The USS George Washington aircraft carrier arrived in the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln after a long mission. The USS Abraham Lincoln's crew faced challenges such as mental health issues and supply shortages while supporting U.S. efforts related to Iran.
Key Facts
The USS George Washington arrived in the Middle East this week.
It is taking over from the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier.
The USS Abraham Lincoln had a long deployment in the region.
Reports showed that sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln experienced mental health struggles.
There were supply shortages during the USS Abraham Lincoln’s mission.
The deployment was part of U.S. military activities connected to the conflict involving Iran.
The U.S. military confirmed the arrival of the USS George Washington on Thursday.
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A Belgian university has suspended an American researcher linked to plagiarism accusations against Jason Arday, a Black former Cambridge professor who died recently. Arday had resigned after facing plagiarism claims and intense public scrutiny, which sparked widespread discussions and protests about racism and media treatment.
Key Facts
Jason Arday was Cambridge University’s youngest Black professor.
He resigned in early August 2026 amid plagiarism accusations related to his doctoral thesis and personal achievements.
Arday denied the claims but said he had reached his limit due to the pressure.
Arday was found dead at age 41 shortly after resigning.
Nathan Cofnas, the American researcher who led plagiarism accusations, was suspended by Ghent University in Belgium.
Cofnas describes himself as a “race realist” and was previously dismissed from Cambridge over his race-related views.
Ghent University is investigating Cofnas and said suspending him was to respect human dignity and oppose discrimination.
Arday’s death caused anti-racist protests in the UK, with many blaming racist media coverage for the intense pressure on him.
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The US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced new, strong economic sanctions aimed at Iran to pressure its government amid an ongoing conflict. He urged other countries to join the effort or face penalties for trading with Iran.
Key Facts
The US plans to impose the toughest sanctions ever on Iran to force a change in its government.
Countries that continue trading with Iran may face US economic penalties.
The US strategy aims to create the largest economic isolation of Iran in history.
Iran has restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route, since a war started in late February.
President Donald Trump called this the most severe economic action ever against any country.
It is unclear whether major countries like China will be targeted by these sanctions.
The US recently expanded sanctions to include 10 people linked to Hezbollah, a group backed by Iran.
The US hopes these sanctions will help reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lower global energy prices.
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Two fishermen were rescued by Mexico’s Navy after spending five days in the Pacific Ocean holding onto a fish cooler when their boat sank. They were found 240 kilometers off the coast of Chiapas and taken to receive medical care.
Key Facts
Two fishermen’s boat sank in the Pacific Ocean.
The men survived by holding onto a fish cooler for five days.
They were found 240 kilometers from Chiapas, Mexico.
Mexico’s Navy conducted the rescue operation.
The fishermen were brought aboard a ship and then airlifted for medical treatment.
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Jewish-American activist Sam Sherman says Israel blocked him from re-entering the country because of his work with Palestinians facing violence from settlers in the West Bank. Israel has not explained why it made this decision. Sherman says he will continue his activism despite the ban.
Key Facts
Sam Sherman is a Jewish-American activist.
Israel barred him from re-entering the country.
The ban is linked to his work with Palestinians in the West Bank.
Palestinians in the West Bank have been facing violence from settlers.
Israel has not given any official reason for preventing Sherman’s return.
Sherman said the ban will not stop his activism.
The West Bank is a territory occupied by Israel where Palestinians live.
The issue involves tensions between Israeli settlers and Palestinian residents.
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Schools in Thailand are practicing active shooter drills after a teenage gunman killed eight people, including his grandparents and himself, at a school near Bangkok. These drills are meant to help students and staff know what to do during a shooting to stay safe.
Key Facts
A teenage gunman killed eight people, including his grandparents, near Bangkok earlier this month.
The shooting happened at a school on the outskirts of Bangkok.
The gunman also died in the incident.
Schools across Thailand are now doing active shooter drills.
These drills teach how to respond during a shooting to save lives.
The goal is to increase safety and awareness in Thai schools.
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Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun, Syria’s former grand mufti during President Bashar al-Assad’s rule, faces a criminal court verdict in Damascus. Prosecutors have asked for the death penalty in a trial related to his support for the regime and alleged involvement in prison executions.
Key Facts
Hassoun was Syria’s grand mufti from 2005 to 2021, appointed by President Assad.
He supported Assad during the 2011 uprising and blamed foreign countries for Syria’s problems.
He used harsh language against the government’s opponents and had close ties with state officials.
Hassoun was detained in March 2025 at Damascus airport after hiding since the regime fell in December 2024.
He reportedly approved executions of about 13,000 prisoners in Sednaya prison between 2012 and 2017.
His controversial statements included threats to European countries and praise for Iranian and Russian military support.
