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Bristol City striker Dom Ballard produced one of the standout moments of the Championship season with an extraordinary backheel volley against Birmingham City. With his back to goal in the 85th minute, Ballard met a cross from Rio Cardines perfectly with his heel, sending the ball into the top corner and giving Bristol City the lead. The goal was immediately celebrated by fans and generated widespread discussion on social media, with many users suggesting it could already be a contender for the season’s best goal and the prestigious Puskás Award. Although Ballard’s finish appeared to have secured a memorable victory, Birmingham equalised from the penalty spot before the final whistle, leaving the match at 2-2. The result prevented Bristol City from taking all three points, despite Ballard’s view that his team had been the better side. Ballard said he ran directly toward the supporters after scoring, describing the moment as an incredible feeling and acknowledging that he might not score many goals better than it. He also expressed disappointment with the draw, while praising his teammates for playing their roles effectively. The striker said scoring against a strong Birmingham side was an ideal way to make an impact after joining a new club and to “hit the ground running.” The article focuses on both the technical quality of Ballard’s goal and its immediate cultural impact, particularly the rapid social-media reaction comparing it with potential goal-of-the-season contenders. Despite the spectacular late effort, the match ultimately ended in a draw.

A Northern Queensland coroner has closed the investigation into the 2017 disappearance and death of Jayden Penno-Tompsett, concluding that human remains found in 2025 do not provide sufficient evidence to overturn the findings of an earlier inquest. Mr Penno-Tompsett, 22, was last seen on New Year’s Eve in 2017 after walking away from his travelling companion and their car near Charters Towers. The pair had been travelling from Newcastle, New South Wales, to Cairns for a New Year’s Eve party. The 2021 coronial inquest found that Mr Penno-Tompsett likely died from exposure to the elements while under the influence of drugs. It heard that he had consumed an estimated 3.6 grams of methamphetamine, had not slept for about four days, became increasingly erratic, and walked into bushland on a day when temperatures reached 40 degrees Celsius. He also damaged his mobile phone as he left. The inquiry was reopened in May 2026 after farmers found a skull and other partial skeletal remains on a cattle property approximately three kilometres from where Mr Penno-Tompsett was last seen. In a decision handed down on August 21, Northern Coroner Wayne Pennell said forensic testing found no injuries that positively indicated a traumatic death. However, because a substantial portion of the skeleton was missing, trauma could not be completely excluded. Mr Penno-Tompsett’s mother had previously raised concerns that her son may have been killed over an unpaid drug debt. Coroner Pennell said her correspondence did not present fresh, compelling or previously unavailable evidence capable of undermining the original findings. He ruled that the remains and subsequent forensic opinions were consistent with the earlier conclusion that Mr Penno-Tompsett died from exposure, and that there was no proper basis to amend the findings or reopen the investigation.

Twelve-year-old Haylee Blair is campaigning to have the deteriorating Grafton Skate Park in South Grafton, northern New South Wales, repaired and upgraded. An avid skateboarder, Haylee says the park is covered in cracks, holes, glass and other debris, making it unsafe and unsuitable for skating. Because the surface is so rough, she says users sometimes treat it more like a bike track than a skate park. The park was built in 1998 and expanded in 2001 and 2011. Clarence Valley Council identified the aging bowls and poor condition as a safety hazard in its 2021 Draft Plan of Management. Haylee has raised the issue through a community radio program she hosts, a local Rotary club, and meetings with the mayor and her state member of parliament. On Thursday, Clarence Valley Council unanimously agreed to support her campaign. Councillor Cristie Yager requested a report, due by October, outlining the work required, estimated costs and possible funding sources. However, Councillor Ray Smith said the council could not afford the estimated $250,000 project without government assistance, while Cr Yager cautioned that the upgrades might not occur during the current council term. Haylee hopes the improvements will include a smoother skating surface, a pump track for younger children, shade and security cameras. She believes a refurbished or rebuilt facility would provide free exercise, recreation and social connection for local young people. The article highlights Lismore’s successful new skate park as an example of the benefits such facilities can bring. The venue has attracted skaters of all ages, hosted major events and become a popular community gathering place. Haylee hopes Grafton can achieve a similar result.

Jordan has been drawn into the widening conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States because it borders Israel and hosts thousands of US military personnel. Nearly six months after American and Israeli strikes on Iran began the latest war, Iranian missiles and drones have targeted US assets and facilities in Jordan, including the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base near Azraq. The base hosts US aircraft and air-defence systems, including a reportedly damaged THAAD anti-missile battery. An Iranian attack in July killed three American soldiers. The attacks have exposed Jordan’s difficult position. The country’s ruling family maintains close political, military and intelligence ties with Washington and receives more than US$1.5 billion in annual American assistance. Analysts say these relationships make a major shift in Jordanian policy unlikely, despite growing public opposition to the US military presence. Jordanian-American cooperation is also viewed as important because the country has historically been considered a relatively safer location for US forces than bases closer to Iran in the Persian Gulf. At the same time, anti-American sentiment has intensified, particularly because many Jordanians believe Washington has strongly supported Israel during the war in Gaza. More than half of Jordan’s population is ethnically Palestinian, adding to public hostility toward US and Israeli policies. Boycotts of American brands such as Coca-Cola, McDonald’s and Starbucks have helped local alternatives expand. The broader regional conflict has also damaged Jordan’s tourism industry and increased fears that the country could become more deeply involved in a war it did not initiate. A public letter signed by hundreds of people called for foreign forces to leave Jordan and for the government to withdraw its security and military agreement with the United States. While Jordanian officials appear likely to preserve the strategic relationship with Washington, the war is placing increasing pressure on the government to balance its security needs, economic dependence and domestic opposition.

Kojonup, a farming town 260 kilometres south of Perth, has added the names of 14 servicemen to its war memorial, decades after they died in World War I and World War II. The additions were unveiled during commemorations marking the 100th anniversary of Kojonup Memorial Hall, which was built in 1926 with funds raised by the local community to honour people from the district who lost their lives in World War I. Around 70 men from Kojonup were killed across the two world wars. The newly identified servicemen had been omitted from the hall’s marble honour roll for reasons that remain uncertain. Local historian Robert Sexton believes poor communications during World War I may have meant that families who had moved away from the district were unable to ensure their relatives’ names were added. Two new plaques, each bearing seven names, have now been installed at the hall. Sexton said the omissions reflected the challenges of recording wartime losses in a small rural community, where the effects of the deaths continued through the descendants who still live in Kojonup. The commemoration was attended by about 150 people, including 99-year-old former shire president Arnold Bilney, who has lived in Kojonup all his life and remembered many of the local men who served in World War II. Current shire president Roger Bilney described the event as deeply moving and said the newly added names represented the true number of people from the community who were killed. Because many of the servicemen died in action and had no known graves, the memorial provides a place where they can be remembered. Roger Bilney described the recognition as “almost like a homecoming” for the fallen. The Last Post was played during the ceremony, which connected the town’s history, wartime losses and continuing community identity.

