(2026-08-21). Ships passing through Hormuz hover in single digits, data shows. al-monitor.com SINGAPORE, Aug 21 (Reuters) – Seven commodity ships sailed along the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, just half the previous day's tally, showed data from shiptracker Kpler, amid concern over risk to Middle East shipping as U.S.-Iran peace talks remain in limbo.Of the total, four ships entered and three exited the waterway, which was used by nearly a fifth of global shipments of crude oil and liquefied natural gas before war began in February. The seven did not include any very large crude carriers or liquefied natural gas tankers.
(2026-08-21). US threatens Iran with blockade, 'toughest ever sanctions' as China pushes diplomacy. geo.tv People walk by a mural depicting Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on a street in Tehran, Iran, August 13, 2026. — ReutersChina rejects US sanctions on Iran, says pressure won't resolve crisis.Beijing buys more than 80% of Iran's shipped oil, Kpler data shows.Trump…
(2026-08-21). King Abdullah visits China as region hedges against US unpredictability. al-monitor.com With no end in sight to the war in Iran and an unchecked Israeli policy across the region, the kingdom is hedging against future uncertainty and a less predictable US policy.
(2026-08-21). Bessent says US to impose ever sanctions on Iran, urges China to cooperate. al-monitor.com Aug 20 (Reuters) – U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Thursday Washington will impose "the toughest sanctions in history" on Iran and urged Beijing to cooperate with the U.S., but China said sanctions will not help in resolving the issue.Bessent said he would hold a press conference on Monday to discuss details."It is a one-two punch. We have the blockade (on Iran), and we are going to have the toughest sanctions in history," Bessent told CNBC. "It is going to work in Iran and we are going to collapse this regime."
(2026-08-21). Houthis claim new strikes on Saudi Arabia after IRGC warning: What to know. al-monitor.com A senior Iranian commander said Saudi Arabia will be unable to the defeat the Yemeni group as the conflict intensifies.
(2026-08-21). Caught in the middle, Oman shrugs off latest Iran threat. al-monitor.com For the second time in months, President Donald Trump has threatened to strike the US partner as it holds talks with Iran.
(2026-08-21). Denuncia del bloqueo genocida contra Cuba llegó hasta el histórico Puente del Medio sobre el Rin (+ Fotos). cubadebate.cu Las y los activistas de la Asociación SuizaCuba mantienen un doble compromiso: denunciar, con un acto el día 17 de cada mes, el bloqueo y la agresión permanente de Estados Unidos contra Cuba; y, por otro, celebrar en estos días el legado del Comandante en Jefe Fidel Castro en su Centenario.
(2026-08-21). Cuban deputy minister of foreign trade denounces silent genocide against the island. radiohc.cu Cuba is suffering a silent genocide today, caused by the blockade measures imposed by the United States that threaten the lives of its population. | This was denounced in Montevideo by the island's Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, Déborah Rivas, in an appearance on the program "Legitima Mañana" of the Caras y Caretas multimedia group. | She emphasized the human cost that Washington is causing by depriving Cuba of its oil supply. | The social repercussions of this blockade are severely evident in daily life, she stressed. | In the area of public hea…
(2026-08-21). Fauci adviser David Morens pleads guilty, as Trump escalates war on science. wsws.org Not one of the officials and executives who enforced the policy of mass COVID infection has been charged with any crime, and several now run the federal health agencies.
(2026-08-21). The political legacy of Fidel Castro on the 100th anniversary of his birth. wsws.org On the centenary of Fidel Castro's birth, the WSWS is republishing its 2016 assessment of his political legacy. The disaster confronting Cuban workers today is not a break with Castroism but its outcome.
(2026-08-21). La Educación Superior iniciará el nuevo curso con procesos descentralizados y actividades docentes desde los territorios. cubadebate.cu La Educación Superior cubana reanuda sus actividades y comenzará el curso académico 2026-2027 el próximo 1ro. de septiembre en todas las universidades e instituciones del país, incluyendo las pertenecientes a otros organismos formadores.
(2026-08-21). Acusación fiscal en Bolivia: Cerimedo "planificó" el ataque y "dirigió remotamente la emboscada" para matar a su novia. cubadebate.cu La acusación de los fiscales contra el exasesor presidencial y especialista en campañas electorales Fernando Cerimedo es lapidaria: señala que "dirigió remotamente la emboscada" para matar a su novia Nadia Beller, la presionó para que se encontrara con sus asesinos, controló por teléfono el ataque y luego intentó huir de Bolivia en un avión.
(2026-08-21). Visita Díaz-Canel nueva sede del ISDi y la Sociedad de Interfaz de Ciencia y Tecnología de la CUJAE. cubadebate.cu El primer secretario del Comité Central del Partido Comunista de Cuba y presidente de la República, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, visitó en la mañana de este jueves lo que pronto será la sede del Instituto Superior de Diseño (ISDi), de la Universidad de La Habana; así como CETA S.A. (Sociedad de Interfaz de Ciencia y Tecnología de la Universidad Tecnológica de La Habana "José Antonio Echeverría").
(2026-08-21). Estados Unidos decreta nuevas medidas contra funcionarios y entidades cubanas. cubadebate.cu El Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos anunció este jueves, como va siendo usual en las últimas semanas, una nueva ronda de medidas punitivas contra funcionarios y entidades del Gobierno de Cuba, en el contexto de la política de asedio y castigo colectivo que Washington mantiene contra La Habana.
(2026-08-21). Reportan accidente de un tren de carga en Camagàºey. cubadebate.cu El Ministerio del Transporte y la Unión de Ferrocarriles de Cuba reportan que a las 3: 10 pm de hoy, un tren de carga al servicio de la transportación de contenedores, sufrió un accidente en Camagàºey que provocó el descarrilamiento de 14 de los 27 vagones de esa formación, de los cuales 25 estaban cargados.
(2026-08-21). Presidente y canciller de Cuba denuncian nuevas sanciones de EEUU contra empresas e instituciones de la isla. cubadebate.cu El presidente de Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, y el ministro de Relaciones Exteriores, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, condenaron este jueves el reciente anuncio del Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos sobre la inclusión de nuevas entidades, directivos y funcionarios cubanos en sus listas de sanciones.
(2026-08-21). Hind family says criminal probe attempt by Israel army to killing. al-monitor.com The grandmother of Hind Rajab told AFP her family had no faith in a criminal probe into the five-year-old's death in Gaza in 2024, calling it little more than an attempt by the Israeli military to "justify" her killing. | Hind Rajab's body was recovered from a car riddled with bullets in Gaza City days after she was last heard from in a desperate, hours-long phone call to the Palestinian Red Crescent on January 29, 2024.
(2026-08-21). US hits Hezbollah with fresh sanctions, emphasizing ties to Iranian government. al-monitor.com By Daphne Psaledakis and Michael MartinaWASHINGTON, Aug 20 (Reuters) – The United States on Thursday issued fresh sanctions targeting Lebanon's Hezbollah, including re-designating it over actions on behalf of the Iranian government, according to a statement seen by Reuters.The Treasury Department redesignated the group "for service to the Iranian regime under the command of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force," according to the statement.
(2026-08-21). Black Myth: Zhong Kui unveils 15-minute gameplay as series moves beyond Wukong. ecns.cn Chinese game developer Game Science released a 15-minute gameplay video for Black Myth: Zhong Kui on Thursday, the second anniversary of the launch of its global hit Black Myth: Wukong, offering the first look at the new protagonist combat style and snippets of the storyline.
