Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for killing "30 to 40" people nightly in Gaza through targeted assassinations. His comments came during a podcast and reflect a hardline stance amid the ongoing conflict following the Hamas attack in October 2023.
Key Facts
Ben-Gvir supports killing 30 to 40 people every night in Gaza, including those not posing immediate threats.
He described some Palestinians as "not worthy of life" during the podcast.
Ben-Gvir expressed a claim that "all of Gaza" belongs to Israel and supported encouraging Palestinians to emigrate.
Legal experts and the UN say forcing Palestinians to leave Gaza could be ethnic cleansing.
The UN and international courts consider Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal, though Israel disputes this.
Ben-Gvir has faced sanctions and travel bans from several countries for inciting violence against Palestinians.
He follows Kahanism, a movement advocating violent ethnonationalism and expulsion of Palestinians.
His past actions and statements have been controversial and linked to far-right violence in Israel.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has become the deadliest in the country's history, with 2,325 deaths and nearly 5,000 confirmed cases. The virus has spread to a sixth province, and health officials are trying to control the outbreak despite challenges like mistrust among communities. Two vaccines are now being tested in early human trials.
Key Facts
The Ebola outbreak in the DRC has caused 2,325 deaths.
Close to 5,000 Ebola cases have been confirmed so far.
The virus has spread to a sixth province within the country.
Health authorities face mistrust from some communities, making it harder to stop the spread.
Two Ebola vaccines are currently in early stages of human testing.
This outbreak is the deadliest Ebola outbreak recorded in the DRC.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
South Korea wants to start talks with the Trump administration after President Trump said the U.S. would reduce troop involvement in joint military exercises with South Korea. South Korea’s government expressed hope for positive relations between the U.S. and North Korea.
Key Facts
President Trump ordered a reduction in U.S. troops taking part in joint military exercises in South Korea.
South Korea’s presidential office, the Blue House, wants to begin talks with the U.S. government.
The joint exercises involve U.S. and South Korean soldiers training together.
South Korea hopes for friendly relations between the U.S. and North Korea.
The changes in military exercises are seen as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts with North Korea.
This decision was announced by President Trump on a Sunday.
The U.S. troop reduction may affect how the U.S. and South Korea coordinate their defense.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Hayden Panettiere was an actor who began her career as a baby and appeared in many well-known movies and TV shows. Some of her notable roles include the cheerleader Claire Bennet in "Heroes" and the singer Juliette Barnes in "Nashville." She died at age 36, and her work can be watched on several streaming platforms.
Key Facts
Hayden Panettiere started acting as early as 11 months old.
She voiced Princess Dot in the Pixar movie "A Bug’s Life" at age 9.
She played Sheryl Yoast in "Remember the Titans," a film about football.
Panettiere starred as Claire Bennet, a cheerleader with superpowers, in the TV series "Heroes."
She was known for her role as Juliette Barnes, a country music star, in "Nashville."
Panettiere appeared in the 2023 horror movie "Scream VI," which was a box office success.
Her films and shows are available to watch on platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and others.
"The Cove," an Oscar-winning documentary featuring her activism, is available on free streaming services.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law, is involved in Middle East peace talks, including meetings with Hamas and Israeli leaders, aiming to restart stalled negotiations over Gaza. Despite past successes in trade and the Abraham Accords, Kushner’s approach faces challenges as U.S.-Iran talks also reach a deadlock.
Key Facts
Jared Kushner met with Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, a rare direct contact for U.S. officials in decades.
Kushner is currently touring the Middle East to help restart peace talks between Israel and Gaza.
The 60-day negotiation window between the U.S. and Iran expired without agreement on major issues like Iran’s nuclear program.
Kushner helped negotiate the USMCA trade deal between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
He played a key role in securing the Abraham Accords, peace agreements between Israel and several Arab nations.
After Trump’s first term, Kushner left politics but returned in Trump’s second term to assist with Gaza negotiations.
Kushner’s negotiation style relies on personal relationships and direct involvement, acting closely with the president’s authority.
Experts note Kushner’s experience and connections have helped achieve results quickly, but such an approach depends on team support.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A new study followed over 500 teenagers and found that having a close bond with pet dogs helps reduce their stress and anxiety. This shows that relationships with pets can support teen mental health.
Key Facts
The study included more than 500 teenagers.
Researchers tracked the teens’ relationships with their pet dogs.
Teens with strong connections to their dogs experienced less stress.
The close bond with dogs helped reduce feelings of anxiety.
The research suggests pets play a positive role in teen mental health.
Having a pet dog can provide comfort and emotional support to teens.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Slovak bomb disposal experts safely detonated a World War II–era mine found in a shallow part of the Danube River near Slovakia’s southwest border. The police shared video footage of the controlled explosion on Sunday.
Key Facts
The mine dates back to World War II.
It was found in a low or shallow section of the Danube River.
The Danube River forms part of Slovakia’s southwest border.
Slovak bomb disposal experts handled the mine.
The explosion was carefully planned and controlled to ensure safety.
Police released video footage of the mine being detonated.
