A deadly school fire and stampede in DR Congo, rising oil prices amid Middle East risk, and NATO warnings about suspected Russian activity near undersea cables led global security and economic headlines. Trade and policy moves also featured, with China seeking early U.S. tariff rollbacks and the U.S. considering ending the H‑1B 60‑day grace period after job loss, while Algeria announced it will sever ties with the UAE. Additional developments included media and legal tensions in Israel, monsoon and election security updates in the Philippines, and intensifying competition in premium foldable phones.
Today's Stories
More than 20 children died after a fire engulfed two schools in Bukavu, eastern DR Congo, with officials reporting a stampede as students fled. Authorities are investigating the cause amid fears the toll could rise.
The Trump administration is preparing a rule change that would require H‑1B and certain other temporary work visa holders to depart the U.S. immediately when employment ends, eliminating the 60‑day grace period. The planned shift could upend workers’ status and employers’ staffing flexibility if finalized.
NATO allies reportedly detected Russian submarines near Svalbard training to use a covert weapon aimed at disabling critical undersea cables. The activity, described as designed to avoid attribution, underscores heightened risks to Arctic infrastructure.
Oil prices jumped to $105 a barrel as markets priced in the risk that the Iran war could drag on. Gas prices and borrowing costs also climbed, reflecting broader uncertainty and tighter financial conditions.
Algeria has announced it will sever diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates, according to the foreign ministry. No reason was given, with officials saying all means had been exhausted, and further details were not provided.
A Haaretz investigation alleges Israeli company CyberGlobes uses social media data to track protesters, regime critics and LGBTQ people for authoritarian clients. The firm called the report distorted and insists it operates lawfully.
Researchers analyzed a catalog of nearly 3,000 Type Ia supernovas—exploding white dwarfs fed by companion stars—and found signs that dark energy could be evolving. The finding, if confirmed, would have major implications for our understanding of cosmic expansion.
The Philippine weather agency warned that strong monsoon rains could cause significant impacts across parts of Luzon over the weekend. Residents were advised to prepare for heavy rainfall and possible flooding.
Cleveland researchers report that obesity induces a lasting “memory” in fat cells that keeps hunger and weight-regain signals elevated after dieting or stopping GLP-1 medications. Blocking the asprosin pathway prevented weight regain and mitigated inherited obesity risk, pointing to a potential therapeutic target.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to sue Haaretz after it reported, citing a forthcoming book, that the UAE warned him ahead of the 7 October attack. Haaretz said it stands by the reporting.
Samsung launched a campaign touting its foldable hardware advantages as Apple introduced the Duo, a folding iPhone priced at $1,999. The move signals intensifying competition in the premium foldable market.
China said it hopes to reach an agreement with the United States on reducing tariffs at an early date. Beijing framed progress as part of ongoing high-level diplomatic efforts to stabilize bilateral ties.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines will deploy additional troops and attack helicopters in Lanao del Sur to safeguard the first parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Authorities aim to deter violence and ensure orderly polls.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre told CNBC in New York that Canadians feel “wounded” by recent U.S. trade actions and called for a return to two-way tariff-free trade. He framed the appeal as part of strengthening North America while visiting the U.S. and taking part in 9/11 anniversary events.
The United States and Japan vowed support for the Luzon Economic Corridor to bolster regional supply chains and shared economic security, according to the Philippine presidential office. The initiative aims to enhance connectivity and investment across key infrastructure.
Harvard-led researchers report that two mpox proteins change shape as they bind, acting like a switch to initiate viral replication. The structural insight could guide AI-enabled screening for drugs that block replication and inform preparedness for related pathogens.
The Guardian reports that UK ministers are exploring raising the price of water for industrial users in response to ongoing shortages. Details of the proposal were not included in the provided text.
A Johns Hopkins research team says it has shattered a time barrier in neuroimaging, indicating a major speed advance in brain scanning. Details were not provided in the brief, but the development points to potential improvements in real-time neural observation.
Google introduced a system-level way on Android to move passwords and passkeys directly between credential managers. The feature works across providers like Google Password Manager, 1Password, and Bitwarden without exporting files.
President Marcos directed Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to bring back fugitive Zaldy Co from France “at all costs.” Authorities are expected to coordinate internationally to facilitate his return to face legal proceedings.
Court records show Saanich police observed Yin Yeung Derek Chan for over a month without intervening while he was allegedly breaching bail conditions. A Crown lawyer believed he was looking for more victims at Fitness World and Value Village, where he had previously recorded hundreds of women and girls.
Yahoo Sports reports that Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq have been summoned by Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency shortly after returning from England. Investigators are expected to analyze data from their mobile phones as part of the inquiry, with devices previously secured by the PCB.
Malaysia’s 1MDB asset recovery task force said Singapore-related claims are linked to Eric Tan, an associate of Jho Low. Authorities reiterated that any recovered funds will be returned to the Malaysian people.