2026-08-20: Sabrina Salvati: They Discussed Nuking Iran Twice. Here's Who Stopped It."All-Out War" Warning
The atomic-bomb question was raised twice inside the Trump administration before the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs shut it down. Sabrina Salvati of Sabby Sabs joins Zulfiqar Ali on Transition Protocol to discuss if the new Iranian announcement that Tehran is abandoning defense and going on the offensive, and the warning that an unbroken US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz means all-out war.
(2026-08-21). AI's Natural Gas Addiction Could be Deadly for Communities. juancole.com By | ( This is creating a backlash, with
(2026-08-21). Chinese FM urges greater progress in China-South Korea strategic cooperative partnership. ecns.cn Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Thursday that he hopes South Korea will firmly pursue a friendly policy toward China and take the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries next year as an opportunity to make greater progress in the China-South Korea strategic cooperative partnership.
(2026-08-21). Tunisia opposition protests against president amid economic discontent. al-monitor.com TUNIS, Aug 20 (Reuters) – Activists and opponents of Tunisian President Kais Saied took to the streets of Tunis on Thursday, calling for his departure and the restoration of democracy in the latest protest against his governance amid growing political and economic discontent.Hundreds of protesters said they reject "one-man rule" and "a slide towards dictatorship," and urged the release of jailed opposition figures, activists and journalists.
(2026-08-21). Psychedelics for Climate Action (12,000 cultists). wattsupwiththat.com "Our psychedelic-climate leaders are active today, creating change and doing compelling transformational work in this space."
(2026-08-21). Chinese robotics firms accelerate global expansion. ecns.cn "Going global" has emerged as one of the key themes of the 2026 World Robot Conference, which is being held in Beijing from Aug. 19 to 23.
(2026-08-21). Member of cross-border gambling ring arrested in $400 million case. ecns.cn Chinese and Philippine authorities have arrested and repatriated a Chinese national, surnamed Chen, accused of organizing crossborder online gambling that defrauded players of more than 2.92 billion yuan ($405 million).
(2026-08-21). Xinjiang port sees over 59,000 train departures from China to Europe, Asia. ecns.cn Horgos Land Port in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region has handled more than 59,000 freight trains from China to Europe and Asia, according to Xinjiang railway authorities on Thursday.
(2026-08-21). China Q&A | Green thinking, new pathways: how China's ancient wisdom is scaling up Nature-based Solutions. ecns.cn "If you look back in the 20th century, a lot of the conservation thinking and leadership was more Western," Maginnis said, seated in the shade of a tree. | "I'm convinced that we're seeing a real shift to global leadership coming from this region, and particularly from China." The shift, in the eyes of Maginnis, one of the architects of the global NbS concept, transcends money or measurable environmental improvements. More important is that "China is bringing in really much-needed new conceptual framings for how we will undertake conservation on a planet with nearly 10 billion people."
(2026-08-21). Xi congratulates Hichilema on re-election as Zambian president. ecns.cn Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday congratulated Hakainde Hichilema on his re-election as president of Zambia.
(2026-08-21). Beijing's Jan—July exports hit record high. ecns.cn Beijing region posted goods trade of 2.12 trillion yuan ($293.6 billion) in the first seven months of 2026, up 16.3% yearonyear, Beijing Customs said Thursday.
(2026-08-21). UNESCO chief reaffirms support for Lebanon, announces assistance. ecns.cn The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has increased its targeted assistance for emergency education response and recovery in Lebanon to 1.8 million U.S. dollars, as the organization's Director-General, Khaled El-Enany, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the country during his first official visit.
(2026-08-21). Xinjiang foreign trade grows 4.4% as trade with Africa more than doubles. ecns.cn Foreign trade in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region reached 335.22 billion yuan ($49.9 billion) in the first seven months of 2026, up 4.4% year on year, according to Urumqi Customs. In July alone, the region's foreign trade surged 70.4% from a year earlier.
(2026-08-21). Syrian Kurds announce completion of civil, military integration with Damascus. al-monitor.com The integration of the Kurdish administration within Syria's state institutions is now complete, Syrian Kurdish leader Mazloum Abdi said on Thursday, marking the end of the Kurds' long-held dream of autonomy. | The announcement follows months of negotiations between the two sides after a January agreement that called for the full integration of Kurdish civil and military institutions into the state ⚪ a move Washington deemed "historic".
(2026-08-21). Spain: Humanitarian and Rights Crisis in Ceuta. hrw.org Click to expand Image | Two of the migrants and asylum seekers who swam to Ceuta in July 2026, walk on Trampolín beach, August 2026. | © 2026 José Antonio Sempere Gálvez for Human Rights Watch | (Milan) — The Spanish government and local authorities in its North African enclave Ceuta should act urgently to provide adequate shelter to all migrants and asylum seekers living unsheltered since entering Ceuta from Morocco at the end of July, Human Rights Watch said today. The authorities should provide the opportunity to apply for asylum for those who want to."Thousands of people have been in the streets…
(2026-08-21). The drive to dictatorship and the political radicalization in the United States. wsws.org "The drive to dictatorship and the political radicalization in the United States" is the second of six resolutions adopted unanimously by the Ninth National Congress of the Socialist Equality Party (US).
(2026-08-21). "The state has to make a precedent that no worker will rise" : Interview with a defender of victimized workers in Noida, India. wsws.org The WSWS spoke to a defender of the Noida workers about the Uttar Pradesh government's repression campaign of frame-ups, custodial torture and NSA detentions against labour activists. This is a part of a ruthless effort to make an example of those who dare to fight for a living wage.
(2026-08-21). Tyson Foods shutters beef plants in Illinois and Utah, eliminating 3,200 jobs. wsws.org Since 2023, Tyson has shut down six chicken plants, a pork plant in Perry, Iowa, a beef plant in Lexington, Nebraska, and several other sites—cutting over 10,000 jobs.
(2026-08-21). On the 86th anniversary of the assassination of Leon Trotsky. wsws.org Eighty-six years after Trotsky's assassination and 90 years after the Moscow Trials, the ideals of the October Revolution Trotsky fought to preserve and expand are finding a growing audience around the world.
(2026-08-21). Jaffna fishermen protest against bottom trawling, Tamil nationalists divert anger along communal lines. wsws.org Fishermen in northern Sri Lanka must unite with workers and poor fishers across the country and in India, who face the same struggle against big fishing corporations.
(2026-08-21). A case of political sabotage: Duncan Chapel's filthy provocation against imprisoned Ukrainian socialist Bogdan Syrotiuk. wsws.org A member of the British section of the Pabloites is acting as a political provocateur on behalf of the Ukrainian regime and NATO.
(2026-08-21). China's Pingyao International Photography Festival draws nearly 20,000 works from over 2,600 photographers. ecns.cn More than 2,600 photographers from 34 countries and regions and 21 Chinese provinces have registered for the 26th Pingyao International Photography Festival, which will open on Sept. 19 in the ancient city of Pingyao in north China's Shanxi Province, organizers said Thursday.
(2026-08-21). U.S. sanctions 10 individuals for 'transferring cash' to Hezbollah. ecns.cn The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said Thursday it has imposed sanctions on 10 individuals that are "part of a network responsible for transferring cash" to Hezbollah.