The ABC’s live blog covers the conclusion of Round 25 of the 2026 NRL season, featuring two matches: Cronulla Sharks versus Gold Coast Titans and Sydney Roosters versus Wests Tigers. The Sharks enter their match after two consecutive defeats but remain in contention for a top-four finish. The Roosters are also under pressure, needing to defeat the Tigers to reclaim top spot on the ladder. Sydney will again be without captain James Tedesco, who is missing his third straight match. The live coverage begins with commentator Nick Campton outlining the team selections and his prediction that Cronulla will win by 10 points. He identifies the absence of Braydon Trindall and the performance of Niwhai Puru at five-eighth as important factors for the Sharks. Campton also predicts that Phil Sami will score first and break Gold Coast’s all-time try-scoring record. Gold Coast makes two starting changes, with Moe Fotuaika and Arama Hau moving to the bench while Kleese Haas and Kurtis Morrin start at prop and second row. Cronulla names an unchanged 1–17 lineup. Cronulla starts strongly. A forward pass denies an early Sharks try after Brailey breaks through and supports an attack involving Nikora and Hiroti. The Sharks then score in the eighth minute when Kennedy’s pass puts Ronaldo Mulitalo over in the corner. Nicho Hynes misses the conversion after the ball hits the post, leaving Cronulla ahead 4–0. Gold Coast responds in the 17th minute after Katoa loses possession inside his own 30 metres. A passing movement ends with Fifita scoring in the corner. Campbell misses the sideline conversion, leaving the match tied at 4–4 at the time of the latest update. The second Roosters–Tigers match has not yet begun in the supplied coverage.

The Northern Territory government has lodged two applications with the Fair Work Commission (FWC) seeking intractable bargaining declarations in prolonged negotiations with the United Workers Union Northern Territory, which represents firefighters and correctional officers. The applications follow more than a year of bargaining over new enterprise agreements. If granted, the declarations could allow the FWC to independently determine workers’ pay and conditions. This creates a potential challenge to the NT government’s policy of limiting public-sector wage increases to a maximum of 3 per cent annually, because the commission would not be bound by that policy and could award a larger increase. The union has opposed the applications, accusing the government of prioritising legal action over genuine negotiations and of failing to invest in public-sector workers. UWU NT secretary Erina Early also questioned the financial cost of using interstate lawyers to fight the applications. Commissioner for Public Employment Nicole Hurwood defended the government’s position, saying the union had rejected several offers for new enterprise agreements, including proposals informed by FWC recommendations. She said the government had clearly communicated the fiscal limits of negotiations and regarded the union’s claims as unaffordable or unreasonable. Hurwood also said no legal costs had yet been incurred, although legal representation would be required as the proceedings progressed. The dispute forms part of wider negotiations involving seven NT workforces, including medical officers, dentists, nurses and midwives, Territory Generation employees, and Power and Water Corporation staff. Other unions have criticised proposed pay increases, with one describing a 2.75 per cent annual offer as insulting. The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation is seeking a 20.5 per cent increase over three years, arguing that the government’s policy is contributing to staffing pressures. The FWC is scheduled to rule on the firefighters’ application on August 26 and the correctional officers’ application on September 2, 2026.

The Queensland government is planning to introduce a mandatory minimum prison sentence for young people who breach bail by committing an offence covered by the state’s Adult Crime, Adult Time (ACAT) laws. Premier David Crisafulli described the proposal as the next phase of the government’s crime policy and said it could eventually be extended to adult offenders. The government has not yet determined which offenders would be subject to the mandatory sentence or how long the minimum term would be. Youth Justice and Victim Support Minister Laura Gerber said government data showed a 29 per cent decline in serious repeat offenders since the ACAT laws were introduced. However, she said 61 per cent of serious repeat youth offenders allegedly committed another offence while on bail, including 38 per cent who allegedly committed an offence covered by ACAT legislation. The laws have already been expanded twice and now cover 47 offences. The proposed reforms were welcomed by Cindy Micallef, whose mother, Vyleen White, was fatally stabbed by a teenager in 2024. Micallef argued that stronger bail laws might have prevented the alleged offender from being released repeatedly. The plans have also prompted serious concerns from corrective services unions. Queensland prisons are already under pressure, with inmate numbers rising by 54 per cent over the past decade. Queensland Corrective Services is forecasting between 1,500 and 5,200 additional prisoners by June 2035, while Wacol Prison is reportedly operating at 168 per cent capacity. The Together Union warned that the reforms could lead to more prisoners being housed three to a cell and increase assaults on prison officers. The government said 1,400 additional beds would become available over the next few years, but Ms Gerber acknowledged that the reforms would probably increase prisoner numbers.

Fraser Gregory Park Playground in Beachlands, Geraldton, Western Australia, has been closed as a precaution after preliminary environmental testing detected isolated, low levels of the metal thallium in a sandpit. The detection was made during a Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) investigation into increased dust complaints from local residents and businesses. Geraldton is about 400 kilometres north of Perth and the Beachlands suburb is located beside the rail and road corridor leading to the Geraldton Port. In July, DWER collected 40 soil samples from homes, schools and healthcare facilities across Beachlands. The investigation followed reports of dust blanketing properties and concerns about potential health effects and damage to buildings. DWER said thallium can be released by some industrial processes, including metals and cement manufacturing, but the source of the thallium found in the playground sandpit remains unclear. Further testing will be conducted at the site at the direction of the Department of Health. City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune said the playground was cordoned off quickly because authorities did not want to take risks before more information became available. He said it was not yet known whether there was an Australian standard for acceptable thallium levels, and suggested the metal could potentially occur naturally and have been present undetected before the investigation. DWER also reported that preliminary lead results from dust and soil samples were below levels considered safe for humans. Mr Clune said those findings offered some reassurance, while emphasising that they were preliminary. The results were released as the Mid West Port Authority announced the completion of $10 million in infrastructure upgrades, including a dust extraction system designed to capture dust generated during iron ore handling and return it to the facility. DWER said further technical assessment was required before the sources of the dust emissions could be identified.

Selwyn Snow Resort in New South Wales has ended its 2026 ski season eight days early, citing poor snow coverage after what management described as one of the most challenging winters in recent years. The resort closed two weeks earlier than it did in 2025, following rain and warmer temperatures that reduced the remaining snow base. General manager Abi Spackman said the decision was difficult because the resort had been hoping for colder snowmaking conditions and additional natural snowfall. Although the resort had stockpiled snow ready to distribute, conditions had deteriorated too far to continue operating. The closure follows an unusually warm winter across the NSW Alps. June was the warmest in decades, and Spackman said the resort had initially hoped the season was merely delayed before concluding that the overall conditions were poor. Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort in Victoria has also announced an early end to its season. Perisher, Thredbo and Charlotte Pass remain open, but snow cover is substantially lower than at the same time in 2025. Measurements at Spencers Creek showed 90 centimetres of snow, compared with 158 centimetres the previous year. Despite the reduced coverage, the remaining resorts continue to attract visitors, and snowmaking is helping preserve ski runs, particularly at higher elevations. Mountainwatch.com editor Reggae Ellis said a warm front forecast to reach the Alps on Tuesday could bring more rain and damage lower sections of the snowpack. However, snow above 1,700 metres is expected to remain relatively secure. The longer-term outlook is uncertain: an El Niño pattern may bring warmer conditions in September, but resorts still hope to remain open for spring skiing if the incoming rain does not significantly worsen coverage and temperatures remain cool enough for snowmaking.