The event took place recently and the footage was shared on Sunday.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
James Jeffrey, a former U.S. Middle East ambassador and deputy national security adviser during President Trump’s first term, spoke about the status of U.S.-Iran relations as a 60-day negotiation period has ended. The discussion focuses on the current state and future of talks between the two countries.
Key Facts
James Jeffrey served as a U.S. diplomat and deputy national security adviser under three U.S. administrations.
He was part of President Donald Trump’s first term team.
A 60-day negotiation period between the U.S. and Iran has recently expired.
The talks concern the relationship and diplomatic negotiations between the U.S. and Iran.
The former ambassador offered his views on the current situation as the negotiation period ended.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump demanded that Iran surrender after a peace agreement between the US and Iran expired. He also threatened to bomb Oman if it interferes with reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route that Iran has blocked. Talks between Iran and Oman are ongoing to ensure safe commercial shipping.
Key Facts
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran, meant to end hostilities, has expired.
President Trump told Iran to “put up the white flag of surrender” during a US-Israel conflict involving Iran.
Trump claimed the US has a direct communication channel with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Trump said he is not in a hurry to make a deal before the US midterm elections in November.
Trump threatened to bomb Oman if it blocks efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran and Oman are discussing a joint plan to secure safe passage for commercial ships through the Strait.
Iranian officials said the deal would protect the rights of both countries and shipping safety.
Iran’s Foreign Minister said Iran has not decided to resume talks with the United States.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Russian missile strike hit a central book market in Kyiv on August 16, 2026. The attack damaged many books and cultural sites, which Ukrainian and international sources say is aimed at harming Ukrainian culture and identity.
Key Facts
A missile strike by Russia hit a book market in Kyiv, Ukraine.
The strike occurred on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
Millions of books have reportedly been destroyed in similar attacks since the summer.
Russian strikes have also targeted churches and other important cultural sites in Ukraine.
Observers describe these attacks as attempts to weaken Ukrainian language and culture.
The strike is part of ongoing Russian military actions in Ukraine.
The event was reported by France 24’s correspondent Emmanuelle Chaze.
The strike happened amid continuing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Australian government says that 3M knew for over 50 years that its firefighting products containing PFAS chemicals could harm people, animals, and the environment. Australia is suing 3M and its local branch for more than $2 billion over pollution caused by these chemicals at 28 defense bases.
Key Facts
3M’s firefighting foam contains PFAS, a group of chemicals that do not break down easily and can stay in water, soil, and living bodies for a long time.
Australian lawyers claim 3M knew by 1973 that these products could be toxic and cause health issues like kidney problems, fertility effects, and low birth weight in babies.
PFAS chemicals were banned in Australia last year because of their environmental and health risks.
The government is suing 3M and 3M Australia for $2 billion over contamination at 28 Australian defense bases.
3M supplied Australia with firefighting foam at a reduced price beginning in 1972.
Internal 3M documents from the 1980s showed concern about PFAS effects, such as birth defects in rats, leading to restrictions on women working at some plants.
Defence stopped buying 3M’s PFAS foam in 2003 and phased out the chemicals starting in 2004.
Investigations show PFAS chemicals have polluted groundwater near military bases across Australia.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A study found that the release of major music albums is linked to a 15% rise in fatal car crashes in the US on those release days. Researchers believe distracted driving caused by using phones to find new music could increase the risk of deadly crashes.
Key Facts
Researchers studied 10 popular album releases in the US from 2017 to 2022, including Taylor Swift’s Midnights and Drake’s Scorpion.
Streaming of top songs was 43% higher on album release days compared to surrounding days.
Fatal car crashes increased by about 15% on album release days, equal to roughly 182 more deaths across the 10 albums.
Drivers accessing new music on smartphones may be distracted because it takes several seconds to unlock the phone, open an app, and select a song.
The increase in crashes was bigger among younger drivers, males, those driving alone, and drivers with cars that have built-in entertainment screens.
The study did not prove that phone use caused the crashes, only that crashes rose on release days when streaming surged.
Researchers suggest music apps warn users to set up music before driving and remind drivers to avoid phone use while driving.
Many countries have laws to reduce phone use while driving to improve traffic safety.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A British Muslim student named Laith Alani was detained and questioned for nearly 24 hours at a US airport before being sent back to the UK, despite having a valid US visa. He says he was treated unfairly because of his religion and was pressured into signing a form to leave the US.
Key Facts
Laith Alani is a 20-year-old British law student who was visiting the US for a short trip.
He has a 10-year multi-entry tourist visa for the US.
Upon arrival in Orlando, he was detained for 23 hours by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
During detention, his electronic devices and social media were searched.
He was interrogated about his family, hobbies, and travel history.
CBP claimed he gave inconsistent travel information and said he withdrew his entry application.
Alani says he was forced to sign the withdrawal form and believes he was singled out because he is Muslim.
UK and Muslim community groups have raised concerns about how travelers like Alani are treated by US authorities.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Oman if it interferes with US talks with Iran. Iran and Oman are close to an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil and gas shipments. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps denied any talks with the US, contradicting Trump's claim of backchannel communication.
Key Facts
President Trump threatened military action against Oman during a phone interview.