(2026-08-21). 10,000-square-meter 'Robot Consumer Street' debuts in Beijing. ecns.cn A nearly 10,000squaremeter "Robot Consumer Street" opened Wednesday at the 2026 World Robot Conference in Beijing's EconomicTechnological Development Area, featuring more than 20 leading robotics companies.
(2026-08-21). Chinese Culture Carnival opens in London. ecns.cn The 2026 Chinese Culture Carnival launched Thursday in London's Chinatown, offering immersive workshops to connect BritishChinese youth with their heritage.
(2026-08-21). China's GAC enters Ghanaian market with new range of automobiles. ecns.cn Chinese automaker Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (GAC) has officially launched its brand onto the Ghanaian market, unveiling a fleet of its latest sophisticated automobiles for the local market.
(2026-08-21). General Motors Mexico workers defend Bogdan Syrotiuk and support Will Lehman's campaign. wsws.org Workers at the General Motors complex in Silao, Guanajuato have issued statements demanding the freedom of the Ukrainian socialist Bogdan Syrotiuk, supporting the campaign of socialist autoworker Will Lehman for president of the United Auto Workers.
(2026-08-21). Hong Kong launches 2026 ASEAN Film Festival. ecns.cn The 2026 ASEAN Film Festival kicked off in Hong Kong on Thursday. It features over 30 free screenings at multiple local venues through to Sept. 27.
(2026-08-21). US says it will impose sanctions in on Iran. al-monitor.com By Jana Choukeir and Susan HeaveyDUBAI/WASHINGTON, Aug 21 (Reuters) – U.S. Treasury chief Scott Bessent said the United States will impose "the toughest sanctions in history" on Iran, a move he suggested would lessen the need for new major military operations.Bessent's comments on Thursday followed President Donald Trump's threat a day earlier of "Economic Warfare" and warning of economic consequences against any country that provided "any type of lifeline to Iran." Bessent promised details next week.
(2026-08-21). No principles in the firearms policies of political parties. onlineopinion.com.au As most sporting shooters are well aware, the major parties have little to no interest in the shooting sports.
(2026-08-21). Hundreds of Tunisians protest against government, water shortages. al-monitor.com Hundreds of Tunisians on Thursday demonstrated in the capital against President Kais Saied and issues including power cuts and drinking water shortages. | Protesters held up signs complaining of "thirst" and "darkness", in reference to an ongoing scarcity of drinking water and major electricity outages as the country grapples with high temperatures.
(2026-08-21). Xi'an hosts ISU Junior Grand Prix opening leg. ecns.cn The Xi'an leg of the ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2026/27 officially opened on Thursday, gathering more than 100 young skaters from over 30 countries and regions.
(2026-08-21). Bessent's bond market intervention falls flat as turbulence continues. wsws.org Analysts described the decision by the Treasury to lift its buybacks of long-term debt as a "band-aid solution" and focused on the rise in US debt, which passed the $40 trillion mark this week.
(2026-08-21). Deja Vu all over again, from Vietnam to Iran. juancole.com ( And if you had told me, at age 24, when I
(2026-08-21). CENTRESTAGE to showcase 270 fashion brands to Hong Kong. ecns.cn CENTRESTAGE, Hong Kong's annual fashion showcase, will return to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from Sept. 2 to 5, bringing together around 270 brands from 24 countries and regions and featuring more than 30 fashion shows.
(2026-08-21). Breakfast shop owner's gesture to child with cancer sparks wave of giving. ecns.cn A breakfast shop owner in Hefei, Anhui Province, quietly slipped 100 yuan ($15) and two cups of soy milk into a food delivery order Monday after learning it was for a child undergoing chemotherapy. The act quickly went viral, inspiring pay-it-forward orders and nationwide support.
(2026-08-21). State takeover of Fort Worth ISD leads to 800 resignations, 569% increase in uncertified teachers. wsws.org The Texas state government, as with state and local governments across the country controlled by both parties, is engaged in a huge attack on public education.
(2026-08-21). Chinese modernization offers insights for development paths, says senior Tajik official. ecns.cn Chinese modernization, a senior Tajik politician has argued, has charted a path distinct from the Western model ⚪ one that offers valuable experience for developing countries seeking a route to modernization suited to their own conditions.
(2026-08-21). RMB strengthens to 6.7808 against USD Thursday. ecns.cn The central parity rate of the Chinese currency yuan strengthened 46 pips to 6.7808 against the U.S. dollar Thursday, according to the China Foreign Exchange Trade System.
(2026-08-21). US Treasury issues Hezbollah sanctions, labels group Iran-linked. al-monitor.com The sanctions target couriers ferrying Hezbollah funds on commercial flights across the region.
(2026-08-21). Turkey signals restraint as war of words with Israel escalates over Syria. al-monitor.com The Turkish president's top communications aide says Ankara will not be drawn into the Israeli government's "games" as Washington pushes a Turkey-Israel-Syria deconfliction mechanism.
(2026-08-21). Chinese milk tea brands win over young consumers around the world. ecns.cn Chinese modern tea brands such as Mixue Ice Cream & Tea and CHAGEE are rapidly expanding overseas and gaining popularity among young consumers around the world. From Southeast and Central Asia to the Americas, long queues outside Chinese tea shops are becoming an increasingly common sight.
(2026-08-21). Smedley Butler Blazed Path for U.S. Empire at Turn of 20th Century, Then He Became Ardent Critic of Gangster Capitalism. covertactionmagazine.com That tension—between the ideal of the United States as a leading champion of democracy on the one hand and a leading destroyer of democracy on the other—remains the often-unacknowledged fault line running through American politics today. — Jonathan M. Katz, Gangsters of Capitalism: Smedley Butler, the Marines, and the Making and Breaking of America's Empire [1] …
(2026-08-21). WSWS readers and left press in Türkiye demand the release of Bogdan Syrotiuk. wsws.org WSWS readers in Türkiye are calling on the court to release Bogdan. The 15-year prison sentence handed down against the 27-year-old socialist and opponent of war is also being covered in the left-wing press.
(2026-08-21). China adds Kyrgyzstan, Vietnam to 240-hour visa-free transit program, raising total covered countries to 57. ecns.cn China has expanded its 240-hour visa-free transit policy to citizens of Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam, bringing the number of countries covered by the policy to 57, according to the National Immigration Administration (NIA) on Wednesday.
(2026-08-21). China, UAE to hold Falcon Shield 2026 joint air force training. ecns.cn The air forces of China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will hold the "Falcon Shield 2026" joint training in Hotan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense said on Friday.
(2026-08-21). China regains top spot among Germany's trading partners in H1. ecns.cn China remained Germany's largest trading partner in the first half of 2026, with bilateral trade reaching 125.5 billion euros ($146.8 billion), according to data released by the German Federal Statistical Office on Wednesday.
(2026-08-21). Imperial nostalgia: afghanistan after five years of Taliban rule. onlineopinion.com.au The lesson scrawled and etched across the neglected covers of history books suggests one mighty, consistent rule: never invade Afghanistan.
(2026-08-21). Australia: Allied health workers strike against Victorian Labor's deepening cuts. wsws.org August 11 was the second 24-hour strike by the radiographers, physiotherapists, podiatrists, pharmacists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists and other health professionals, in a 10-month enterprise bargaining dispute with the state government.