The 2026 Sydney Marathon’s commemorative finisher medal contains an unexpected design error: the stadium shown among the Sydney landmarks is Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, rather than Allianz Stadium in Moore Park, Sydney. The mistake was spotted online by eagle-eyed observers, who identified the German football stadium alongside recognisable local landmarks including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Tower Eye and St Mary’s Cathedral. The medal’s reverse side was intended to depict eight circles representing the Abbott World Marathon Majors, surrounded by a Sydney skyline illustrating landmarks along the race route. Sydney Marathon organisers acknowledged the error, describing it as an “unfortunate error” and saying that “a little too much international flavour” had appeared on the medal. They said they would not replace the medals, arguing that the mistake had become a unique feature and had been received with good humour by participants and partners. The organisers also emphasised the effort runners had invested in preparing for the event and the significance of receiving the medal at the Sydney Opera House. First Nations artist Ambrose Killian separately clarified that he was not responsible for the incorrect stadium. Killian designed the blue-and-white Indigenous artwork on the front of the medal and the lanyard, but said he had no involvement in the reverse-side design or production. He stressed that the meaning, importance and originality of his own artwork remained unchanged. The marathon is scheduled for Sunday, August 30, with a record 40,000 entrants. The 42.2-kilometre course begins at North Sydney Oval, crosses the Sydney Harbour Bridge, loops through the city, travels south towards Kingsford and returns through Centennial Park before finishing at the Sydney Opera House.

Former Nationals WA leader Max Trenorden has died at the age of 78, prompting tributes from political colleagues and regional communities across Western Australia. Trenorden served in state parliament for more than 25 years and was remembered as a dedicated advocate for the Wheatbelt and regional WA. A farmer from Wyalkatchem, Trenorden was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1986 as the member for Avon. He held the seat until it was abolished during a redistribution in 2008. He later represented the Agricultural Region in the Legislative Council from 2009 to 2013. Trenorden led the Nationals WA from 2001 to 2005 and served as deputy leader of the opposition coalition under Liberal leader Colin Barnett in 2004 and 2005. Nationals WA president Paul Gillett paid tribute to Trenorden at the party’s state conference, describing him as a formidable parliamentarian whose contribution to the National Party and regional communities would be remembered for many years. Current Nationals WA leader Shane Love said Trenorden was one of the most respected politicians to come from regional WA and had never lost sight of the communities that sent him to parliament. Trenorden experienced a political setback in 2013 when he failed to secure Nationals preselection. He subsequently ran as an independent, although he was not elected. He said the campaign remained worthwhile because it gave him an opportunity to raise important issues. After retiring from politics, he joined the Disability Board in Northam. Central Wheatbelt MP Lachlan Hunter also praised Trenorden’s record of service, generosity and support for the next generation of country representatives. Colleagues expressed their condolences to Trenorden’s family, friends and the many people who worked with him throughout his public life.

This ABC News live report follows the Sydney Swans’ AFLW match against Essendon at the Sydney Cricket Ground as the club deals with a major internal scandal. Five men’s players—Isaac Heeney, Nick Blakey, Chad Warner, Riley Bice and James Jordon—have been stood down for breaching team standards. The disciplinary action has divided supporters, with some fans considering leaving before the later men’s match in protest, while others see the day’s games as an opportunity for the club to come together. Security also removed one supporter’s banner at the SCG. The women’s match attracted a record crowd for a Swans game. Attendance was initially reported as exceeding 14,000, more than doubling the previous AFLW club record of 8,264, before the final figure was confirmed at 16,672. On the field, Sydney produced a dominant third quarter against Essendon, kicking four goals to two and taking an 11-point lead into the final change. The Swans continued to apply intense pressure in the last quarter, with Laura Gardiner and Paris McCarthy adding goals. The latest available score had Sydney leading 8.12 (60) to Essendon’s 6.6 (42), while Sophie Alexander had kicked three goals for the Bombers. The live blog also tracks a close men’s match between Essendon and Port Adelaide at Docklands. Port led by 16 points at half-time, but Essendon surged in the third term and held a narrow 9.9 (63) to 9.8 (62) advantage entering the final quarter. The report also previews Hawthorn’s clash with West Coast in Perth, where a top-four position is at stake. The supplied article ends during an unfinished live update, so it does not provide final results for all matches.

Sydney Swans fans arrived at the SCG for a historic AFL double-header involving the club’s women’s and men’s teams, but the occasion was overshadowed by a scandal involving five male players. Isaac Heeney, Nick Blakey, Chad Warner, Riley Bice and James Jordon were stood down by the Swans after breaching club standards related to drinking and staying out late following a win over Essendon in Melbourne. Separately, Victoria Police’s sexual crimes squad is investigating a report of sexual assault. The ABC understands the report concerns a player allegedly touching a woman without her consent; no arrests or charges have been made. Some supporters attended specifically to back the AFLW team while considering whether to remain for the men’s match against North Melbourne. Teri, a long-term Swans supporter, carried a sign reading “I’m here for the AFLW” and said the women deserved support despite her disappointment in the club. She said the allegations had damaged her pride in an organisation she had previously viewed as a leader on issues such as racism. Member Meagan Masters described the week as “gutted” and “heartbroken,” saying the club’s wholesome image had been shattered. Although she regarded the players’ alleged conduct as unacceptable and supported their season-long ban, she said supporters did not yet know the full circumstances surrounding the incident. She still expected a large crowd and argued that five players did not define the entire club. Other supporters, including David Lipman and Chris Lewis, also attended to support the women’s team. Lewis said it had been the worst week for New South Wales football and was particularly difficult for parents explaining the situation to children who admired the players. Like Teri, he was unsure whether he would stay for the men’s game and said he would probably leave before it began.

The Fontainebleau forest, a popular recreational area about 60km south-east of Paris, reopened 80% of its grounds on Aug 22 after a wildfire in July scorched approximately 2,000ha, or 10% of the former royal hunting ground. The closure had restricted access to the forest, which is internationally known for its bouldering and attracts climbers, walkers and other outdoor enthusiasts from France and abroad. Visitors quickly returned after the reopening. Among them were regular climber Gilles Moutounet, a 59-year-old retail executive, and Italian visitors Stefano Rosso, nearly 70, and his wife, who travelled from Turin. Rosso said the reopening was positive not only for visitors but also for the local community and businesses that depend on tourism. However, about 20% of the forest remains closed. The restricted area covers roughly 4,000ha, including land directly affected by the fire and a surrounding buffer zone. Firefighters continue to extinguish hotspots, while burnt trees remain at risk of falling. Officials have warned visitors not to enter prohibited areas, even though some may be tempted to explore them or take photographs. Benoit Kaplan, a deputy prefect in the Seine-et-Marne department, urged visitors to remain on designated paths. Barbecues and smoking are prohibited because vegetation remains extremely dry after successive heatwaves. Forest worker Julien Vabre also warned that reopening could encourage campfires and unauthorized access near the closed zone. The fire occurred during a historically hot European summer in which France experienced three heatwaves in quick succession. Drought, extreme heat and global warming have contributed to a rise in wildfires and continue to pose risks even after public access has been restored.

French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting Saudi Crown Prince and de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman in Paris for a two-day visit on Aug 23 and 24, combining cultural and commercial diplomacy with discussions on Middle East security. The visit begins with Macron attending the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup alongside MBS. The competition, which includes computer games, chess and other esports, is strongly backed by the Saudi crown prince and is being held outside Saudi Arabia for the first time in Paris. On Aug 24, France and Saudi Arabia are expected to sign agreements covering health, transport and energy. Macron and MBS will also chair the first meeting of the Saudi-French strategic partnership council. Macron’s office said the leaders would discuss regional issues and coordinate with Gulf partners to promote stability and peace in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia’s relationship with Iran and developments following the US-Israeli war are among the broader regional issues relevant to the discussions. The visit could also involve Saudi-backed investment projects in France, including the proposed Dragons Ball theme park in Val-d’Oise, although a French presidential official declined to say whether it would be addressed. Saudi Arabia is preparing to host major international events, including Expo 2030 and the 2034 football World Cup. Human rights concerns remain an unresolved part of France’s relationship with Riyadh. The article notes that dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed and dismembered inside Saudi Arabia’s Istanbul consulate in 2018. A UN investigation described the death as an extrajudicial killing for which Saudi Arabia was responsible, while US intelligence agencies concluded that MBS had approved the operation. Riyadh denies this and attributes the killing to rogue operatives. Macron was among the first Western leaders to meet MBS in Saudi Arabia after the killing, in December 2021, and the crown prince has since made several visits to France.

