Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies said they uncovered a group linked to a presidential official that laundered about $3.35 million. The group includes a deputy head of the presidential office and others involved in an energy corruption case. The news comes amid political changes and protests related to Ukraine’s defense ministry.
Key Facts
Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies NABU and SAPO revealed a money laundering group tied to a presidential official.
The group allegedly laundered 150 million hryvnias, approximately $3.35 million.
Members of the group include a deputy head of the presidential office, a former lawmaker, and heads of a state-owned bank.
The investigation was announced before a parliamentary vote on a new defense minister.
The government is undergoing changes after the previous defense minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, was removed.
Fedorov had called for wartime presidential elections following his dismissal.
Protests have taken place demanding Fedorov’s reinstatement.
The anti-corruption efforts are part of Ukraine’s broader push for EU membership.
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At least five people were killed and several injured in Russian drone attacks on cities in Ukraine, including Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. The attacks hit civilian areas such as buses and markets, amid ongoing fighting and stalled peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
Key Facts
A Russian drone struck a bus in Kherson, killing four passengers and wounding four others.
Another attack in Zaporizhzhia killed one person and injured seven, damaging buildings and causing a fire.
Russian forces regularly launch drone attacks on Kherson, a city formerly controlled by Russia until late 2022.
Ukraine accuses Russia of deliberately targeting civilians, including an incident where a drone chased a man in a market.
The United Nations reported 437 civilian deaths in Ukraine last month, the highest monthly toll since May 2022.
Russian forces shot down 453 Ukrainian drones overnight, according to Russian Ministry of Defence.
A Russian drone caused a fire and injuries in Ufa, a city in Russia’s Bashkortostan region.
Russia also attacked a cargo ship carrying military supplies near the Ukrainian port of Odesa.
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Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s former defense minister who was removed from his position last month, has urged the country to start moving toward holding elections. Ukraine has delayed elections due to martial law imposed after Russia’s invasion in February 2022, which bans elections under military rule.
Key Facts
Mykhailo Fedorov was Ukraine’s defense minister until he was sacked last month.
He called on Tuesday for Ukraine to prepare for elections.
Ukraine has postponed elections since February 2022.
Martial law was declared when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
Under martial law, holding elections is not allowed.
The Russian invasion triggered Ukraine’s decision to impose martial law.
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Research shows that if the UK government allows new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, the Labour Party could lose up to 50 seats to the Green Party in the next election. Voters in key areas want stronger action on climate change, while Labour says the Green Party’s warnings are exaggerated.
Key Facts
Internal Green Party research says up to 50 Labour MPs could lose seats over climate and drilling policies.
Voters in contested areas want the government to take faster, stronger steps on climate change.
Labour leader Andy Burnham has said decisions on new North Sea drilling will happen “in due course” and aims for a pragmatic approach.
The Greens oppose new oil and gas licenses, including projects like Jackdaw and Rosebank.
Labour points out the Green Party’s projected seats have fallen since Burnham became leader.
Some Labour MPs worry drilling will not improve energy security or costs but will profit oil companies.
Polling shows over half of voters in key areas support faster climate action.
Labour dismissed the Green Party’s claims as unrealistic and emphasized their work on energy and jobs.
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Sophie Adenot became the first French woman to walk outside the International Space Station (ISS) during a spacewalk on August 19, 2026. She worked with American astronaut Anil Menon to try to replace an antenna that helps the ISS communicate with mission control in Houston.
Key Facts
The spacewalk lasted about six and a half hours.
Sophie Adenot is the first French female astronaut to perform a spacewalk.
Anil Menon, an American astronaut, accompanied her on the mission.
Their main task was to replace an antenna on the ISS.
The antenna is important for communication between the ISS and mission control in Houston.
The mission took place on August 19, 2026.
The ISS is a space station orbiting Earth where astronauts live and work.
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Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s former Defence Minister, has called for elections to be held despite the ongoing war with Russia. This challenge to President Volodymyr Zelensky’s leadership marks a significant internal political crisis in Ukraine.