(2026-08-21). Diesel: The Netanyahu-Trump War on Iran Threatens Shortages, Price Spike. juancole.com
(2026-08-20). Palestinian theologian warns against trusting Israel over Hind, medics killings probe. asiapacificreport.nz 
Asia Pacific Report Palestinian Christian theologian Reverend Munther Isaac, the director of the Bethlehem Institute for Peace and Justice, has questioned the Israeli military's announcement that it will investigate the killing of Hind Rajab and other Palestinians in the Gaza genocide. After two years of denial, Israel has officially admitted firing on the 5-year-old's car…
(2026-08-20). Trump warns of economic consequences for any country that supports Iran. al-monitor.com By Kanishka Singh and Parisa HafeziWASHINGTON/DUBAI, Aug 20 (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump warned of economic consequences against any country that provided "any type of lifeline to Iran" as the U.S. looks to resolve a war it began alongside Israel nearly six months ago.Thousands of people have been killed in the war, which quickly drew in countries across the Gulf, and global markets have been shocked as Iran flexed its ability to control shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of the world's traded oil passed before February.
(2026-08-20). Trump vows economic costs on Iran partners. al-monitor.com US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he was launching a major new campaign to target Iran's economy, threatening "tremendous" punishment on any country that helps or does business with the Islamic republic. | The intensified economic pressure campaign comes as the war nears its sixth month with no immediate diplomatic or military off-ramp in sight and the vital Strait of Hormuz still significantly choked-off.
(2026-08-20). United States Meddling In Brazilian Elections. popularresistance.org The United States is interfering in the Brazilian presidential elections, pressuring the Brazilian electorate into voting for right-wing candidate Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of disgraced former president, Jair Bolsonaro. If that does not work and President Lula da Silva secures a fourth term in office, the groundwork is already being laid for a potential military intervention. From sanctions and economic warfare, to coaching influencers and journalists on how best to attack the left-wing government, the Trump administration is doing everything it can to overthrow Lula.
(2026-08-20). ICC Condemns US Sanctions As 'Flagrant Attack' On Judicial Independence. popularresistance.org The International Criminal Court (ICC) on 19 August strongly denounced US punitive sanctions against ICC President Tomoko Akane and Senior Trial Lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, calling them a "flagrant attack" on global judicial independence. | "These sanctions are a flagrant attack against the independence of an impartial judicial institution which operates pursuant to the mandate conferred by its States Parties from across regions," the global tribunal said. | The ICC's statement warned that the international legal order itself is placed at risk when judicial officers are punished for applying international law, and tha…
(2026-08-20). How Finland Destroyed Itself For NATO. popularresistance.org Finland, often known as the happiest country in the world, now has the highest unemployment rate in Europe, demand for food aid has exploded by more than 70%, and homelessness, which had been declining for more than ten years, has increased 34% in just two years. Conditions in the country are so bad that almost 20% of Finland's population is now considered at risk of poverty, | Once considered the standard bearer for the good life, for competent governance and a strong social state, Finland is unravelling at warp speed. What has gone wrong so quickly? | In three words, NATO, austerity and Russophobia.
(2026-08-20). How Iran Staved Off Economic Collapse Despite The US-Israeli War. popularresistance.org Nearly six months after the U.S. and Israel launched an operation to overthrow the Iranian government, it's fair to say their assault hasn't exactly gone according to plan. Still, the ensuing war has followed a clear, predictable logic. | After decades of sanctions failed to persuade Iranians to overthrow the regime, Israel and the U.S. resorted to war; after that failed too, they turned to a naval blockade. Each escalation has had an impact, adding to the misery of life in Iran, but so far each has missed its ultimate target: forcing a surrender. | The military stalemate has once again turned attention to the ec…
(2026-08-20). Mississippi Transit Workers Strike For Better Protections And Service. popularresistance.org Mississippi has the highest poverty rate in the U.S., and is a "right-to-work" state with only 4 percent of its workers in unions. But since July 13, Highway 80 near Jackson has been lined by chanting picketers. They're on strike at JTRAN, the city's public transit system. | Around 1,000 people rely on JTRAN's services daily, and Transit (ATU) Local 1208 represents its 80 bus operators, mechanics, cleaners, and customer service representatives. | The service is operated by MV Transportation, the largest private transportation company in North America and a consistent foe of the union. JTRAN workers went on a two-…
(2026-08-20). Why Tenant Unions Are Spreading Across College Campuses. popularresistance.org Alva Yanowitz spent much of her freshman year sick with a mysterious illness. She was tired all the time, with a sore throat and cough that wouldn't go away. | In late spring, Yanowitz ran a mold test in her dorm room at the University of Vermont (UVM), which she says came back positive. She figured it was too late to report the problem to the university, but as soon as she moved out of the room, she says, "my symptoms went away." | Spooked by the experience, Yanowitz later joined the UVM Student Tenant Union, a group spotlighting poor housing conditions on campus. Last fall, the group solici…
(2026-08-20). De La Espriella Ends Colombia's Peace Policy. popularresistance.org In his first week in office, despite fumbling the response to the devastating earthquake, Abelardo De la Espriella made good on his promise to end the state policy of promoting peace and launch military actions against armed groups in the country. | Beginning on August 9, the Armed Forces launched an offensive in which, according to the Army, four members of the FARC dissident group were killed in Meta, and two others from the Clan del Golfo were killed in Antioquia. Between August 10 and 11, in Catatumbo, authorities reported the deaths of two ELN members, as well as the destruction of two bunkers and five camps…
(2026-08-20). Is Donald Trump Good for the Korean Peninsula? nationofchange.org 
North Korea ultimately prefers the predictability of Russia and China to the unreliability of the United States.
(2026-08-20). The US Is Pressuring China to Adopt Economic War Against Iran. news.antiwar.com Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent called on China to help enforce President Donald Trump's economic war on Iran. Trump announced the escalating sanctions against Iran in a Truth Social post on Wednesday. "No one has given the Islamic Republic of Iran a greater opportunity to make a Deal than me. TRAGICALLY, for them, they …
(2026-08-20). Factbox-Trump threatens to isolate Iran. Who are its trading partners? al-monitor.com DUBAI, Aug 20 (Reuters) – A threat by U.S. President Donald Trump to impose unprecedented economic warfare and isolation on Iran could have implications for countries that trade with it. Trump warned of economic consequences for any country that supports Iran.Here are some of Iran's main trading partners in recent years: CHINAChina, the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, could face additional pressures from the U.S. over its purchases if Trump follows through on his promise.