Republican Representative Rich McCormick of Georgia has urged President Donald Trump to restore the full schedule of joint military exercises with South Korea, saying the alliance is important to US military capabilities and regional security. McCormick, a combat veteran and member of the House Armed Services Committee, said he hoped the reduction in drills would be temporary and argued that South Korea should remain closely aligned with the United States rather than with countries associated with communism. The United States and South Korea agreed to end their August exercises on Aug 21, six days earlier than planned, after Trump ordered a reduction in joint drills. Trump had described the exercises as an “inappropriate and hostile” signal to North Korea and cited his “very good relationship” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. He also appeared frustrated that South Korea had declined to assist in the Iran conflict that Trump reportedly began in February. McCormick said integration with foreign allies was valuable for US force projection and that the United States and South Korea viewed the world similarly, sharing “one enemy, one fight.” However, he acknowledged that Trump had more information than he did and that he was unsure what factors had influenced the decision. North Korea dismissed the curtailment of the drills as insignificant and launched a barrage of short-range ballistic missiles on Aug 20. The launches underscored that ending the exercises did not appear to alter Pyongyang’s position toward the United States and South Korea. The episode has prompted criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, highlighting divisions over the future of the US-South Korea military alliance and how best to manage relations with North Korea.

The article examines a small but growing movement toward slower, less immediate digital communication through apps that mimic the delays and anticipation of sending messages by carrier pigeon. Carrier Pidge and Roost allow users to send digital messages that take time to arrive, rather than appearing instantly like conventional texts and chat messages. Carrier Pidge reportedly has more than 75,000 users, while Roost provides over 1,000 animal-themed delivery options and plans to expand its team in response to popularity. The apps appeal to people who feel overwhelmed by constant notifications, rapid-response expectations and the broader “digital grind”. By deliberately delaying communication, they introduce friction into an activity that has become almost instantaneous. This delay can make sending a message feel more intentional and create a sense of anticipation for the recipient. The article presents the trend as part of a broader effort to counter digital overload and reclaim focus. Rather than treating speed as an unquestioned benefit, these services suggest that slower communication may help people connect more meaningfully and reduce the pressure to remain constantly available. The opening example describes a digital pigeon carrying a message from London to Toronto that takes more than a day to arrive, illustrating how the apps transform an ordinary message into an event. Based on the provided excerpt, the article is primarily explanatory and lightly analytical. It introduces the services, describes their appeal and places them within a wider cultural reaction against notification-heavy digital life. The available text does not include the full accounts of the companies or users, but it clearly portrays slow messaging as an inventive response to communication fatigue.

A financial disclosure released by the US Office of Government Ethics shows that President Donald Trump carried out more than 1,000 securities transactions in June. The trades involved purchases and sales across major companies and investment funds, with the filing estimating their combined value at between US$78.1 million and US$263.1 million because the disclosure reports transaction ranges rather than exact amounts. The largest reported transaction was the sale of between US$5 million and US$25 million in shares of a Vanguard Group exchange-traded fund on June 22. Trump also bought substantial positions in Berkshire Hathaway, Visa, Mastercard and Cintas. His trading activity frequently involved buying and selling the same securities multiple times during the month. For example, he traded Palantir shares before and after the United States and Iran agreed to a peace deal on June 14, buying more shares on June 23 and June 24. He also bought Berkshire Hathaway stock and sold Meta shares on June 18, later making smaller transactions in both companies. Other securities named in the filing included Coinbase, Visa and Home Depot. The disclosure follows a much larger trading pattern in 2025, when Trump reportedly made more than 21,000 trades worth between US$600 million and US$1.86 billion. Some of those transactions involved buying and selling the same security on the same day, occasionally around market-moving events associated with the president. The White House denied that the investments create conflicts of interest, saying they are managed independently through discretionary accounts and computer-based portfolios that replicate recognized indexes. Eric Trump has said the assets are held in a blind trust, while White House spokesman Davis Ingle said neither the president nor his family can influence investment decisions.

Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya, 77, requested another leave of absence on Aug 22, only a day after returning to office following more than three months away. His return came amid intense political backlash after US federal prosecutors indicted him on allegations involving drug trafficking, bribery and protection of cartel activities. US prosecutors allege that Rocha and nine current and former Mexican officials conspired with Los Chapitos, a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, to facilitate drug trafficking into the United States in exchange for political support and bribes. The case represents a rare expansion of US anti-cartel action to include a sitting senior Mexican politician. Rocha, a member of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s ruling Morena party, has denied the political legitimacy of the US case, describing it as a politically motivated attack on Sheinbaum’s movement. The Mexican government previously said Washington had not provided enough evidence to justify Rocha’s arrest or extradition, although it also opened its own investigation. Rocha’s return was poorly received by both Sheinbaum’s government and Morena. On Aug 22, Sheinbaum posted on X that “power without principles becomes arrogance” and that “no personal interest can ever be above those of the people or the Nation.” Although she did not name Rocha, the remarks were widely viewed as intensifying the dispute. Rocha echoed the language in his own statement, saying that Sinaloa, Mexico and the transformation movement were “above all else.” The episode highlights continuing tensions within Morena over how to handle the allegations and Rocha’s political future. His renewed request for leave followed criticism that he was placing his personal interests ahead of the public good.

Israel has expressed serious security concerns to the White House about a proposed US-brokered agreement requiring Hamas to disarm, according to an Israeli official. Doror Spielman, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, said Israel believes Hamas remains committed to rebuilding its military capabilities rather than genuinely surrendering its weapons. Israel is insisting that its forces will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed. Spielman warned that an Israeli redeployment before Hamas gives up its weapons could allow the group to expand across Gaza, rebuild military infrastructure and launch another attack similar to October 7, 2023. He emphasized that disarmament must involve physically surrendering weapons and cannot be limited to political commitments. The comments followed Hamas’s announcement that it would begin disarming under a ceasefire agreement. The proposed 20-point plan calls for Hamas to surrender its weapons, dismantle its tunnel network and end military production. It also envisions a phased Israeli withdrawal, the formation of a new technocratic Palestinian administration, deployment of an international security force and reconstruction of Gaza. Weapons held by Hamas-run police would reportedly be transferred to a US-backed body responsible for administering Gaza, while the timing of the disarmament and withdrawal process remains uncertain. A major Israeli withdrawal is considered unlikely before Israel’s October elections because Netanyahu faces pressure from far-right coalition partners to continue military operations. The war began after Hamas-led militants killed about 1,200 people and abducted 251 others in the October 7 attack. Israel’s subsequent campaign has killed more than 73,000 people, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Despite the ceasefire, Israel has continued striking Gaza, saying it is targeting Hamas and its infrastructure. Local hospitals reported that at least 17 people, including children, were killed in the latest strikes, including three members of one family in southern Gaza. The Israeli military said the strikes targeted militant operatives.