Zee News reports that India now fields around 190 nuclear weapons and could overtake the United Kingdom, citing the country’s nine nuclear-capable delivery systems across air, land, and sea. The piece frames the buildup in regional deterrence terms relative to Pakistan.
Wired breaks down Apple’s iPhone 18 family, including the new folding iPhone Duo alongside refreshed Pro models. The primer compares key features and helps readers choose the model that best fits their needs.
A residents’ group welcomed Zimbabwe’s gazetting of the Environmental Management Amendment Bill, saying it would introduce stronger, deterrent penalties for corporate polluters and wetland developers. The move aligns with public concerns over water pollution and wetland destruction in Harare and seeks broader participation in environmental governance.
The Sandiganbayan ordered the transfer of custody of former speaker Martin Romualdez from the police to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. He remains confined at Cardinal Santos Medical Center under the new custodial arrangement.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, and SpaceX CFO Bret Johnsen are set to speak at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference.
A report in EMJ notes that COVID-19 was associated with increased mortality in Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, particularly for hospital-onset cases. The findings underscore elevated risks and potential implications for infection control and clinical management.
ABC News summarizes research indicating that walking faster for about 30 minutes a day can lower the risk of death for some adults, potentially as much as simply taking more steps. The findings highlight intensity as a meaningful factor in daily activity.
Tensions flared outside the Che Guevara Road Home Affairs office in Durban as supporters of March and March and refugees reportedly pelted each other with objects. Authorities are weighing transfers of verified refugees to Lindela amid concerns over safety, shelter, and legal rights.
TIGRa, a gene activation platform about half the size of CRISPRa, is reported to markedly improve therapeutic deliverability in vivo. The smaller footprint could ease vector packaging constraints and broaden gene activation applications.
The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre arrested Hafsat Abubakar for circulating a fake notice claiming OPay Digital Services Limited was shutting down. Authorities said they are pursuing additional individuals linked to the misinformation.
Tanzania’s health institute reports that five men per 100,000 aged 15–29 die by suicide annually, citing stress and reluctance to discuss personal problems as key factors. Officials are urging greater awareness and support for youth mental health.
Arsenal are closing in on a lucrative new long-term contract for Mikel Arteta following the club’s Premier League title success. The deal would place the Spaniard among the sport’s highest earners as the Gunners prioritize continuity.
SIPTU members across 30 hospitals will start industrial action later this month over delays in finalizing a new public sector pay agreement. The union said the move follows frustration with stalled talks.
The Northern Tornadoes Project confirmed two tornadoes touched down in Manitoba on Sunday evening, including one in a Winnipeg neighbourhood and another west of the city. Officials are assessing conditions and any resulting damage following the severe weather.
ACC.org reports a novel left atrial staging framework that stratifies new-onset atrial fibrillation risk in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The approach reflects progressive atrial dysfunction and enhances prediction beyond existing models.
Researchers outline a white-light lidar approach to measure ocean remote-sensing reflectance without relying on sunlight. Simulations suggest a broadband laser could deliver accurate Rrs across varied conditions, potentially expanding ocean color monitoring in time and space.
Washington Spirit have signed Tanzanian striker Clara Luvanga from Al-Nassr in a deal reported as one of the most expensive in women’s football. The fee may set a new world record, underscoring growing investment in the women’s game.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas proposed easing regulations on sukuk issuances, including a simplified licensing framework for banks. The move aims to deepen the capital market and advance Islamic banking and finance in the Philippines.
Moshe Rosenthal’s Tell Me Everything was voted Best Picture at Israel’s Ophir Awards, making it the country’s submission for the Academy Awards’ international feature category. The HIV-centered drama will represent Israel at the 99th Oscars.
NBC Sports reports that Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold likely suffered a significant injury in the season opener and is expected to miss time. His MRI is under review as the team seeks clarity on the severity.
With the transfer window shut until January, Arsenal are moving to finalise a new deal for manager Mikel Arteta. Talks have advanced recently, and those involved express confidence an agreement will be reached.
At least 43 police officers and activists were injured and five people arrested during a protest against Pax Silica outside a Taguig hotel. The demonstration coincided with President Marcos’ appearance at the Luzon Economic Corridor Investment Forum.
The first-ever NFL regular-season game in Australia will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams on September 11, 2026 (AEST). The article outlines the schedule and viewing options for Australian audiences and what U.S. viewers need to know.
The Delhi high court has rejected wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s plea to compete in World Championship selection trials. No further details were available from the provided text.
The federal government announced $5 million to support HIV prevention and related services. The plan includes the distribution of HIV self-test kits and expanded support programs.
The provincial government outlined how a special debate on the new Churchill Falls memorandum of understanding will proceed. Officials said a list of experts is expected to be released today to inform the discussion.
Tanzanian authorities said investor Tim Draper may sell his interest in Lupita Island’s luxury resort, but the 110-acre island’s land remains state property. The clarification underscores local property rules governing foreign investment.