(2026-08-20). Russian Universities Intensify India Outreach as MBBS Aspirants Explore Overseas Options. infobrics.org Senior academic leaders, including deputy directors, deans and international office representatives from participating universities, counselled students on pursuing medical education in Russia…
(2026-08-20). ADC files federal lawsuit against DHS and CBP over unconstitutional targeting of Max Blumenthal. thegrayzone.com The ADC is suing DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin over the government's seizure and attempted forensic search of Max Blumenthal's phones after returned from a reporting trip to Iran. The lawsuit accuses the government of not only violating his Fourth Amendment rights, but of retaliating against him for his journalism and constitutionally protected opinions. Laura Loomer has boasted of lobbying top Trump officials to imprison Blumenthal, and effectively took credit for the seizure of his devices. Was federal law enforcement weaponized …
(2026-08-20). Saudi Arabia will be unable to contain Yemen's Houthis: IRGC. tribune.com.pk 
Iran's Revolutionary Guards have warned that Saudi Arabia will not be able to contain the Houthis in Yemen as the rebels ramp up attacks on the kingdom, AFP reported. | "Saudi Arabia will certainly be unable to contain Yemen and Ansarullah or remain safe from their attacks," Guards spokesman Hossein Mohebi told Defa Press, using another name for the Houthis. | "As we have seen in recent days, the more Saudi Arabia attacks, the more it is hit in return." | Iran's Araghchi says Trump's threats a 'diversion' from US debt, surging interest costs | Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called US President Donald…
(2026-08-20). Oil gains on Middle East supply concerns amid impasse in US-Iran war. tribune.com.pk 
Oil prices climbed on Thursday on concerns the impasse in the US-Israeli war against Iran will continue to disrupt supply from the key Middle Eastern producing region and tighten global supplies. | Brent crude futures for October delivery rose 26 cents, or 0.28%, to $91.87 a barrel by 0439 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures for September added 17 cents to $86 a barrel. The more-active October WTI contract gained 12 cents, or 0.13%, to $89.91. | Both Brent and WTI benchmarks gained ‚Å for a fifth straight session on Thursday, having se…
(2026-08-20). Even a Radioactive Time Bomb Is Right Twice a Presidential Term. worldbeyondwar.org 
By refusing to take part in waging war on the people of Iran, the South Korean government obtained something else favored by many of the people of South Korea: at long last a reduction in U.S. war rehearsals and hostility toward North Korea. #WorldBEYONDWar…
(2026-08-20). Iraq seeks special Hormuz access from Iran in scramble to keep oil flowing. al-monitor.com As Iran's parliament speaker holds talks in Baghdad, Iraq has asked Tehran for special consideration for its oil exports.
(2026-08-20). A Closer Look at Iran's Hardliner-Reform Divide. moderndiplomacy.eu The hardliner—pragmatist divide is a useful analytical framework for understanding the main disagreement over the war, but the reality of power within the Islamic Republic (IR) is more layered. Actors who find themselves on the same side of the debate over negotiations do not necessarily share the same interests or priorities on security, economic policy, …
(2026-08-20). The Army That Can't Do the One Thing It's Been Asked To Do. moderndiplomacy.eu Three villages. That is the full extent of Lebanese Armed Forces control under the "pilot zone" framework that Washington brokered in June — Zawtar Al Gharbiyeh, Srifa, and Froun, all of them in the strip of southern Lebanon that Israeli forces had already emptied and, in places, flattened. Two months on, Lebanese officers meeting Israeli …
(2026-08-20). China urges South Korea not to take sides, blames US policy for Korea tensions. tribune.com.pk 
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged South Korea not to take sides between Beijing and Washington, saying the US should abandon its "hostile" policy toward North Korea to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula. | Wang made the remarks in a meeting with South Korea's National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac in Seoul on Thursday, Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported, where he also met South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. | "The fundamental solution to the tensions on the Korean Peninsula lies in addressing the root causes of the problem &sb…
(2026-08-20). Journalists shut out as Barclays activists face terror sentencing. thecanary.co 
A number of journalists have been denied remote access to a judge's hearing on whether he will sentence a group of anti-genocide activists as terrorists. The 'Barclays 5' activists will appear at Preston Crown Court tomorrow to find out whether the state will punish them as terrorists despite them being convicted only of criminal damage […] | By
(2026-08-20). Geopolitical fractures and the Marxist critique of imperialism. links.org.au 
Alex Callinicos shows how the Marxist critique of imperialism can encompass aspects of the present conjuncture that liberalism and realism cannot account for, above all, the genocide in Gaza and fracturing of the 'global West'.
(2026-08-20). Bessent Says He Doesn't "Understand" Oil Price Spike After Trump War Escalation. truthout.org Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed confusion as to why crude oil prices rose on Thursday, hours after Donald Trump threatened yet another escalation against Iran nearly six months into the war that has thrown global oil markets into chaos. Speaking to reporters, Bessent brought up the rise in oil prices as he discussed the muted effect of the Treasury Department's surprise bond… |
(2026-08-20). U.S. persists in harassing Cuba with sanctions against nine entities. radiohc.cu The US State Department on Thursday announced sanctions against three individuals and nine Cuban companies and entities in the escalating harassment and maximum pressure campaign by the Donald Trump administration against the island. | Those affected by these new measures from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the Treasury Department are associated with the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), previously sanctioned by the current administration. | Now the sanctions extend to ICAP President Fernando González, the organization's First Vice President Noemí Rabaza, and its Director for…
(2026-08-20). Díaz-Canel leads award ceremony for outstanding Federation of Cuban Women members. radiohc.cu Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, attended the awards ceremony for members of the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC) on its 66th anniversary. | The ceremony paid tribute to the legacy of Vilma Espín and the centenary of the birth of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz. | The Cuban president bestowed the Honorary Title of Heroine of Labor of the Republic upon women in recognition of their extraordinary revolutionary and professional careers spanning more than five decades of dedication to the organization and the country.
(2026-08-20). Trump Administration Boost Sanctions on Cuba. news.antiwar.com The Trump administration is increasing sanctions on Cuba, in the form of new economic penalties for Cuban industries as well as expanding enforcement of laws that bar Americans who visit the island from dealings with government-owned or -affiliated businesses. The penalties, which were announced Thursday by the Treasury and State Departments, are aimed at 10 …
(2026-08-20). Pledge of Solidarity with the Cuban Revolution: "We Refuse to Back Down!" wibailoutpeople.org 
Please see below for this collective statement and pledge of solidarity in defense of the Cuban Revolution and Cuba solidarity. If your organization would like to sign onto the pledge, please do so here: form.jotform.com/262307102888155 A link can be found here. For more than six decades, the United States has pursued an illegal and inhumane blockade against …
(2026-08-20). Sismo de magnitud 7.2 sacude la región Ayacucho, Perú. cubadebate.cu Un sismo de magnitud 7,2 sacudió este jueves 20 de agosto a la 1: 00 p. m. (hora local) el sur de Perú. El epicentro se ubicó a 35 km al norte de Coracora (Ayacucho), con una profundidad de 108 km, según el IGP. El movimiento telúrico se sintió en varias regiones, incluida Lima.
(2026-08-20). Cuba en Datos: Claves para entender la dinámica demográfica de 2025. cubadebate.cu El dato es contundente y no admite matices: Cuba perdió 313 414 habitantes entre 2024 y 2025. La población efectiva se estableció en 9 434 593 personas, y la tendencia, lejos de frenarse, se profundiza desde 2021 con una tasa de crecimiento de -32,7 por mil habitantes.
(2026-08-20). Gobierno español traslada a 1.700 migrantes a campamentos temporales ante crisis en Ceuta. cubadebate.cu Un operativo coordinado por la Policía Nacional permitió este jueves el desplazamiento de aproximadamente 1.700 personas migrantes desde los asentamientos informales de la playa de El Trampolín, en la ciudad autónoma de Ceuta, hacia instalaciones de acogida temporal.
