US Supreme Court says White House construction on $400m ballroom can continue.
Summary
The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that construction of the White House's $400 million ballroom may continue while lawsuits proceed. The court did not decide legality, finding the preservation group likely lacked standing, while Chief Justice Roberts called the project likely unlawful.
At least 12 killed in sixth night of Russian drone attacks on Kyiv
Summary
At least 12 people were killed in and around Kyiv during a sixth night of Russian drone and missile attacks. Ukraine says jet-powered drones and ballistic missiles struck amid air-defence gaps, with 28 locations attacked, mainly in Kyiv and Odesa regions.
Chance of more rain makes rescue operations dangerous after Grand Canyon flooding.
Summary
Saturday flooding at the Grand Canyon caused multiple deaths, while continuing rain chances have made search and rescue operations more dangerous. Unsettled weather creates hazardous conditions for responders and could slow or complicate recovery efforts.
US army secretary resigns after months of tension
Summary
Dan Driscoll resigned as US Army Secretary after about 18 months, following reported conflict with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. His exit continues a pattern of senior military departures after he promoted battlefield technologies and joined Ukraine peace talks.
Trump says U.S. might strike Iran but fighting is likely to remain limited.
Summary
Trump said the U.S. could strike Iran after recent attacks, without naming targets or a timeline. His remarks suggest a restrained response despite recent tit-for-tat attacks between Washington and Tehran.
Swedish chip expert Henry Homayoun Radamson dies in China after a ‘sudden illness’, aged 63
Summary
Award-winning Swedish chip expert Henry Homayoun Radamson died from a sudden illness in Shanghai on August 12, aged 63. Radamson led research at a Guangdong institute and contributed to nanotechnology, medical diagnostics and short wave infrared chips.
El Niño and disease again threaten West Africa’s cocoa harvest.
Summary
El Niño and black pod disease threaten this year’s cocoa harvest in West Africa, including Simon Essah’s farm in southwest Ghana. The threats underscore recurring environmental and plant-health challenges affecting cocoa farmers and production in 2024.
Whistle-Blower Says Trump Officials Are Defying Court Orders on Voting by Mail
Summary
A whistle-blower says Trump administration officials are defying mail-voting court orders while rushing a concerning USPS system into use. The alleged changes could imperil millions of mail ballots ahead of the midterm elections.
Norway's new king to swear oath before parliament after Harald's death - Reuters
Summary
Norway's new king will swear an oath before Parliament following King Harald V's death. The ceremony formally transfers royal duties to the new monarch under Norway's constitutional process.
RFK Jr.'s partial vaccine legacy
Summary
RFK Jr., a prominent vaccine skeptic, is influencing Republican health policy and distrust of medical institutions. Mixed vaccine views among MAHA and GOP voters show Kennedy’s influence is not uniform.