Key Facts
Mykhailo Fedorov was recently removed from his position as Ukraine’s Defence Minister.
Fedorov was a loyal member of President Zelensky’s team until his dismissal.
He has called for new elections during the war with Russia.
Fedorov said the country is facing a crisis in how it is governed.
This is the biggest political challenge Zelensky has faced since Russia’s full-scale invasion.
President Zelensky has named a new Defence Minister following weeks of political crisis.
The situation is unfolding while Ukraine continues to fight Russian forces.
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Doctors caring for late Argentina football legend Diego Maradona missed important signs of kidney failure during his recovery after brain surgery, a specialist told a court. The trial is investigating whether his medical team acted with criminal negligence in providing care that may have endangered his life.
Key Facts
Diego Maradona died at age 60 from heart failure and fluid buildup in his lungs on November 25, 2020.
Maradona had chronic kidney disease, which should have been a warning sign for his doctors.
Seven healthcare workers, including his personal doctor and nursing staff, face criminal charges for poor care.
The trial is examining if letting Maradona recover at home instead of in a hospital put his life at risk.
A kidney specialist said Maradona needed daily medical checks, blood tests, and monitoring, but these were not recorded.
Maradona’s swollen body and high blood pressure were also ignored by his medical team.
Autopsy results showed he suffered for several hours before dying.
If found guilty, the accused could face up to 25 years in prison.
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Heavy rain caused floods and mudslides in northern Chile, sweeping cars downhill and damaging streets. Authorities declared a state of catastrophe in Tocopilla province and worked to evacuate people and clear the area.
Key Facts
Floodwaters and mudslides hit northern Chile, moving cars downhill.
The rain caused serious damage in Tocopilla province.
Chilean officials declared a state of catastrophe in this area.
Emergency crews evacuated residents to keep them safe.
Efforts are ongoing to clear streets blocked by mud and debris.
The heavy rain continued during the emergency response.
Residents reported frightening experiences during the floods.
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Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, visited Baghdad to lead a delegation for talks with Iraqi officials. The discussions focus on regional issues and strengthening cooperation between Iran and Iraq amid U.S. pressure on Iraq to disarm Iran-backed armed groups.
Key Facts
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is the speaker of Iran’s parliament.
He arrived in Baghdad on August 19, 2026, to hold talks with Iraqi leaders.
Ghalibaf leads a high-level parliamentary group for these discussions.
The talks aim to address regional developments and boost Iran-Iraq cooperation.
Iraq faces U.S. demands to disarm armed groups supported by Iran.
These Iran-backed groups have strong political and financial influence in Iraq.
The visit comes after Ghalibaf’s role in negotiating with the U.S. to end a Middle East war.
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President Donald Trump is focusing on economic pressure, including a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and potential new sanctions, to influence Iran amid stalled diplomatic talks. A recent 60-day agreement between the U.S. and Iran expired, and there are no ongoing negotiations to replace it.
Key Facts
The U.S. has implemented a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz to stop Iranian exports.
President Trump stated he is "not in a hurry" to reach a diplomatic solution with Iran.
A 60-day memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran has ended without replacement.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said new sanctions are planned to heavily isolate Iran economically.
Despite the blockade, some ships still pass through the Strait using military escorts, but the number has dropped significantly.
Iran’s economy is struggling with nearly 65% inflation over the past year.
Iranian officials deny current negotiations with the U.S., contradicting previous U.S. statements.
Iran’s lead negotiator criticized U.S. efforts as unrealistic and unlikely to yield new concessions.
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Before the 9/11 attacks, the hijackers debated which U.S. landmarks to target. They initially planned to hit the White House, Pentagon, U.S. Capitol, and World Trade Center, but later focused on hitting both World Trade Center towers first and then the other targets.
Key Facts
In August 2001, Mohammed Atta and Ramzi bin al-Shibh discussed possible attack targets using coded language.