(2026-08-20). Deuda de Estados Unidos supera por primera vez los 40 billones de dólares: øse aproxima una crisis fiscal? cubadebate.cu La deuda nacional de EE.UU. superó este miércoles por primera vez en la historia los 40 billones de dólares, según datos del Departamento del Tesoro. La cifra supone prácticamente el doble de los 19,95 billones registrados en 2017, cuando Donald Trump inició su primer mandato en la Casa Blanca.
(2026-08-20). Consejo de Estado aprueba cuatro nuevos decretos leyes y evalúa transformaciones económicas y sociales. cubadebate.cu El Consejo de Estado aprobó este miércoles cuatro nuevos decretos leyes y analizó acciones para fortalecer la participación popular y la implementación de las transformaciones económicas y sociales en los municipios.
(2026-08-20). Sobre la cancha: Un goleador de comics. cubadebate.cu En el siglo XXI hemos tenido la posibilidad de grabar en nuestras retinas a varios goleadores implacables. Grandes porteros han sufrido al tener frente a frente en el área esas figuras cuya única obsesión es llevar hacia a las redes la otrora blanquinegra. No es necesario mentar nombres. Ahora, quizás un grupo no menor deje atrás en su lista al gabonés Pierre Emerick Aubameyang.
(2026-08-20). Asociación Italia-Cuba destina 65 000 euros a proyectos de salud y energía en apoyo al pueblo cubano. cubadebate.cu La Asociación Nacional de Amistad Italia-Cuba destinó durante agosto 65 000 euros a iniciativas de apoyo al pueblo cubano, como parte de las donaciones recaudadas entre sus colaboradores. Los fondos permitirán adquirir medicamentos oncológicos, glucómetros y tiras reactivas, además de paneles solares y baterías para el Hospital Pediátrico Docente Cerro.
(2026-08-20). China marca un hito espacial al dominar dos vías de recuperación de cohetes orbitales (+ Video). cubadebate.cu China se convirtió en el primer país en dominar dos métodos distintos para recuperar cohetes orbitales, tras lograr el aterrizaje controlado del ZQ‚Äë3 y sumar esta vía tecnológica al sistema de captura mediante red del Long March 10B. El éxito de la misión, que incluyó la puesta en órbita del satélite Honghu‚Äë03 y la recuperación suave de la primera etapa del Zhuque‚Äë3, marca un avance clave para el programa espacial comercial chino.
(2026-08-20). Israel admits to firing at 5-Year-Old Hind Rajab's car in Gaza? 2024 killing takes shocking new turn. hindustantimes.com Israel's military has opened a criminal investigation into the 2024 killing of five-year-old Palestinian Hind Rajab, acknowledging that its forces fired at the vehicle carrying her family. The admission marks a major development in a case that drew global attention after Hind survived the initial attack and was later found dead alongside family members and rescue paramedics.
(2026-08-20). Australia summons Israeli ambassador over World Central Kitchen strike: What to know. al-monitor.com Australia has summoned Israeli Ambassador Hillel Newman after the Israeli military decided not to open a criminal investigation into the killing of one Australian and six other World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza in 2024.
(2026-08-20). Israel builds execution chamber for Palestinian prisoners as Ben-Gvir threatens assassinations in Gaza. wsws.org The Israeli government is building an execution facility to hang Palestinian prisoners, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced Tuesday in a statement from his office. In video released from the site—a prison in central Israel that his office did not name—Ben-Gvir walks through the wing being built for condemned prisoners and says "gallows will be erected" there.
(2026-08-20). Europe's Israel Dilemma: Security for Israel, Rights for Palestinians. thinktank.pk The latest diplomatic confrontation between Israel and Europe signals a significant change in the way major European powers are approaching the Gaza war. France and Germany have strongly condemned remarks by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who called for Israel to kill "30 or 40" people in Gaza every night. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noà´l …
(2026-08-20). US provides $206 million for Gaza force despite deadlocked peace plan. al-monitor.com By Humeyra PamukWASHINGTON, Aug 19 (Reuters) – President Donald Trump's administration has told Congress it is sending more than $206 million for a proposed Gaza peacekeeping force, the first significant funding for the stalled U.S. plan to rebuild the devastated enclave.
(2026-08-20). Wednesday 8/26: Power Half-Hour for Gaza. indybay.org Zoom | http: //jvp.org/gazaph…
(2026-08-20). of Gaza seed bank rebuilds after wartime destruction. al-monitor.com From a small makeshift tent in the central Gaza Strip, a dedicated team works to carefully store and document some of the war-shattered territory's most precious commodities: local seeds. | Shelves of unassuming plastic tubs line the walls of the Al Qarara Seed Bank, each holding indigenous seeds seen as a way of reviving Gaza's devastated farming sector and preserving its agricultural heritage.
(2026-08-20). From Gaza to Trump, the Age of "Big Security" is Here. juancole.com ( But the problem is not simply Netanyahu, and it would be naive to think that his departure would necessarily lead to a different Israeli approach to Palestine. | Take…
(2026-08-20). Amputee children learn to swim after losing limbs in Israel's war on Gaza. aljazeera.com Amputee children in Gaza are learning to swim as part of a programme helping them rebuild confidence and mobility.
(2026-08-20). Australia summons Israeli ambassador over Gaza aid worker death. al-monitor.com By Renju JoseSYDNEY, Aug 20 (Reuters) – Australia summoned Israel's ambassador on Thursday and expressed outrage at a decision by its military not to pursue criminal proceedings over the death of an Australian aid worker in a 2024 airstrike in Gaza.The Israeli military said on Wednesday it had found no basis to investigate the killings of seven aid workers with the World Central Kitchen charity, including Australian Zomi Frankcom, after a fact-finding and assessment procedure.
(2026-08-20). Sunday 9/20: Paws: A Benefit for the Sulala Animal Rescue in Gaza. indybay.org Berkeley Animal Rights Center – 2414 Sixth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710…
(2026-08-20). Venezuela's GDP Grows 7.14% in Second Quarter, Marking 21 Consecutive Quarters of Expansion. orinocotribune.com Caracas ( The Venezuelan monetary authority reported via social media this Tuesday, August 18, that during the second quarter, the oil sector saw a notable expansion of 9.10%. Meanwhile, the non-oil sector register…
(2026-08-20). Rain delays start of second day's play in England-Pakistan opener. tribune.com.pk 
England's bid to strengthen their grip on the first Test against Pakistan was halted by bad weather as rain delayed the scheduled 1000 GMT start of the second day's play at Headingley on Thursday. | The hosts were well-placed at 112-2, 59 runs behind, after skittling out Pakistan for just 171 in their first innings on Wednesday. | This is England's first Test match since the international retirement of former captain Ben Stokes and the sacking of fellow Bazball architect Brendon McCullum as their red-ball coach. | Joe Root, at the start of his second stint as full-time England captain, was 37 not out, with Jor…
(2026-08-20). AI Superintelligence Is Not a Tool, It's an Adversary Threatening Humanity: ControlAI's Connor Leahy. democracynow.org 
Sixty-nine-year-old Wynd Kaufmyn, a retired teacher from Berkeley, California, is believed to be the first person imprisoned for protesting the development of artificial intelligence, after she and other members of the group StopAI were arrested during a sit-in protest at the headquarters of OpenAI. Democracy Now! reached Kaufmyn at the San Francisco County Jail, where she is now serving a two-week sentence for charges including "interfering with a business." Kaufmyn says she participated in the protest because "this technology is fueling a dystopian level of surveillance. It's fueling a f…
(2026-08-20). Australian anger as Israel drops World Central Kitchen deaths case. aljazeera.com Australia has summoned the Israeli ambassador in anger over the country's decision not to pursue criminal proceedings.
