Doctors recommend that children get eye exams early, especially as the school year starts, to find and fix vision problems. August is known as Children's Eye Health and Safety Month, highlighting the importance of eye care for kids.
Key Facts
August is Children's Eye Health and Safety Month.
Pediatric eye doctors advise parents to have their kids’ eyes checked early.
Early eye exams can help detect vision problems before they affect schoolwork.
Good vision is important for learning and safety.
Regular eye check-ups can prevent or treat eye health issues in children.
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President Donald Trump announced that the United States will significantly reduce its joint military drills with South Korea. He said the exercises are expensive for the U.S. and create a hostile message, especially given his good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Key Facts
President Trump will cut back on joint military exercises with South Korea.
He believes these drills are too costly and mostly paid for by the U.S.
Trump said the exercises send a hostile signal to North Korea.
He mentioned South Korea recently chose not to join the U.S. in efforts to stop Iran’s nuclear program.
Trump has a historically unusual relationship with North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un.
The regular U.S.-South Korea military exercises were scheduled to start on Monday.
Trump last met Kim Jong Un in person in 2019.
The decision marks a change from usual U.S. foreign policy regarding North Korea and South Korea.
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Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim discussed the challenges middle-power countries face amid rising tensions between global superpowers. He talked about issues like justice, trade, and national independence as countries navigate a world where big powers sometimes ignore international rules.
Key Facts
Anwar Ibrahim is the prime minister of Malaysia.
The interview focuses on the pressures middle-power countries face between global superpowers.
There is concern about the weakening of the rules-based international order.
The discussion covers topics like justice, trade, and national sovereignty.
The main question is whether smaller countries can hold superpowers accountable when those powers break agreed rules.
The conversation highlights the challenges in a time of great-power rivalry.
This reflects broader global shifts where some countries must choose sides or find independent paths.
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Lake Powell, the second-largest reservoir in the U.S., has dropped to its lowest water level ever, raising concerns about water supply and electricity production for millions of people. This decline follows a historic low at Lake Mead and is due to overuse, dry weather, and higher temperatures affecting the Colorado River system.
Key Facts
Lake Powell’s water level fell to 3,519.91 feet above sea level, a record low reached in July 2026.
The lake is about 30 feet above the point where hydroelectric turbines would stop working.
Lake Mead, another major reservoir on the Colorado River, recently also hit its lowest level.
More than 40 million people in seven U.S. states depend on the Colorado River for water and power.
States affected include California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado.
The reservoirs are facing a crisis caused by overuse, a dry winter, and rising temperatures.
Federal officials warned that big changes would be needed to prevent losing hydroelectric power this year.
The water shortage is affecting tourism at Lake Powell, causing boat ramps to close and marinas to move.
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A ferry carrying up to 153 people capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe, killing at least 84 people. The boat was overloaded and overturned during strong winds near the border with Zambia. Rescue teams continue to search for survivors and bodies.
Key Facts
The ferry’s official capacity was 90 people, but it was carrying many more than that.
The accident happened on Tuesday during heavy winds on Lake Kariba.
At least 84 people have died, including 18 children.
The ferry was traveling from Kariba town to rural fishing communities.
Travel by water is common in northern Zimbabwe because roads and public transport are limited.
Hundreds of people gathered at a local hospital to identify the deceased.
Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa called the event tragic and said urgent action is needed to fix safety issues.
Rescue operations are still ongoing to find more victims.
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Video footage shows people believed to be Israeli tourists tearing down a map of Palestine from the wall of a Palestinian-owned cafe in Iceland. The tourists reportedly harassed the cafe staff because the map included the phrase "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free."
Key Facts
The incident took place in a cafe owned by Palestinians in Iceland.
CCTV captured the event showing individuals removing a framed map from the wall.
The map displayed the phrase "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free."
The people involved are thought to be Israeli tourists.
The tourists also harassed the cafe staff over the map.
The map is related to Palestinian national identity and territory claims.
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Hamas has shown sincere support while Israel is carrying out aggressive attacks on Gaza and Lebanon. He also mentioned that President Trump is concerned about the situation, and Turkey will keep warning against further violence.
Key Facts
President Erdogan gave an interview to Al Jazeera's program ‘Al Muqabala’.
Erdogan stated that Hamas has shown sincere solidarity.
He described Israel's actions as aggressive attacks on Gaza and Lebanon.
Erdogan said President Trump is worried about the situation.
Turkey will continue to warn against further escalation in the conflict.
The interview focuses on the conflict between Israel, Gaza, and Lebanon.
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Brazil’s two main presidential candidates, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, have started their campaigns by gathering supporters in their traditional strongholds. Both are focusing on important issues like fighting violence against women as they prepare for the October 4 presidential election.
Key Facts
President Lula held a rally near Sao Paulo with over 10,000 supporters, reflecting on his long political career.
Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of President Jair Bolsonaro, held a large event at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro; his father is under house arrest.
Lula criticized foreign interference, especially from the U.S., accusing them of actions against Brazil’s interests.
Bolsonaro claimed he can improve Brazil’s trade deals with many countries including the U.S., China, and Israel.
Both candidates are targeting women voters, who make up about 53% of Brazil’s 158 million eligible voters.
Brazil has seen nearly 400 femicides in early 2026, the highest recorded since tracking began 11 years ago.
Lula plans to introduce new policies and education programs to reduce gender violence and improve legal protections.
Brazil’s presidential election is scheduled for October 4, 2026.
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Moroccan security forces arrested nearly 300 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa who tried to cross into the Spanish city of Ceuta. Authorities also detained 61 Moroccans suspected of helping migrants, as both Morocco and Spain increased border security after a recent large migration attempt.
Key Facts
294 migrants were arrested while trying to enter Ceuta, a Spanish city on Morocco’s northern coast.
61 Moroccans were arrested for allegedly facilitating the migration attempts.
The arrests happened after social media calls encouraged migrants to try crossing into Ceuta.
Moroccan and Spanish authorities increased border security to prevent a new wave of crossings.
Two weeks earlier, tens of thousands of migrants rushed toward Ceuta, causing a major crisis.
Official reports said at least 90 people died during that earlier migration event.
More than 20,000 Moroccan security personnel are deployed daily along the border with Ceuta.
Many migrants travel through Morocco to reach Spanish enclaves like Ceuta and Melilla, hoping to enter mainland Spain for better opportunities.
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The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran, which aimed to stop fighting and ease tensions, is set to expire with no clear plans to continue it. Both countries have accused each other of breaking the agreement, and talks to extend or replace it have stalled.
Key Facts
The MoU was signed on June 17 by President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to end over three months of conflict.
The deal aimed to stop military operations immediately and work toward a complete peace agreement within 60 days.
Under the agreement, the US would lift sanctions, remove forces near Iran, and allow oil exports, while Iran would clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz and allow free ship passage for 60 days.
Both sides have accused the other of violating the deal since its signing, with fighting and attacks continuing.
President Trump declared the agreement "over" in early July and the US has kept some sanctions on Iran.
Iran is working on a new agreement with Oman for shipping routes, but only if a political solution is found.
The US military fired on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, saying it breached the US blockade of Iran.
Mediation efforts by Qatar and Pakistan are ongoing but no new talks between the US and Iran have been confirmed.
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Jared Kushner, President Trump’s adviser and son-in-law, met with Hamas leaders in Egypt to discuss a U.S.-backed peace plan aiming for Hamas’ disarmament and a transfer of power in Gaza. The meeting focused on enforcing the ceasefire and creating steps for a new government, but Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected the plan until Hamas is fully disarmed.
Key Facts
Jared Kushner met Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya in Egypt to discuss peace talks.
The U.S.-backed plan includes Hamas disarming and handing over Gaza’s governance to a new group.
The plan calls for an international force to stabilize Gaza and for Israel to withdraw forces gradually.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected the plan and demands Hamas disarm completely before any withdrawal.
Kushner also met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi about the ceasefire implementation.
Kushner planned to meet Netanyahu in Israel soon to discuss the peace efforts.
Several regional countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, condemned Israel’s rejection and called for actions to support peace.
The conflict started with a Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, and since a ceasefire in 2025, there have still been Israeli strikes in Gaza causing casualties.
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Thousands of people attended the annual regatta in Saint-Louis, Senegal. This race uses canoes and has been held for hundreds of years to celebrate the city’s fishing traditions.
Key Facts
The event takes place every year in Saint-Louis, Senegal.
It is a canoe race with a long history.
The regatta honors the city’s fishing culture.
Thousands of people come to watch the race.
The tradition has lasted for centuries and continues today.
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Iraq’s Integrity Commission conducted raids in Baghdad’s Green Zone, seizing millions in cash and jewelry. These items are connected to corruption and illegal wealth charges against many officials.
Key Facts
The raids took place in Baghdad’s Green Zone, a secure area for government buildings.
Officials arrested are accused of corruption and growing their wealth illegally.
The Integrity Commission led the operation.
They seized millions of dollars in cash and valuable jewelry.
The action aims to fight corruption within the government.
Multiple officials were arrested during the raids.
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President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Jared Kushner met with Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya in Egypt to discuss a US-backed peace plan for Gaza. The talks involved efforts to disarm Hamas, withdraw Israeli troops, and rebuild Gaza under a new Palestinian administration, but Israel has rejected the plan so far.
Key Facts
Jared Kushner, President Trump’s Middle East envoy, met Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya in Egypt.
The meeting was part of efforts related to a US-backed 15-point peace plan for Gaza.