Code names: "architecture" meant World Trade Center, "arts" meant Pentagon, "law" meant U.S. Capitol, and "politics" meant White House.
Osama bin Laden wanted the U.S. Capitol to be attacked because he saw it as key to U.S. support for Israel.
Atta found the White House difficult to hit because it was smaller and surrounded by other buildings.
Atta and another hijacker, Marwan al-Shehhi, decided to hit both World Trade Center towers nearly at the same time.
A plan existed for four hijacked planes to target all four locations: the two towers, the Pentagon, and the Capitol.
Experts believe hitting both towers was necessary for their collapse; hitting only one might not have destroyed it.
Attacking the White House was part of the original plan but did not happen, which would have symbolized a major blow to the U.S.
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The head of the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, said inspectors found several tons of nuclear material at a site in Syria. Syria reported this site to the agency last month, and it dates back to the rule of the former leader Bashar al-Assad.
Key Facts
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) found tons of nuclear material in Syria.
Syria informed the IAEA about the site only last month.
The site was hidden and dates back to the rule of former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.
Rafael Grossi, head of the IAEA, spoke about the discovery at a news conference in Damascus.
Grossi praised Syria for reporting the previously undisclosed site voluntarily.
This is part of the IAEA’s role in monitoring nuclear materials worldwide.
The discovery highlights ongoing concerns about nuclear activities in Syria.
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The Ethiopian government and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) have introduced a digital ID system called Fayda. This system gives refugees better freedom to move, study, and work within Ethiopia, especially helping those who fled violence and have lived in camps for many years.
Key Facts
Ethiopia and UNHCR launched the Fayda digital ID program for refugees.
"Fayda" means "value" in the Amharic language.
The digital ID allows refugees to move freely across the country.
Refugees can access education and job opportunities with the ID.
The program targets refugees in the Somali region, many escaping Al-Shabaab violence.
Some refugees have been living in camps for decades before this program.
This initiative aims to improve refugees’ legal status and quality of life.
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Miami reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Tuesday, tying its all-time high temperature record set in 1942. A strong heat dome over Florida and the Southeast caused this unusually high heat by trapping hot air and limiting cooling ocean breezes.
Key Facts
Miami’s temperature hit 100°F for only the second time since weather records began in 1895.
The previous record of 100°F was set on July 21, 1942.
Miami’s coastal location and usual humidity generally keep temperatures below 100°F.
A heat dome is a weather pattern where high pressure traps hot air and reduces cloud and rain formation.
On the day of the record, dry air and offshore winds prevented cooling sea breezes.
The National Weather Service issued heat advisories for South Florida with heat index values up to 112°F.
Residents were advised to stay hydrated, avoid hard outdoor work during peak heat, and use air conditioning.
The heat came amid a summer of extreme weather differences across the U.S., with other regions experiencing floods and storms.
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The Ebola outbreak in Congo has surpassed 5,000 cases and 2,300 deaths, spreading faster than any previous Ebola epidemic. The virus, which currently has no approved vaccine or treatment, is spreading quickly in remote and unstable areas, making it hard for health workers to control.
Key Facts
The outbreak in Congo has reached 5,021 cases and 2,378 deaths as of recently.
This is the 17th Ebola epidemic recorded in Congo.
The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which has no approved vaccines or treatments.
The spread is about three times faster than the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak.
The outbreak started in mid-May and has outpaced efforts to contain it.
Health workers face dangers, including attacks and hostility from local residents, especially in Ituri province.
The World Health Organization warns the epidemic is not under control and may continue to spread nationally and internationally.
Violence has resulted in damaged ambulances and disrupted response efforts.
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The article shares a collection of historic and modern photographs and artworks that show people fighting against racial injustice, especially the Jim Crow laws that enforced racial segregation in the United States. It highlights artists and everyday heroes who have captured moments of activism and social change through their work.
Key Facts
The images include works by artists like Kara Walker and photographers like Bruce Davidson and Spider Martin.
The artworks cover different time periods, from the Civil War to the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement in the 1960s, up to recent years.