US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is expected to leave his post by the end of 2026, or possibly sooner, amid months of reported tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal and The Hill. Driscoll’s spokesperson, the Pentagon and other Army representatives reportedly declined to comment. One source said Driscoll had previously indicated that an Army secretary’s expected tenure in the Trump administration was approximately 23 to 24 months. Driscoll’s departure could leave the Army without a Senate-confirmed secretary. The service also lacks a Senate-confirmed chief of staff after Hegseth dismissed Gen. Randy George in April without publicly explaining the decision. Gen. Christopher LaNeve, the Army’s vice chief of staff and a former senior military aide to Hegseth, is serving in an acting capacity, although his confirmation has faced bipartisan objections. The reported tensions between Driscoll and Hegseth involved influence within the administration. Driscoll, a longtime ally of Vice President JD Vance, reportedly clashed with Hegseth after offering to organize a visit by Vance and President Donald Trump with soldiers and after Trump selected him to help negotiate with Ukrainian officials over the Russia-Ukraine war. Driscoll and George had previously worked closely on the Army Transformation Initiative, which emphasized modernization, new technologies, force restructuring and eliminating outdated programs. A former Army Ranger and venture capitalist, Driscoll focused on improving soldiers’ living conditions, modernizing equipment and integrating commercial technologies such as drones and artificial intelligence. Companies also pledged more than $25 billion toward infrastructure and services on Army bases. Trump had publicly praised Driscoll, who was confirmed by the Senate on February 25, 2025, by a 66-28 vote. Before entering government, Driscoll served in Iraq, earned a law degree from Yale and worked in investment and political advising.

The article reports an escalating dispute between US President Donald Trump and Iran over the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Trump shared an image on Truth Social labeling the waterway “NEW US Territory,” repeating a post he had made on August 18. The article also recalls his August 14 remarks that he would soon declare the strait a US territory. Iranian official Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of the country’s Supreme National Security Council, responded that Iran considered the strait closed and would not reopen it unless the United States changed its conduct and fulfilled its commitments. Quoting Iran International, the report says Rezaei rejected resolving the dispute through words or negotiations alone and insisted that Washington must take action. The article highlights a contrast between Iran’s official declaration and activity in the waterway. According to UK maritime trade operations data cited by the New York Post, nearly 200 ships crossed the strait during the previous week, compared with approximately 150 the week before and around 40 two weeks earlier. Maritime intelligence company Kpler separately reported that more than 80% of liquid cargoes moving through the strait in the preceding two weeks either used an Omani route supported by the United States and authorized by the International Maritime Organization, or traveled without openly identifiable tracking. Rezaei also said Iran had reached an agreement with Oman on a “middle route” through the strait, although the two countries had not yet finalized a joint statement. Overall, the report portrays a tense geopolitical standoff marked by conflicting claims about the waterway’s status, continued maritime traffic, and efforts to establish alternative routes.

The article examines speculation that Erika Kirk and Turning Point USA (TPUSA) could eventually file a defamation lawsuit against conservative commentator Candace Owens. The possibility was raised by commentator Myron Gaines, who emphasized that he was making a prediction rather than reporting a filed lawsuit or confirmed legal plan. Gaines suggested that Kirk and TPUSA may be preserving clips from Owens’ broadcasts for potential use in court, particularly statements he characterized as alleging Kirk’s involvement in a murder, accusing TPUSA of a cover-up, or discouraging donations to the organization. According to Gaines, any legal action might be delayed until the Tyler Robinson criminal case reaches a decisive stage, including a possible conviction and the release of additional evidence. He predicted that Owens could face litigation if she continued to question the case’s outcome afterward. Gaines also discussed the heightened legal burden faced by public figures in United States defamation cases, including the need to prove actual malice—knowledge that a statement was false or reckless disregard for its truth. The article repeatedly distinguishes Gaines’ claims from established facts. It notes that there is no confirmation from Kirk, TPUSA, their attorneys, or a court that a lawsuit is planned or has been filed. Gaines’ statements about potential damages, Owens’ income, TPUSA’s financial resources, donor involvement, and the possible use of forensic accountants are presented as personal estimates and assertions. The article concludes that, absent official confirmation, the alleged legal battle remains speculative rather than an active court case.

Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar and fellow Democratic lawmakers Bennie G. Thompson and Lou Correa are urging Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to stop Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from purchasing thousands of electric shock gloves. In a letter, the lawmakers warned that the devices could be misused by ICE personnel and “could result in injury or death.” ICE plans to spend between $10 million and $20 million on the equipment, which the Department of Homeland Security describes as “conductive distraction and de-escalation devices.” Known as GLOVE, or Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter, the devices resemble ordinary patrol gloves but can deliver an electrical shock when activated. They must be applied directly to a person’s skin and are intended to cause pain and secure compliance. Unlike Tasers, they reportedly do not leave burns or contact marks. Although marketed as non-lethal and safe for the heart, the manufacturer warns that the gloves may cause injury or death and should not be used on elderly people, children, pregnant women, or severely handicapped individuals. The user manual also prohibits their use in response to verbal defiance, or for punishment, torture, or horseplay. The lawmakers cited ICE’s alleged record of violence and criticized training carried out during President Donald Trump’s administration, claiming that some officers were hired without adequate qualifications and received reduced use-of-force instruction. Their concerns come amid wider criticism of ICE’s conduct during mass deportation operations. Former ICE acting director John Sandweg and legal scholar Michael Mannheimer also warned about potential misuse. A pending lawsuit alleges that a 43-year-old man died in 2024 after being shocked repeatedly with the gloves and a Taser at a Kentucky jail. An investigation found that two shocks lasted substantially longer than the manufacturer’s recommended 15-second limit. DHS defended its procurement process, saying it evaluates field needs and reviews equipment for compliance with law-enforcement policies and standards.

Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha has again requested a leave of absence, only days after returning to office following more than three months away. His initial leave began after US prosecutors indicted him and nine current and former Mexican officials over alleged cooperation with Los Chapitos, a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel. Prosecutors allege that the officials helped traffic drugs into the United States in exchange for political backing and bribes. Rocha, 77, denies the allegations and has described the US case as a politically motivated attack on President Claudia Sheinbaum’s governing movement. Mexico’s government has said the United States has not provided sufficient evidence to support Rocha’s arrest or extradition, while Mexican authorities have opened their own investigation. The governor’s decision to return to office on Friday intensified political criticism. Members of the Morena party and Mexico’s government accused him of prioritizing his personal interests over the public interest. Although Sheinbaum did not name Rocha directly, she appeared to address the controversy in a post on X, writing that “power without principles becomes arrogance” and that no personal interest should rank above the people or the nation. Rocha echoed the message, saying that Sinaloa, the nation, and the Morena-led transformation movement came first. His renewed request for leave reflects the pressure generated by the indictment and his brief return. The episode has exposed divisions within Morena and raised fresh questions about Rocha’s political future. The case is also notable because it represents a rare US anti-cartel action against a senior sitting Mexican politician, while the two governments remain at odds over the strength of the evidence.