(2026-08-20). Father and son shot by Israeli forces as settlers overrun Hebron. thecanary.co 
The Palestinian city of Hebron has been the target of another Israeli military excursion. Occupation personnel flooded into the Old City to roll out the proverbial red carpet for "settler tours" in the southern West Bank city — a coloniser gathering held on Shabbat that compounds the terror Palestinian residents experience in Hebron, one of […] | By
(2026-08-20). Postal Workers convention opening resembles revival meeting. peoplesworld.org 
LOS ANGELES—When…
(2026-08-20). Exclusive: Pentagon sends 'political loyalty' survey to US allies. aljazeera.com In a questionnaire, the Pentagon presented a list of questions to 31 NATO allies to determine 'loyalty' to the US.
(2026-08-20). Sunday 8/30: Meet Scott Wiener: grill and thrill. indybay.org Notable House | 189 Ellsworth St. | San Francisco…
(2026-08-20). Who Won Last Night's Debate Between Nithya Raman and Karen Bass? lataco.com The homeowners of the San Fernando Valley may have been the real winners in the end. Here are our thoughts.
(2026-08-20). China's international air cargo demand gains momentum in July. ecns.cn International markets continued to be a major growth driver for China's air cargo sector in July, supported by strong demand from cross-border e-commerce and the AI hardware industry, according to the Air Logistics Branch of the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing on Thursday.
(2026-08-20). Whistleblower: Politics drove Trump Admin. University "Antisemitism" Inquiries. juancole.com By Chris Walker | This article was originally published by For some of the inquiries, "there was little to no factual predicate justifying opening them," the complaint states. | A whistleblower complaint submitted to Congress this week alleges that Department of Justice (DOJ) investigations into supposed instances of antisemitism at Ivy League universities were done so for political reasons, as the Trump administration sought to compel schools into agreeing to settlements that involved…
(2026-08-20). Saturday 8/22: Hikers for Palestine: Walking in Solidarity with the Children of Palestine. indybay.org Berkeley Marina, Seabreeze Parking lot at 598 University Ave…
(2026-08-20). Wildfire Is General Atomics' Successor To The MQ-9 Reaper. twz.com 
(2026-08-20). China to revise regulations on housing provident fund management. ecns.cn Chinese Premier Li Qiang has signed a State Council decree publicizing a decision to revise the Regulations on Management of Housing Provident Fund, which will take effect on Sept. 20, 2026.
(2026-08-20). "Our Guns Make the Violence That People Are Fleeing" : Ieva Jusionyte on Guns Violence in Mexico. publicbooks.org "I was already there, and I was already an ethnographer. I was interested in borders as sites of state violence. I became very curious and I thought I would like to follow the guns south."
(2026-08-20). PTA, Google sign agreement to make digital platforms safer for children. tribune.com.pk 
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Google on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen child online safety and promote safer use of digital platforms, according to a press release issued by PTA. | The MoU comes days after Google opened its first office in Pakistan, with the company saying the move reflected its confidence in the country's digital future and talent. Google has also partnered with the government on digital-skilling programmes and other initiatives supporting developers, startups, gaming, hardware manufacturing and online safety. | Under the agreement, the…
(2026-08-20). Our Best Look At China's New Y-15 Turboprop Airlifter. twz.com 
China's new A new inflight view of the Y-15. via Chinese internet | New imagery provides a much better…
(2026-08-20). China Q&A | From Dujiangyan to Haizhu: how an ancient philosophy is reshaping global conservation. ecns.cn In this episode of China Q&A, we bring together Stewart Maginnis, deputy director general of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and Luo Ming, a research fellow at China's Ministry of Natural Resources, to explore how China's ancient idea of "harmony between humanity and nature" is being translated into real-world solutions for a planet in crisis.
(2026-08-20). Could Syria Become the Next Flashpoint Between Turkey and Israel? moderndiplomacy.eu Tensions between Israel and Turkey over Syria are escalating after Israel struck the Abu al-Duhur airbase earlier this week, warning that it would not accept a Turkish military presence at the site. Israel said Syria was close to allowing Turkish forces to deploy at the base, which it argued would threaten Israeli security and violate …
(2026-08-20). 2026 World Robot Conference opens in Beijing. ecns.cn Themed "Human-Robot Symbiosis, Production-Demand Convergence," the 2026 edition of the conference kicked off here on Wednesday.
(2026-08-20). This Is The New Blackbeard 'Cheap' Hypersonic Weapon. twz.com 
Castelion, a startup begun by former SpaceX employees, has provided the first view of its
(2026-08-20). Free Health Screenings Come to San Canal Neighborhood, Aug. 24—25. indybay.org Canal Alliance and MiSalud Health team up to offer free blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol checks — and a caring first step toward mental health support — in Spanish and English…
(2026-08-20). Korea Varsity Researchers Develop Electromagnetically Controllable Gene Switch. ummid.com A team of researchers at Dongguk University, South Korea has developed a novel electromagnetic field (EMF) responsive gene switch which represents a powerful non-invasive platform for gene research and therapy.
(2026-08-20). China's new travel experiences win over foreign visitors. ecns.cn China's inbound tourism is gaining momentum this summer, with foreign visitors increasingly looking beyond traditional sightseeing spots to explore new travel experiences across the country.
(2026-08-20). Government welcomes easing of inflation. sanews.gov.za Government welcomes easing of inflation | Government has welcomed the cooling of consumer inflation for the first time in five months, with Statistics South Africa reporting a decline to 4,3% in July from 5,0% in June. | The monthly increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) also moderated to 0,2% in July, down significantly from 0,7% in June. | Government said the decline provides some relief to households and eases pressure on the cost of living. | "Government recognises that many South Africans continue to face significant household financial pressures. While the easing of inflation is positive, Government rem…
(2026-08-20). Friday 9/4: Rally To Stop Chatbots Replacing Workers At Kaiser, Defend Healthcare Workers & Single Pay. indybay.org San Francisco Kaiser Hospital | 2645 Geary Blvd | San Francisco…
(2026-08-20). Jewish anti-Zionist Tony Greenstein takes the stand in 'terror' trial. thecanary.co 
Day three of Tony Greenstein's trial at Kingston Crown Court before Judge Sarah Plaschkes KC saw the defendant take the witness stand. There was significant tension over what evidence the jury was permitted to consider. Judge orders jury to leave court repeatedly Tony Greenstein, a 72-year-old Jewish anti-Zionist, Marxist, and atheist from Brighton, faces charges […] | By
(2026-08-20). US debt at $40 trillion as financial crisis deepens. wsws.org The most revealing feature of the debt mountain is not just its size, significant as that is, but the speed with which it has grown.
(2026-08-20). CSTO, CIS rehearse coordination for border crisis situations. eng.belta.by The CSTO and the CIS have rehearsed coordination in the event of a crisis situation on external border, spokesman for the CSTO Joint Staff Vladislav Shchegrikovich told BelTA.
(2026-08-20). Now Indian expats in Qatar can send remittances via UPI. ummid.com India Post, in collaboration with Qatar Post, the Universal Postal Union's Interconnection Platform (UPU-IP) and NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), has announced availability of the Qatar-India remittance service, PosTransfer powered by UPI.
