law.
Women’s rights groups criticize the government for slow action and want a special court for family violence cases.
The next parliamentary session is in November 2026, but it is uncertain whether the bill will be passed then.
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The Italian government plans to update traffic rules to fine pedestrians who cross streets while looking at their phones. This new rule, expected to be approved by mid-October, follows court decisions that found distracted pedestrians responsible for some accidents.
Key Facts
Italy will introduce fines for pedestrians using phones while crossing roads.
The change is part of an update to the country's traffic code.
The new rules are expected to be approved by mid-October 2026.
Courts in Italy have recently held distracted pedestrians responsible for certain accidents.
The law aims to reduce accidents caused by inattentive walking.
The move marks a government effort to improve road safety for both drivers and pedestrians.
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Severe thunderstorms are expected to hit the Northeast U.S. on Thursday, affecting over 38 million people from New York City to Washington, D.C. The storms could cause heavy rain, flash flooding, strong winds, large hail, and possible tornadoes, with rainfall rates up to 2 inches per hour and totals reaching 5 inches in some places.
Key Facts
The severe weather threat covers an area from Syracuse, New York, and Vermont down to Virginia.
Heavy thunderstorms may produce rainfall rates exceeding 2 inches per hour.
Total rainfall could reach up to 5 inches in some affected areas.
Storms are expected to start around 1 p.m. and continue in scattered showers through the afternoon and evening.
New York City is expected to experience the worst weather between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. are likely to see the storms from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
A flood watch is in effect for New York City, the Hudson Valley, much of New Jersey, and Philadelphia from noon through the evening.
The severe weather poses risks such as flash flooding, damaging winds, large hail, and possible tornadoes.
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A large fire, believed to be started by Israeli settlers, damaged olive trees and a factory in the West Bank village of Ein Siniya. Similar attacks on Palestinian factories and farmland have caused serious financial losses and worsened the economic crisis in the area.
Key Facts
A fire near the al-Omari aluminium factory destroyed about 12.3 acres of olive trees and damaged the factory yard.
Settlers were seen near the site before the fire started, and Israeli soldiers blocked residents from putting out the fire.
Previous attacks in Ein Siniya include fires, theft, and physical assaults targeting residents and workers.
Settlers have set fires and damaged equipment in multiple industrial sites, causing losses of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
In one incident, equipment damage affected 55 people relying on the factory for income.
Settlers displaced Palestinian shepherds and established an outpost near one factory site.
Experts say these attacks are deliberate and are causing severe harm to the Palestinian economy and investment environment.
Unemployment in the West Bank has reached 29%, made worse by the ongoing damage to local businesses.
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Saudi Arabia, the host of the 2034 World Cup, supports FIFA President Gianni Infantino despite criticism over a failed proposal. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation praised FIFA’s apology and called for open talks to rebuild unity in world football.
Key Facts
Saudi Arabia backs FIFA President Gianni Infantino amid controversy.
FIFA withdrew its FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal after admitting mistakes.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation wants direct discussions among football officials.
Saudi Arabia is increasing its role in global football through partnerships and hosting duties.
Infantino faces pressure to resign from UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF.
African and South American football bodies continue to support Infantino.
Italy recently withdrew its support for Infantino’s leadership.
UEFA canceled its threat to boycott FIFA events after assurances about the failed proposal.
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Thieves quickly stole more than 50 ancient gold items from the Treasure of Villena museum in Spain during an early morning raid. The stolen items, mostly gold bracelets and bowls from about 1,000 BC, are part of a valuable and historic collection.
Key Facts
The robbery happened early Thursday morning in Villena, Spain, lasting about four minutes.
The thieves entered the museum through a window despite active security alarms.
Over 50 mainly gold objects were taken, including bracelets, bowls, and bottles dating back to around 1,000 BC.
The treasure was discovered in 1963 in a dried riverbed near Villena.
The gold alone is estimated to be worth around $2 million.
Local officials say the museum’s security worked properly and there was no failure.
Authorities are investigating if a separate alarm nearby was used as a distraction for the theft.
This raid is one of several recent high-profile museum thefts in Europe involving valuable art and jewelry.
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Dolly Parton, a famous singer and businesswoman, passed away at the age of 80. Eugene Naughton, president of The Dollywood Company, said that Parton always remembered to help and serve others throughout her life.
Key Facts
Dolly Parton died at age 80.
She was well-known for her singing career and her theme park, Dollywood.
Eugene Naughton is the president of The Dollywood Company.
Naughton said Parton never forgot how to serve others.
Many people have shared tributes and memories of Parton since her passing.
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Two U.S. lawmakers from different political parties are urging Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to fight corruption and cut connections with countries that oppose the U.S. They introduced a bill that could impose sanctions and visa bans if these demands are not met before Serbia’s upcoming elections.
Key Facts
The lawmakers are Rep. Joe Wilson (Republican) and Rep. Bill Keating (Democrat).
Both serve on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
They want Serbia’s president to address corruption issues in his country.
They also want Serbia to stop ties with nations considered adversaries of the U.S.
The proposed law includes sanctions and bans on visas for certain Serbian officials.
The efforts come ahead of Serbia’s elections, increasing political pressure.