The plan calls for Hamas and other groups to disarm completely.
Israel has rejected the peace plan and demands Hamas be fully disarmed first.
Kushner also met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and planned to meet Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
The Board of Peace, led by President Trump, is the international body managing the peace process.
Eight Muslim countries condemned Israel’s rejection of the US peace plan.
The conflict started with a Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, leading to a large number of casualties and displacement in Gaza.
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A ferry in Zimbabwe capsized on Lake Kariba last week, and the death toll has risen to 84 as more bodies are recovered. Authorities continue searching for missing victims after rescuing 77 people, with official reports indicating the ferry was carrying many more passengers than allowed.
Key Facts
The ferry capsized due to strong waves on Tuesday on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe.
The official death toll has reached 84 people, up from 72 the previous day.
Seventy-seven people were rescued from the disaster.
The ferry was authorized to carry 90 passengers but likely had more than 153 onboard.
Search efforts to find missing victims are ongoing.
Among the dead, 18 are children, with 16 aged 10 or younger.
The ferry was traveling from Kariba town to remote rural and fishing communities.
Lake Kariba is the world’s largest man-made lake and is shared by Zimbabwe and Zambia.
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in an interview that ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon worry Turkey a lot. He expressed concern about the impact these attacks could have on the region.
Key Facts
President Erdogan spoke to Al Jazeera in an exclusive interview.
He discussed Israel’s ongoing attacks on Lebanon.
Erdogan said these attacks are a serious concern for Turkey (Ankara).
Turkey is worried about the effects of these attacks on regional stability.
The statements show Turkey’s interest in the conflict between Israel and Lebanon.
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Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, met with Hamas leaders in Egypt to discuss a peace plan for Gaza that Israel has rejected. The talks focused on Hamas disarming and ending its role in Gaza’s governance, while violence in the region continues despite a declared ceasefire.
Key Facts
Jared Kushner met with Hamas leaders in Egypt to push President Trump’s Gaza peace plan.
Hamas expressed commitment to the peace deal but wants Israel to meet its own obligations first.
The peace plan calls for Hamas to disarm and for Israel to withdraw troops from Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the peace plan.
Kushner also met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and planned talks with Netanyahu.
The US has historically avoided contact with Hamas, which it labels a terrorist group, but is now engaging directly.
Despite a declared ceasefire in October 2025, Israeli air strikes on Gaza have continued, causing casualties.
More than 73,300 people have died in the conflict since October 2023, including over 1,250 Palestinians since the ceasefire.
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Moroccan security forces arrested nearly 300 migrants trying to enter the Spanish city of Ceuta from Morocco. The arrests follow increased border security after social media posts encouraged mass attempts to cross into Spain.
Key Facts
Moroccan state TV reported 294 sub-Saharan African migrants were arrested trying to enter Ceuta.
Authorities also arrested 61 Moroccans accused of helping migrants cross.
Migrants aimed to enter Ceuta, a Spanish city on Morocco’s northern coast.
Security was increased after social media calls urged new mass crossings.
Two weeks earlier, tens of thousands tried crossing into Ceuta, resulting in at least 90 deaths.
Over 20,000 Moroccan security personnel guard the border daily.
Many migrants come to Morocco fleeing poverty, conflict, or instability, hoping to reach Europe.
Ceuta and Melilla are Spanish enclaves on the Moroccan coast often used by migrants to enter Europe.
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to restore global oil shipments. He said Turkey and Iran both support keeping oil flowing through this key waterway, which is currently affected by tensions between the US and Iran.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow, important waterway for global oil transport.
President Erdogan wants the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened for oil shipments.
Oil flow through the strait is disrupted due to tensions between the United States and Iran.
Both Turkey and Iran support continuing oil shipments through this route.
The statement highlights the importance of the strait for global oil supply.
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Drone and missile attacks on Sunday killed 19 people in both Russia and Ukraine. The strikes targeted civilian areas and infrastructure, including a book market in Kyiv and a steel plant in Kryvyi Rih, as both sides increased long-range attacks in the ongoing conflict.
Key Facts
At least 19 people died in drone and missile strikes in Russia and Ukraine on August 16, 2026.
Ukraine launched drone attacks killing five people in the Rostov region of Russia and more casualties in Belgorod, Kursk, and Moscow regions.
Russia reported intercepting 822 Ukrainian drones during the night.
Russian strikes killed multiple people in Ukrainian regions including Kryvyi Rih, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, and Donetsk.
A popular outdoor book market in Kyiv was destroyed by a missile strike, damaging rare and antiquarian books stalls.
The ArcelorMittal steel plant in Kryvyi Rih partially stopped operations after damage from the strikes.
President Zelensky called for more air defense support, citing large numbers of incoming drones, guided bombs, and missiles.
Ukraine accused Russia of receiving missile and troop support from North Korea, complicating the conflict.
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