Oman is a US ally but has suffered attacks from Iran amid ongoing conflict.
Iran and Oman are negotiating to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for shipping.
About 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
The 60-day US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for talks ended recently.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard denied any secret talks with the US, calling Trump’s claim false.
Iran wants compensation from the US to fully reopen the Strait.
Trump said he is not rushing to end the conflict and that stockpiled US weapons are sufficient.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Russian court sentenced Lev Shlosberg, a senior member of the opposition Yabloko party, to 11 years and one month in prison for speaking out against Russia’s war in Ukraine. Shlosberg was convicted of spreading false information about the Russian military and discrediting it, charges tied to his calls for ending the war and critical social media posts.
Key Facts
Lev Shlosberg is a senior member and deputy chairman of the Yabloko party, which opposes the war in Ukraine.
He was sentenced to over 11 years in prison by a court in Pskov, Russia.
Charges against him included discrediting the Russian military and spreading false information.
The charges related to his public call to end the war and posting a critical image involving President Putin.
Shlosberg was detained since December 2025 and was previously convicted of violating foreign agent laws.
The Yabloko party said he was sentenced for his calls for peace and love for the country.
Amnesty International condemned the verdict, calling it a punishment for exercising free speech.
Shlosberg plans to appeal the court’s decision.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
This article lists the birthdays of many celebrities during the week of August 16 to 22. It includes actors, singers, musicians, and other well-known personalities such as Madonna and Andrew Garfield.
Key Facts
The article covers celebrity birthdays from August 16 through August 22.
Famous people mentioned include Madonna (68 years old on August 16) and Andrew Garfield.
Other notable birthday celebrities include actor Robert De Niro (83 on August 17) and actor Sean Penn (66 on August 17).
The list includes people from various fields like acting, music, and television.
The article shares ages along with a few famous works or affiliations of the celebrities.
Examples include director James Cameron (72), singer Vanessa Carlton (46), and actor Steve Carell (64).
It mentions different entertainment genres such as movies, TV shows, and music groups.
This is a regular update style article for fans or readers interested in celebrity news.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Richard Tice, deputy leader of the UK Reform party, said trying to stop climate change is unrealistic and urged people to "enjoy" the recent warm weather. He suggested focusing on adapting to climate change, such as using desalination plants for water supply, rather than aiming for net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Key Facts
Richard Tice called efforts to stop climate change “arrogant” and said people should adapt instead.
He encouraged people to appreciate benefits like improved English wine from warmer weather.
The UK experienced a record-breaking summer with temperatures above 35°C, causing thousands of deaths and large economic costs.
The heatwaves increased the risk and size of wildfires across the UK.
The National Farmers’ Union reported one of the worst harvests due to the extreme weather.
Reform party opposes the UK government’s net zero carbon target for 2050 and wants to end green subsidies.
Reform has received significant funding from donors linked to the fossil fuel industry.
Tice supports building desalination plants, like those in the Middle East, to secure water supplies amid climate impacts.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump has ordered a major reduction in joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea. He said this decision is based on his good relationship with North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, and concerns that the drills send hostile signals to North Korea.
Key Facts
President Trump directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to significantly scale down U.S.-South Korean military drills.
Trump described his relationship with North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, as "very good."
The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercise between the U.S. and South Korea started as planned on August 17, 2026.
South Korea hosts about 28,500 U.S. troops as part of a long-standing alliance.
North Korea has an expanding nuclear weapons program and long-range missiles capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.
North Korea threatened a strong response to the planned joint drills before Trump's announcement.
South Korea’s government supports dialogue aimed at peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
Trump also mentioned South Korea’s refusal to join U.S. efforts on Iran but called it only somewhat related to his decision on the drills.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A trial is starting in Las Vegas for Duane "Keffe D" Davis, who is accused of planning the murder of rapper Tupac Shakur in 1996. Davis denies the charges, and opening statements will begin soon.
Key Facts
The trial is happening in Las Vegas.
Duane "Keffe D" Davis is the accused person.
He is charged with planning Tupac Shakur’s murder.
Tupac Shakur was killed in 1996.
Davis has pleaded not guilty to the accusations.
Opening statements for the trial are expected to start on Monday.
CBS News legal analyst Caroline Polisi is providing information about what to expect.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Legendary singer Bonnie Tyler, known for hits like "Total Eclipse of the Heart," died unexpectedly at age 75. Her funeral in Swansea, Wales, attracted thousands of fans who paid tribute to her life and career.
Key Facts
Bonnie Tyler’s real name was Gaynor Hopkins.
She died suddenly on July 8 at age 75.
A public celebration of her life was held at Swansea Minster, followed by a private family funeral in her hometown of Skewen.
Tyler was famous for her husky voice and international hits including "Holding Out for a Hero" and "It’s a Heartache."
Fans gathered in Swansea to watch the service on big screens and online.
Tributes came from notable figures such as the Prince and Princess of Wales, musicians, and governments.
Tyler was proud of her Welsh roots and known for her warm and humble personality.
Her coffin was adorned with white roses and lilies, and fans shouted "thank you Bonnie" during the procession.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