The Syrian government abolished the grand mufti position in 2021 after Hassoun lost favor.
Hassoun is now on trial in the Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus, which handles cases related to Syria’s transition after Assad’s fall.
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A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.7 struck the southern Andes in Peru on Thursday afternoon. The quake was centered near Upahuacho in the Ayacucho region and was felt in several areas, but no damage reports came in immediately.
Key Facts
The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.7.
It occurred at 1 p.m. local time on Thursday.
The quake’s center was 38 kilometers northwest of Upahuacho in Parinacochas province.
The depth of the earthquake was 66.7 kilometers.
It affected several southern Peruvian regions, including Ica and Arequipa.
No immediate damage was reported after the earthquake.
The U.S. Geological Survey provided the information about the earthquake.
The Colombian president requested President Trump to suspend tariffs to support earthquake recovery efforts.
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The UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Canada have condemned Israel’s plan to build about 1,200 new homes in the West Bank area called E1, saying it harms peace efforts. The United Nations also warned that this construction threatens the chance of a future Palestinian state.
Key Facts
Israel plans to build 1,234 settlement homes in the E1 area between East Jerusalem and Maale Adumim.
These settlements are considered illegal under international law.
The new project could divide the West Bank and isolate East Jerusalem from Palestinian areas.
The UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Canada called the plan “unacceptable” and asked Israel to stop it.
The UN Secretary-General said the project threatens the existence of a contiguous Palestinian state.
The housing ministry issued tenders on the project despite ongoing legal challenges from Palestinians and Israeli peace groups.
The bid deadline is October 19, close to Israel’s general election on October 27.
Israel has about 160 settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem housing approximately 700,000 Jews.
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A magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck the southern Andes region of Peru on Thursday. No damage or injuries were reported soon after the quake, and there was no tsunami threat.
Key Facts
The earthquake happened at 1 p.m. local time in the Parinacochas province of Ayacucho region.
It was located 38 km northwest of Upahuacho city with a depth of 66 km.
The quake was felt in several southern Peruvian regions including Ica and Arequipa.
Civil Defense and local officials reported no damage or injuries so far.
The Peruvian Navy stated there was no risk of a tsunami.
Peru is part of the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a zone known for frequent earthquakes.
A stronger earthquake in 2007 in the nearby Ica region caused significant deaths and damage.
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France, Germany, the UK, and Italy criticized Israel for starting a project to build new settlements in the West Bank, an area occupied by Israel since 1967. These countries say the project called "E1" is illegal under international law and would separate Palestinian areas in east Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank.
Key Facts
Israel began accepting bids to build homes in the "E1" settlement area in the West Bank.
The "E1" project plans to build around 3,400 homes for Israeli settlers.
The West Bank has been occupied by Israel since the 1967 war.
International law considers Israeli settlements in this territory illegal.
France, Germany, the UK, and Italy asked Israel to stop expanding settlements there.
The project would further separate Palestinian-majority east Jerusalem from the West Bank.
The tender for over 1,200 housing units opened on August 18, with bids due October 19.
The UN Secretary-General described the project as a major threat to a future Palestinian state.
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The U.S. State Department said that two American citizens, U Min Zin and Youlin Chen, are wrongfully detained by China. China accuses them of spying, but the U.S. calls these charges questionable and wants their immediate release.
Key Facts
U Min Zin, an expert on Myanmar politics, was arrested in China in June 2026 while invited to a conference.
China claims Min Zin is involved in espionage that threatens its national security.
The U.S. government, after review, says Min Zin is "wrongfully detained," implying political motives behind the charges.
Youlin Chen, a U.S. seismologist living in Boston, has been detained in China since November 2024, also accused of spying due to his research work.
The State Department denies China’s espionage accusations against Chen and demands his release.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials emphasize their commitment to protecting U.S. citizens abroad.
Min Zin participated in Myanmar’s democracy movement in the 1980s and fled the country to avoid arrest.
Both cases highlight ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China over security and human rights issues.
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Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, plan to move back to the United Kingdom after living in the U.S. since 2020. They will not return to official royal duties but want their children to have a connection to the U.K. The royal family has not officially commented on the move.
Key Facts
Harry and Meghan left their senior royal roles in 2020 and have lived in California since then.
They have two children: Prince Archie (7) and Princess Lilibet (5).
The couple’s planned move back to the U.K. was first shared with King Charles III recently.
King Charles III welcomes the chance to see more of the Sussex family.
Harry and Meghan will remain private individuals and not perform royal duties.
Experts say the move marks a big change after years abroad and may be partly for the children’s education and connection to the U.K.
Royal experts speculate that Harry might want a larger role in the U.K. in the future, but nothing is confirmed.