The article reports that a Chinese humanoid robot named “Tianzhuo” completed a 100-metre race in 9.39 seconds at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing. According to the report, that time is faster than Usain Bolt’s officially recognized 100-metre world record of 9.58 seconds. Tianzhuo was developed by the Beijing Innovation Centre of Humanoid Robotics and defeated two other robots made in China in the competition. The brief report presents the event as a notable milestone in humanoid robotics and robot athletic performance. By comparing the machine’s time with Bolt’s record, it highlights the speed that robotic systems are beginning to achieve in controlled competitive settings. The race took place during an event dedicated to humanoid robots, suggesting that the competition was designed to demonstrate and compare the capabilities of such machines. The article provides only basic details about the race and does not explain the robot’s design, whether it ran entirely autonomously, the track conditions, or how the result was officially measured and validated. It also does not provide reaction from organizers, robotics researchers, or Usain Bolt. Therefore, the report primarily conveys the claimed result rather than offering a detailed examination of its technical significance or a comparison with human athletic performance under equivalent conditions. Published on 23 August 2026, the item is a concise news update focused on the result, the robot’s developer, the competing machines, and the location of the games.

In rural Chad, solar-powered Telemedan kiosks are helping communities access doctors without traveling long distances to larger towns. For residents such as Ache Kodo in Bitkine, reaching medical care previously required saving money for transport, consultations and other travel-related expenses. Through the kiosks, patients can now speak with doctors remotely at a significantly lower cost and closer to home. Telemedan was launched in 2021 by Abakar Mahamat to address both the shortage of doctors and the distance separating medical professionals from rural communities. The kiosks operate using solar panels and batteries, making them suitable for areas with unreliable electricity. Local operators register patients, collect measurements using devices such as blood-pressure monitors, glucometers, thermometers, pulse oximeters and ECG machines, and assist doctors during remote examinations. The system can function with unstable internet by storing information locally and synchronising it later, while a USSD service enables people without internet access to book appointments and obtain health information. Telemedan consultations cost between $2 and $15, compared with journeys that can cost $200 or more. The initiative has expanded to 37 kiosks across 11 provinces and reportedly reached about 143,000 people. It is also testing artificial intelligence to screen for diabetic retinopathy, while emphasising that the technology supports rather than replaces healthcare professionals. The kiosks cannot provide emergency treatment, all diagnostic services, medicines or hospital care, so patients requiring more advanced treatment must still travel. Their long-term success also depends on connectivity, equipment maintenance, trained operators, available doctors and wider transport access. Chad’s government is incorporating digital health into its 2022–2030 health plan and is developing regulations for digital services. Each kiosk costs about $10,000, and Telemedan hopes to reach one million people across sub-Saharan Africa. Its broader goal is to create a sustainable layer of healthcare infrastructure rather than isolated technology projects.

The article reports a major displacement crisis in Sudan’s Kordofan region, where fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has intensified. Tens of thousands of people have reportedly been forced to leave their homes as violence spreads across the region. Many of those fleeing are seeking relative safety in El Obeid, a city that has become a destination for people escaping the conflict. According to the report, more than 5,000 families arrived in El Obeid within a single week. The scale and speed of the arrivals indicate the severe impact of the fighting on civilian communities and the growing pressure on areas receiving displaced people. The article does not provide further details about accommodation, humanitarian assistance, casualties, or the specific conditions faced by the newly displaced families, but it portrays El Obeid as a refuge amid continuing instability. Al Jazeera correspondent Almigdad Alruhaid reports from El Obeid, giving the story a direct field-reporting perspective. The report’s central focus is the movement of civilians away from active fighting rather than the military developments themselves. It highlights the human consequences of the broader Sudanese conflict, particularly the loss of security and the urgent need for civilians to find safer locations. Published on 23 August 2026, the report presents the displacement as an ongoing and rapidly developing emergency. The wording emphasizes both the intensity of the conflict in Kordofan and the large number of families arriving in El Obeid, underscoring the humanitarian dimensions of the war between the army and the RSF.

Tropical Storm Moke is moving west-northwest toward Hawaii, bringing strong winds and potentially heavy rainfall only a week after Hurricane Lala caused severe flooding and widespread power outages. As of 11am Hawaii Standard Time on August 22, Moke was about 684km south of Hilo and had maximum sustained winds of approximately 85km/h. The storm is expected to pass south of Hawaii Island overnight and continue westward near the island chain through early Tuesday, avoiding a direct hit on the Big Island but still producing dangerous conditions. Forecasters expect the heaviest effects on the windward and southeastern sides of Hawaii Island, where rainfall totals could reach 130mm to 250mm over two days, with isolated areas receiving up to 380mm. Eastern Maui could receive between 76mm and 150mm, while the rest of the islands are expected to see smaller amounts. Although impacts are projected to be more limited than those from Lala, saturated ground and ongoing recovery could increase the risk of flooding and additional disruption. Lala, which reached Category 1 hurricane strength, caused more than 1,000mm of rain in some parts of Hawaii Island, pushed rivers over their banks, damaged power lines and left nearly 130,000 utility customers without electricity. At least one person died. Some remote areas remain without power, with full restoration not expected until September 8. Hawaii Governor Josh Green urged residents to stock up on food, medicine and other necessities. State officials are positioning equipment and personnel and have authorised 100 hotel rooms for people lacking adequate services or protection. Green also warned that another storm front could affect Hawaii about a week after Moke, extending the period of hazardous weather.

Newly released video footage provides a rare look at the first hours of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán’s captivity after Mexican authorities recaptured him in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, on Jan. 8, 2016. The videos, published by Mexican newspaper El Universal, show Guzmán and his bodyguard, Orso Iván “El Cholo Iván” Gastelum, shortly after they emerged from a manhole while attempting to evade authorities. One clip shows Guzmán washing his face and asking for soap. A police officer advises him to avoid getting it in his eyes and permits him to remove his mud-covered tank top. In another video, Guzmán, handcuffed and appearing exhausted, denies that authorities mistreated him. After being transported to Mexico City, he is questioned by the military and acknowledges that he had grown marijuana and trafficked drugs from a young age, while denying that he stole. The most notable footage shows Guzmán telling officials that members of his Sinaloa Cartel had been instructed not to attack the government or attempt a rescue if he were captured. He says he did not want a war between the cartel and authorities. The article contrasts those remarks with the cartel’s actions in October 2019, when members blocked roads, burned vehicles and mounted an armed effort to secure the release of Guzmán’s son, Ovidio Guzmán López, after his detention in Culiacán. The footage also shows Guzmán and Gastelum aboard an airplane with their heads covered. Guzmán was eventually extradited to the United States in January 2017, convicted in federal court in Brooklyn in February 2019 and sentenced to life in prison. He is currently held at ADX Florence, a supermax prison in Colorado.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Saturday that slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had supported pursuing a diplomatic solution to the Islamic Republic’s longstanding confrontation with the United States. Pezeshkian said Khamenei had publicly argued that Iran needed to escape its state of “neither war nor peace” and that the country could resolve its problems through negotiations conducted from a position of strength and logic. Ali Khamenei, 86, was killed on Feb. 28 in joint US and Israeli strikes on Tehran. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has since become Iran’s new supreme leader and is reportedly viewed as even more hard-line than his father. The United States and Iran remain in a tense standoff, with little apparent progress toward a lasting settlement. Pezeshkian has continued advocating diplomacy after negotiations between Tehran and Washington were placed on life support following the expiration of a 60-day temporary cease-fire. The cease-fire ended Monday without producing a peace agreement. His calls for negotiations have reportedly caused friction within Iran’s ruling establishment, where critics accuse him of capitulating by proposing an end to the war. Washington is also preparing a new round of severe sanctions against Iran next week, measures that could further damage the already struggling Iranian economy. Pezeshkian argued Friday that ending the conflict now would be preferable because Iran was negotiating from a position of “power and dignity.” Iranian lawmaker Mahmoud Nabavian rejected that approach. In a post on X, he questioned whether Iran should ask US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop attacking the country, warning that any appearance of weakness could encourage its enemies. The exchange highlights divisions within Iran over whether diplomacy or continued resistance is the best way to respond to the conflict.