Several photos show protests and moments related to ending racial segregation and promoting civil rights.
Some pieces come from portfolios focusing on historical events and social changes in America.
The article mentions themes such as Black culture, art as protest, and the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
The collection includes a mix of photography, painting, and other visual art forms.
These works aim to document history and inspire efforts against injustice.
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The movie *Tony* tells the story of Anthony Bourdain as a 19-year-old, showing the early experiences that shaped him into a famous chef and cultural figure. The film focuses on his flaws and struggles as well as his passion for food and people, avoiding turning him into a perfect hero.
Key Facts
Anthony Bourdain was a chef and cultural figure known for connecting food with people and culture.
At 19, Bourdain worked at a restaurant in Provincetown, Massachusetts, which helped shape his future.
The film *Tony* is based on Bourdain’s 2000 memoir *Kitchen Confidential*.
Dominic Sessa plays the young Bourdain in the film.
Sessa approached the role without trying to copy the famous Bourdain, focusing instead on an honest portrayal of the young man’s experiences.
The movie shows Bourdain’s drug use, bad decisions, and temper as part of his story.
*Tony* avoids making Bourdain into a hero and instead shows him as a complex, flawed person.
Bourdain’s passion for food was less about teaching cooking and more about sharing culture and experience through food.
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Howard Stern will cut his radio show from three days a week to one episode weekly after his summer break. Oprah Winfrey shared that she has turned off comments on her Instagram due to mean messages. Singer Sam Smith is releasing an album inspired by New York City, where they now live, and a possible reboot of the TV show "Glee" is being considered by creator Ryan Murphy.
Key Facts
Howard Stern’s radio show will air once a week after Labor Day, down from three times a week.
Stern’s contract with SiriusXM was extended through 2028, but about a dozen staff members were recently let go.
Oprah Winfrey has disabled comments on her Instagram because of hateful messages.
Oprah recalls receiving thousands of letters weekly and sometimes contacting critics personally.
Sam Smith’s new album "Hazel Eyes" is a love song to New York City, out on August 21.
Sam Smith moved to New York because of their engagement to fashion designer Christian Cowan.
Ryan Murphy is considering a reboot of the show "Glee," known for its singing and dancing performances.
Kaia Gerber writes fan fiction but does not plan to share it publicly.
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Actress Anne Hathaway is promoting five new movies while visibly pregnant and traveling internationally. Her work during pregnancy highlights the experience of many working women, especially regarding challenges like paid leave.
Key Facts
Anne Hathaway has five upcoming films, including big releases like The Devil Wears Prada 2 and The Odyssey.
She is doing a global press tour while pregnant in her 40s.
About 78% of women who had their first child in 2021 or 2022 worked during pregnancy, according to U.S. Census data.
85% of these women returned to work after giving birth.
Most low-wage workers lack access to paid family leave (95%) and short-term disability benefits (90%), based on the U.S. Department of Labor.
Hathaway’s public appearances have sparked discussions about working while visibly pregnant.
The attention on her reflects larger issues about paid leave and working conditions for pregnant women in the U.S.
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The play *Oh, Mary!* by Cole Escola, which won a Tony Award, is going on a tour across North America starting in September 2024. The show features two actors, Alaska Thunderf*** and J. Harrison Ghee, who will both play the role of Mary Todd Lincoln, a former first lady with dreams of becoming a cabaret star.
Key Facts
*Oh, Mary!* is a comedy about Mary Todd Lincoln before President Abraham Lincoln's assassination.
The play is described as a funny sitcom-style show in two parts.
Alaska Thunderf*** and J. Harrison Ghee will both play Mary Todd Lincoln on the tour.
J. Harrison Ghee will also play Abraham Lincoln at some performances.
Alaska Thunderf*** said the role was a dream come true for them.
The tour will start on September 19, 2024, in Hartford, Connecticut.
The tour will travel across the United States through 2027.
The play mixes humor and historical themes in a new and creative way.
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