Buckingham Palace has not released any official statement about the move.
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A magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck the southern Andes Mountains in Peru on Thursday. The quake was located near the city of Upahuacho in the Ayacucho region, and no damage reports have come in yet.
Key Facts
The earthquake happened at 1 p.m. local time (18:00 GMT).
Its center was 38 kilometers (24 miles) northwest of Upahuacho city.
The quake was 66.7 kilometers deep underground.
It was felt across several southern Peru regions, including Ica and Arequipa.
Peru is located in the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” known for frequent earthquakes.
A strong 7.9 magnitude quake hit the Ica region in 2007, resulting in nearly 600 deaths.
No immediate damage or injury reports are available from this Thursday’s earthquake.
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North Korea fired about 10 short-range ballistic missiles into the sea near its eastern coast. This happened one day after North Korea rejected the U.S. decision to reduce military drills with South Korea, which was meant to encourage talks.
Key Facts
North Korea launched around 10 ballistic missiles from near its capital.
The missiles flew about 300 kilometers (185 miles) toward the sea to the east.
South Korea's military tracked the launches and increased surveillance.
South Korea is sharing information with the U.S. and Japan about the missile tests.
The missile launches followed North Korea's rejection of the U.S. scaling back military exercises with South Korea.
South Korea’s national security council called on North Korea to stop firing ballistic missiles.
The incident occurred around 5 p.m. local time (0800 GMT) on Thursday.
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US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called on US allies to decide if they will support efforts to severely pressure Iran's economy. This move follows President Trump’s warning that countries helping Iran will face serious economic punishment. More details about the planned sanctions will be announced on August 24.
Key Facts
Treasury Secretary Bessent urged allies to choose whether to back US actions against Iran’s economy.
President Trump said countries aiding Iran would face “tremendous economic consequences.”
The US aims to isolate Iran economically more than ever before.
The US will target money transfers and oil purchases linked to Iran.
Bessent said these measures could reduce the need for direct military conflict.
Previous US actions include naval blockades and sanctions on foreign banks trading with Iran.
Iran suffers from long-standing sanctions, causing big price increases and protests.
Further sanctions details will be shared publicly on August 24.
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A boat carrying workers capsized on a river in northwest Nigeria, causing dozens of deaths. Rescue teams are working to save survivors near Gorau town in Sokoto state.
Key Facts
The boat was likely carrying farm workers in Gorau town, Sokoto state.
A witness saw about 50 bodies waiting for burial at a mosque in Gorau.
At least 46 bodies have been buried according to a local former councillor.
Many women and children travel by boat during the rainy season to reach farms.
Rescue operations are ongoing, but an exact death toll has not been officially released.
Boating accidents are common in Nigeria due to overcrowding, poor boat condition, and safety rule violations.
Similar incidents happened recently in Nigerian states Jigawa and Yobe, causing several deaths.
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Prince Harry and Meghan are moving from the United States back to the United Kingdom. They have enrolled their children in a British school, and experts discuss how this move might affect their lives and the Royal Family.
Key Facts
Prince Harry and Meghan announced they are relocating from the US to the UK.
Their children will attend a school in Britain.
The move has surprised many people.
A BBC Royal correspondent explained possible reasons for the move.
The change could impact how the Royal Family is viewed and operates.
The news was shared on a BBC podcast called Newscast.
Newscast offers daily political news and analysis from the BBC.
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A hospital in Nashville made a mistake by giving four patients potassium instead of pain medicine during joint replacement surgeries. The hospital reported the error right away and is working with authorities to find out what went wrong and to improve safety.
Key Facts
The mix-up happened at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown hospital on August 14.
Four patients received potassium instead of standard pain drugs during outpatient joint surgeries.
The hospital noticed the problem the same day and reported it to state regulators.
An investigation is underway by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
The hospital has identified the cause and is putting safety changes in place.
Potassium is a mineral important to the body but can be harmful in high doses.
The hospital has spoken with the affected patients' families but did not share medical details.
Potassium chloride is sometimes used medically but can be dangerous if given in large amounts.
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Cameroon’s President Paul Biya returned to the country after being away in Europe for more than two months. His long absence had caused concerns about his health and the government’s stability.
Key Facts
President Paul Biya is 93 years old and the world’s oldest president.
He has been leading Cameroon since 1982 and is from the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement party.
Biya started his eighth term in November 2023 after winning the October election, which many people questioned.
He left Cameroon on June 7, 2023, for what was called a short private trip to Europe.
His stay abroad lasted over 10 weeks, the longest time he has ever been away during his presidency.
Biya returned to Yaoundé, Cameroon’s capital, on a flight from Geneva, Switzerland.
The long absence raised worries about his health and the possibility of a power gap in the country.
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