Egypt is seeking to restart stalled negotiations between Iran and the United States as part of an effort to end the ongoing war and reduce regional tensions. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty spoke by phone Saturday with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss bringing Tehran and Washington back to the negotiating table. According to Egypt’s Foreign Ministry, the diplomats discussed resuming implementation of a memorandum of understanding signed by the United States and Iran in June. The stated objective is to reach a “comprehensive and sustainable agreement.” The memorandum was reportedly negotiated with Pakistani mediation and helped stop the fighting through a 60-day cease-fire intended to provide time for negotiations on a permanent peace agreement between the Trump administration and the Iranian regime. However, that period ended Monday without a breakthrough, and the negotiations remain deadlocked, primarily over control of the Strait of Hormuz. The United States wants Iran to fully reopen the strategically important waterway, which is vital to international shipping. Iran, meanwhile, insists that Washington first lift its naval blockade. Iranian officials warned earlier in the month that the strait would not return to normal traffic until the United States changes its conduct. Iran’s broader demands include a complete withdrawal of US forces from the region, the removal of sanctions, financial compensation for wartime damage, and an end to attacks on Iranian allies elsewhere in the Middle East. The article presents Egypt’s diplomatic outreach as an attempt to overcome the impasse, but it offers no indication that either side has accepted the other’s conditions or that negotiations have formally resumed.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed that Russia would face retaliation after a Russian drone attack on a shopping center in his hometown of Kryvyi Rih killed 16 people, injured more than 130 and left nine others missing. The strike, described by Zelensky as “cynical and despicable,” was followed by additional Russian airstrikes across Ukraine that killed at least six civilians, including a 12-year-old boy and three other children. Rescue teams continued searching the heavily damaged shopping center, where a fire covered approximately 9,000 square meters. Regional officials said 22 children were wounded and two children remained missing. Fifty-two people, including 14 children, were hospitalized, with 29 patients—including five children—in serious condition. Authorities said rescue work could continue for two more days because of the scale of the destruction and the continuing threat of Russian attacks. Zelensky said Ukraine’s response would involve special services, intelligence agencies, political cooperation with allies and sanctions. At the same time, Ukrainian drones struck targets inside Russia, including an Ozon logistics warehouse that caught fire and forced the evacuation of more than 500 workers, an oil refinery and an airbase in occupied Crimea. The attacks occurred as Zelensky prepared to attend a Paris meeting of the Coalition of the Willing on post-ceasefire security guarantees. The article also reports that Russia is relying on more than 8,500 North Korean troops, including approximately 400 drone operators, and may seek an additional 50,000 personnel. Russian ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv have intensified amid Ukraine’s shortage of American-made Patriot interceptors. Zelensky argued that supplying additional air-defense systems could prevent further civilian deaths.

The article argues that the UAE’s e-invoicing programme should be treated as a broad business transformation initiative rather than merely a tax or finance compliance obligation. E-invoicing will change how companies create, exchange, manage and use transaction data, potentially improving operational efficiency, governance and decision-making. The Ministry of Finance has extended the deadline for Phase 1 businesses to appoint an accredited service provider (ASP) to October 30, 2026, but the article stresses that early preparation will give companies a significant advantage over those that wait. Four priorities are identified for UAE businesses. First, companies should review their technology and data environments, particularly where multiple ERP platforms, billing systems and finance applications are in use. A gap analysis can reveal missing, inconsistent or poor-quality data and identify whether existing systems require modification. Second, e-invoicing should be managed as a business-wide transformation programme involving technology, procurement, legal, sales, operations and customer-facing teams, supported by executive sponsorship and clear governance. Third, businesses should select ASPs based on implementation experience, regulatory knowledge, integration capabilities, scalability, local expertise, data security and continuing support. The choice of provider can affect the complexity of implementation and future compliance. Finally, organisations should focus on data quality, because structured invoice data can provide valuable insights into customers, transactions, operational performance and financial trends, while inaccurate or incomplete data can create both compliance risks and poor business outcomes. The article concludes that the mandate represents a strategic opportunity. Early adopters may gain greater transparency, more efficient invoice processing and improved data quality, benefiting businesses, regulators and the wider economy.

Daniel Bardsley reflects on living in Dubai’s Toyota building, a 15-storey landmark on Sheikh Zayed Road that was built in 1974 and is scheduled for demolition in 2027. Owned by the Nasser Rashid Lootah Group, the building was among Dubai’s earliest towers and stood as a witness to the city’s transformation from a largely undeveloped desert landscape into a global metropolis dominated by skyscrapers. For Bardsley, however, the building’s significance is personal. He lived there for about three years after moving to Dubai in late 2004, renting an inexpensive, spacious room from an Egyptian man named Hossam, who shared the flat with his Filipina wife. Although the accommodation was basic, with tiled floors, threadbare curtains and a noisy air-conditioning unit, it was comfortable and affordable compared with the bed spaces available to many workers. The Toyota building housed a diverse community of Indian, Pakistani, Arab and Russian residents, making it a microcosm of Dubai. Its location near Interchange One provided convenient access to taxis, buses, restaurants and shopping areas. Bardsley particularly valued the small balcony attached to his room, which offered views of Sheikh Zayed Road and the surrounding high-rises. From another window, he watched the Burj Khalifa rise from the desert during its construction. The article also recalls the building’s modest amenities, including a small ground-floor shop, functional lifts and a constantly active neighborhood. Bardsley eventually moved to Abu Dhabi after joining The National before its 2008 launch. He remembers leaving the Toyota building with regret, especially because it offered a unique vantage point over Dubai’s relentless growth. Its demolition, he suggests, will provoke sadness among many former and current residents who regard it not merely as an old building, but as a home and an important part of Dubai’s social history.

Sarah Donaldson, an Australian former nurse who is known professionally as Nurse Sarah Louise, pays Dh690,000 annually to rent a five-bedroom villa in Al Barsha, Dubai. She lives there with her husband and two children, while her consultancy for aesthetic clinics, The Business Injection, operates from a converted detached majlis on the property. The majlis has been adapted into a registered business address with staff facilities, a kitchen and workspace, with further renovations planned. The family chose the villa after deciding between keeping their previous home and renting a separate office, or moving into a larger property that could accommodate both their family and business. Their rent has increased from Dh350,000 to Dh400,000 and now Dh690,000 over successive homes. They previously lived in The Villa community but moved closer to Dubai’s urban business areas because the location was too far away. They later rented in Al Barsha 1 before moving to their current property in Al Barsha. The villa offers five bedrooms, several reception areas, a private pool, large plot and floor-to-ceiling windows. Every bedroom has an en suite, and the family has added media walls, built-in furniture, wallpaper, extensive curtains and a four-car air-conditioned garage. Planned changes include a pool pergola, carport and improved kitchen and staff facilities. The landlord has allowed the renovations because the family expects to stay for at least three years. Donaldson says the area suits the family because of its privacy, parks, schools and proximity to Dubai Hills Mall, Palm Jumeirah and JVC Circle Mall. Although the family invests in smaller properties and businesses rather than buying a home to live in, she says they would purchase the villa if they could. For her, a stable rental depends largely on finding a landlord willing to provide long-term security.