The U.S. aims to influence Serbia’s actions through this legislative approach.
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An 86-year-old Austrian climber was reunited with his backpack and climbing gear more than 60 years after he left them behind when he fell into a glacier. The items were found on a melting glacier in Austria, and police identified the owner from old documents inside the backpack.
Key Facts
The backpack and gear were found in July on the Sulztalferner glacier in Tyrol, Austria, at nearly 3,000 meters above sea level.
Items included an ice axe, camera, and a pipe from the 1950s or 1960s.
The owner fell into a crevasse in August 1963 but was pulled out by friends who were tied together by a rope.
To lighten his load during the rescue, he threw the backpack into the crevasse.
Police used old, damaged documents in the backpack to identify the owner and contacted him.
The man was too ill to collect the items, so they were given to him through his son.
Melting glaciers caused by climate change have revealed many historic items and human remains in recent decades.
Similar discoveries include World War I soldier barracks and Ötzi the Iceman, a 5,300-year-old mummy found nearby.
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Thieves stole most of the Treasure of Villena, a famous collection of Bronze Age gold objects, from a museum in Spain during a quick and well-planned robbery. The stolen items include 66 mainly gold artifacts that are considered very important to European prehistoric heritage.
Key Facts
The robbery happened early on a Thursday morning and lasted about four minutes.
The museum alarm went off at 5:20 am, and the thieves left by 5:24 am.
The collection includes bracelets, bowls, bottles, and other ancient pieces dating back to around 1000 BC.
The treasure is mainly gold, valued at about €1.7 million, with some items made of silver, iron, amber, and possible meteoritic iron.
The thieves entered through a window and used multiple vehicles for escape.
Authorities say all security systems were activated and there was no failure on the museum’s part.
Investigators are checking if an earlier alarm at a nearby sports center was used to distract police.
Experts believe the robbery was carefully planned due to the thieves’ quick and effective operation.
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Bosnian Serb General Ratko Mladic has died while serving a life sentence in a UN prison hospital in The Hague. He was convicted for genocide and war crimes during the 1992-1995 war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Key Facts
Ratko Mladic was a Bosnian Serb general involved in the Bosnia war from 1992 to 1995.
He was convicted of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
Mladic was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the 1995 massacre of at least 8,000 Muslims in a UN-protected area.
He died at the age of 83 or 84 in a UN prison hospital in The Hague, Netherlands.
His death was confirmed by Serbian and Bosnian Serb state media and a UN official.
Mladic was known as the “butcher of Bosnia” for his actions during the war.
He was convicted in 2017 by an international tribunal.
UN officials described his crimes as among the worst in recent history.
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Shaun Mackelprang, Missouri's deputy attorney general, was found alive six days after disappearing during a hike in Wyoming's Wind River mountains. Search teams used ground crews, drones, and aircraft to locate him near Scott Lake and airlift him to safety.
Key Facts
Shaun Mackelprang went missing on August 20 while hiking to Gannett Peak, Wyoming's highest point.
He started his hike from the Green River Lake trailhead in Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Search efforts included the Sublette County Sheriff's Office, Tip Top Search and Rescue volunteers, drones, and aircraft.
Mackelprang was found near Scott Lake, deep in the wilderness, and rescued by helicopter.
His vehicle was still at the trailhead when he was reported missing.
Mackelprang's family said he reached the summit but became dehydrated and disoriented on the way down.
Bad weather conditions occurred during his descent, but it is unclear if he was injured.
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway thanked everyone involved in the rescue.
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Record-breaking heat waves in the western United States have made it harder for firefighters to control wildfires. At the same time, more people are dying from heat-related causes in Arizona.
Key Facts
The western U.S. is experiencing unusually high temperatures.
These extreme heat conditions are slowing down efforts to fight wildfires.
Wildfire management is becoming more difficult due to the heat.
Arizona is seeing an increase in deaths related to the heat waves.
The extreme heat is stressing both people and emergency responders.
Authorities are monitoring the situation but face challenges due to weather.
The heat waves are part of a larger climate pattern affecting the region.
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Russia warned it may strike British military targets if Ukraine keeps using UK-made long-range missiles against Russia. The warning came after Moscow accused Ukraine of firing British Storm Shadow missiles at Russian-controlled areas. Meanwhile, Russia launched missile and drone attacks on various sites across Ukraine, causing casualties and damage.
Key Facts
Russia threatened to target British military sites inside and outside Ukraine in response to UK-made missile strikes.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Britain risks being seen as complicit in attacks on Russian civilians.
Moscow accused Ukraine of using British Storm Shadow missiles to attack a shopping center in Donetsk, wounding civilians including children.
London recently allowed Ukraine to access technology to build Storm Shadow missiles locally; France also agreed to share this technology.
Russia conducted large missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian ports, grain storage, energy, and industry infrastructure.
Ukraine’s air defenses intercepted many incoming missiles and drones, but some strikes caused deaths and injuries in several cities.
Attacks damaged schools, healthcare facilities, steelworks, refineries, and logistics hubs across Ukraine.
Russian Defense Ministry confirmed targeting industrial sites in Kryvyi Rih, Zaporizhzhia, Poltava, Kyiv, and Odesa.
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