The article presents a guide to 12 art exhibitions taking place across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah during the UAE summer art season. It highlights a broad range of formats and subjects, including photography, works on paper, sculpture, design, craft, painting, interactive installations and mixed-media practices. Among the featured events are A Board Game Adventure at Louvre Abu Dhabi, which examines more than 5,000 years of board-game history and the movement of games such as chess, Mancala, Ludo and Carrom between civilizations; Precarious Beings at Tashkeel, Hamad Al Muzaini’s first solo exhibition, which considers adaptation to urban environments; and Body Quotidian at Sharjah Art Foundation, which brings recent works by Laila Majid and Inaam Zafar into dialogue. The supplied article text details the first five exhibitions in the guide. Seeing Ourselves at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation showcases photography by Emirati students from Zayed University, who document their experiences of the UAE while participating in the exhibition’s curatorial and design processes. Spectrum: Becoming Visible, Becoming Image at Manarat Al Saadiyat presents work by 10 UAE-based photographers and visual artists from the institution’s residency programme, exploring identity, memory, landscape and materiality through photography, video, sculpture and textiles. The Two Walks at Carbon 12 treats paper as a complete artistic medium, bringing together works by 14 artists that address memory, abstraction, environmental fragility and urban development. The guide also covers Human in the Loop at 421 Arts Campus, an interactive installation by Ahmad AlAttar that uses sound and physical participation to question whether humans control algorithms or are being guided by them. Finally, Time That Grows Slowly at Dom Art Projects considers time through plant life, focusing on growth, decay and regeneration. The provided text ends partway through this fifth listing.

The supplied AP News content is not a standalone college football rankings article or a specific AP Top 25 poll release. Instead, it is a capture of an AP News hub page titled “NCAA College Football Rankings: AP Top 25 Football Poll.” The page places the feature within the Sports section and lists “College football” and “Top 25 Poll” as relevant destinations. Its main poll-specific service message promotes “AP Top 25 Poll Alerts,” inviting readers to receive email notifications whenever a new college football Top 25 poll is released. It also promotes The Sports Wire, a personalized stream of AP sports reporting. The supplied text does not contain an actual ranking table, publication date, team positions, voting totals, first-place votes, records, movement from the previous poll, or analysis of the teams included in a particular ranking. Consequently, no reliable conclusions can be drawn about which schools are ranked or how the poll has changed. Most of the remaining material consists of AP News navigation menus, newsletter promotions, footer links, and unrelated headlines from sections such as World, U.S., Politics, Business, Science, Health, Technology, Lifestyle, and Entertainment. Those elements are website infrastructure rather than content about college football. The page’s apparent purpose is to serve as a central access point for AP’s recurring college football rankings and related coverage, rather than to report a single news development. The clean version therefore retains the title, relevant Sports navigation, poll-alert information, and sports-news description while removing unrelated site content. The overall tone is neutral and service-oriented, the sentiment is neutral, and the primary intent is to inform users about where to find AP Top 25 coverage and how to receive updates. No ranking claims are added because they are absent from the supplied page capture.

A 17-year-old girl was killed in a sword attack at Brinell School in Fagersta, central Sweden, police have confirmed. The attack took place on Friday afternoon, shortly after students returned to school following the summer break. Two boys, aged 12 and 17, were seriously injured, while a third person suffered minor injuries. Police arrested an 18-year-old man, who has not been named, and said they were treating the case as murder and attempted murder. Officers fired shots after arriving at the school, although police have not said whether the suspect was hit before he was detained. Swedish public broadcaster SVT reported that the suspect was wearing a helmet, while local media said he was a former student at the school. Investigators have conducted two house searches in connection with the suspect. The school, which has just under 500 students, is located about 170km (105 miles) north-west of Stockholm. The region was placed under a state of emergency on Friday, but that declaration had ended by Saturday. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and opposition leader Magdalena Andersson visited the school on Saturday morning, where people had left flowers in memory of the victims. Kristersson had earlier described the incident as serious and said police were working intensively, while acknowledging that the motive was not known. Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf said he received the news with “dismay and sadness”. The article provides no confirmed motive for the attack, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The Middle East & Africa section presents a curated selection of The Economist’s reporting and analysis on political power, security, elections and governance across the two regions. Several items focus on the consolidation or misuse of political power. In Iran, a military junta is described as strengthening its control, creating serious consequences for Iranians and potentially complicating prospects for a peace agreement with America. In South Africa, state capture continues to weaken institutions, while dissatisfied voters are urged to recognize that electoral choices can influence political outcomes. Regional security and diplomacy are another major theme. Somaliland’s president is attempting to help secure the Red Sea in the hope that a stronger international role will bring recognition to the self-declared state. A new Saudi-led defence pact raises questions about regional power balances, with Turkish arms manufacturers potentially benefiting. In Somalia, however, the outlook is more positive: improving security means Mogadishu may no longer deserve its reputation as one of the world’s most dangerous capitals. The page also highlights democratic concerns in Zambia, where a disputed election threatens the country’s reputation and tarnishes President Hakainde Hichilema’s image as a liberal reformer. High copper prices offer economic potential, but voters have yet to feel their benefits. Other entries examine violent Israeli settlers in the West Bank, the possibility that their actions could provoke a Palestinian uprising, the legacy of America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, and the continuing—even if diminished—influence of the Muslim Brotherhood. Newsletters provide additional reporting from Zambia and war-ravaged Khartoum. Overall, the section adopts an analytical and largely cautionary perspective, while noting limited signs of improvement in Somalia and the potential for political agency through elections.

Amanda Maria Souza de Oliveira, a 37-year-old woman in Brazil, was convicted of fraud and false identity after living with a foster family for 14 months while pretending to be a child. According to the Court of Justice of Santa Catarina, Oliveira told the family she had fled abuse and was accepted as their daughter. Her deception was eventually uncovered, and she admitted creating a false identity and falsifying her age. The Washington Post reported that Oliveira had maintained the false identity for about 15 years. She allegedly used a high-pitched, childlike voice and told people that she had been forced to undergo hormone treatments to explain why she appeared older. The court sentenced her to one year, six months and 10 days in prison, as well as four months and 18 days of detention. Oliveira’s lawyer, Lúcio Sousa, argued that the deception was a survival strategy rooted in years of vulnerability. He said she had lived on the streets for more than two decades and that there was no allegation she obtained money, committed robbery or stole from anyone. Sousa therefore questioned whether all the legal elements of fraud had been established. Oliveira acknowledged that she had deceived and lied to people but denied intending to scam anyone. She said she was seeking the love and care she had not received as a child, describing an emotional void that motivated her actions. Following the verdict, Sousa said on Instagram that the defense would pursue appropriate legal measures and appeals in higher courts.

The Panama Canal Authority will reduce the number of ships permitted to transit the canal because severe drought has lowered water levels in the artificial lakes that supply the waterway’s locks. Beginning September 3, the daily limit will fall from 36 vessels to 34. From September 15 onward, the limit will be reduced further to 32 ships per day. The drought is affecting Central America and has been linked to El Nino, a climate pattern that warms surface waters in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. El Nino can alter wind patterns, atmospheric pressure and rainfall around the world. In the Panama Canal region, rainfall from May through August was 34 percent below the historical average, according to the Panama Canal Authority, which warned that El Nino could cause rainfall to decline further. The restrictions could disrupt global shipping because the canal is a major maritime passage connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It handles approximately five percent of global maritime trade and about 40 percent of US container traffic. Lower transit capacity may create delays for shipping companies and affect the movement of goods between major markets, although the article does not quantify the likely economic impact. The planned reductions represent a further tightening of canal operations in response to continuing water shortages.