(2026-08-20). BRICS Playing Key Role Amid Tensions. infobrics.org The BRICS mechanism is more relevant in the current geopolitical environment as a platform to offer alternative solutions…
(2026-08-20). Alexander Isak's dangerous return to St James' Park. thecanary.co 
There are reunions that players relish. Alexander Isak's return to St James' Park on Sunday will not fall into that category. Newcastle supporters will make their feelings known and there is little he can do to influence that. His task is simpler. Concentrate on becoming the player Liverpool believed they were signing, and begin winning […] | By
(2026-08-20). Loved Next Door, Loathed Across The Border: World's Split Verdict on India. ummid.com As India marks 80 years of independence on 15 August 2026, a fresh 36-country Pew survey shows a nation admired in London, Nairobi and Colombo, distrusted in Islamabad and Ankara, and viewed with growing suspicion even in Washington.
(2026-08-20). The Twilight of Wokeness and its causes. strategic-culture.su News emerging from the US, England, and Brazil points to the decline of wokeness | Join us on , , and . | Contact us: | News emerging from…
(2026-08-20). ICRC president: At 77, the Geneva Conventions remain indispensable to humanity and global stability. icrc.org Statement by Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the ICRC, to mark the 77th anniversary of the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 on August 12th.
(2026-08-20). ILWU & Supporters Rally At Superior Court House To Demand "Drop The Charges On Crocket 10" indybay.org Supporters of the Crockett 10 who were arrested at the C&H Crockett picket line on July 21, 2026 rallied at the Richmond Superior Court to demand that the charges be dropped.
(2026-08-20). China's pet insurance market grows 60-fold in five years. ecns.cn China's pet insurance premiums surged from about 50 million yuan ($7.4 million) in 2020 to as much as 3.5 billion yuan in 2025, a 60fold increase, industry data showed.
(2026-08-20). Saturday 8/22: Footprint America: a walking tour. indybay.org meet in the lobby of the American Youth Hostel | 312 Mason Street | San Francisco…
(2026-08-20). Combat the affordability crisis by strengthening distributed clean energy. indybay.org Lawmakers who are veterans, officials and Yetide Badaki will address how we can combat America's affordability crisis by strengthening clean energy security with distributed energy and strong environmental policies that protect people.
(2026-08-20). Brook makes Pakistan pay for dropped catch as England dominate first Test. aljazeera.com England were 366-8 at stumps on a rain-marred second day, 195 runs ahead of Pakistan's meagre first innings of 171.
(2026-08-20). Global Smart Education Conference 2026 held in Beijing. ecns.cn The Global Smart Education Conference 2026 themed "Reimagining Education in the Age of AI: Equity, Quality and Sustainability" was held in Beijing from Tuesday through Thursday, gathering representatives from over 60 countries.
(2026-08-20). Democrats Probe Trump Administration's Fascist Persecution of Left-Wing Groups. truthout.org A group of 27 Congressional Democrats is probing the Trump administration over its campaign to suppress and persecute people with left-wing beliefs under National Security Presidential Memorandum-7 (NSPM-7), demanding that officials divulge the breadth of their shadowy suppression campaign. In a letter led to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent… |
(2026-08-20). Indiana Power Outages: After More Than A Week Without Power, Gary Residents Turn To Social Media For Help. newsone.com 
Source: Raymond Boyd / Getty | The Indiana power outages have now stretched on for more than a week, affecting communities including Gary, Hobart, and several other cities across the region. As residents continue to wait for electricity to return, many are left wondering when their power will finally be restored. For now, the situation across Indiana remains complicated, with restoration timelines varying from one community to another. Notably, Mayor Eddie Melton of Gary, Indiana, declared a local disaster emergency as the city continues to deal with the aftermath of the powerful severe weather event that swep…
(2026-08-20). Barzani calls for enhanced air defense for Kurdistan Region to counter drone attacks. al-monitor.com Iraqi Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani backs US-led regional economic integration efforts and lauds US partnership in an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor.
(2026-08-20). Saturday 8/22: Coffee and Conversation About Reparations. indybay.org Café International, 508 Haight Street near Fillmore SF…
(2026-08-20). Government, pharmaceutical sector to work closer together. sanews.gov.za Government, pharmaceutical sector to work closer together | Government and the pharmaceutical sector have committed to working together to resolve challenges facing the sector. ⚪ This after the Department of Health (DoH), led by Acting Director-General Professor Nicholas Crisp, met with sector leaders on Tuesday. ⚪ The meeting also included senior officials from the Departments of Trade, Industry and Competition; Science, Technology and Innovation; National Treasury; and the Presidency; as well as the Competition Commission; the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and the Medicines Prici…
(2026-08-20). Why abortion opponents are turning their attention to banning surrogacy. nationofchange.org 
Anti-abortion activists and lawmakers in Texas are pressing to limit or even outlaw surrogacy, a new step toward restricting major forms of infertility treatment.
(2026-08-20). Pentagon expands control over universities and threatens academic freedom in US. infobrics.org Washington tries to secure technological edge but risks undermining its competitiveness.
(2026-08-20). Trump threatens 'most crushing' economic warfare, accuses Iran of failing to make deal. ecns.cn U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday what he described as "the most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country."
(2026-08-20). State-backed Israeli settler violence forces West Bank displacement: HRW. aljazeera.com HRW calls for sanctions and suspension of military aid as dozens of Palestinian communities are at risk of erasure.
(2026-08-20). Puerto Rico is rationing water, but many residents stopped trusting the tap long before the drought. nationofchange.org 
Drought and a ruptured pipeline have forced Puerto Rico into revolving water shut-offs. For many people, the disruption started years earlier, as did loss of faith in the utility.
(2026-08-20). Ministerial Task Team on PRASA retrenchments urged to find alternatives. sanews.gov.za Ministerial Task Team on PRASA retrenchments urged to find alternatives | Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has extended the notice period for the retrenchment of employees at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) to allow the Ministerial Task Team more time to explore alternatives. | Of the 580 affected employees, 43 have accepted early retirement packages, while 102 have been matched and placed in identified vacancies across PRASA divisions and departments. | A further 208 Protection Services employees have been ring-fenced pending the conclusion of engagements with Transnet on the transfer of stati…
(2026-08-20). Bangladesh holds presidential election in first contested vote in 35 years. aljazeera.com BNP's Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is pitted against ex-army officer Oli Ahmad, nominee of Jamaat-led 11-party alliance.
(2026-08-20). Chinese FM calls for healthy, stable, sustainable China-S. Korea ties. ecns.cn Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Wednesday that China and South Korea should demonstrate strategic vision and work to ensure the healthy, stable and sustainable development of bilateral relations.
(2026-08-20). China proposes 4E AEO initiative to boost Asia-Pacific trade cooperation. ecns.cn The General Administration of Customs (GAC) on Wednesday proposed a "4E AEO Cooperation Initiative" to promote a more open and inclusive Asia-Pacific trade environment at an APEC Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) seminar held in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province.
(2026-08-20). US charges woman for allegedly plotting attack on New York State Capitol. aljazeera.com The suspect, Jessica Bowie, 35, was arrested on charges of providing material support for 'terrorism'.
(2026-08-20). Trump Administration Seeks To Deport FBI Informant Who Reportedly Helped Investigate Al Qaeda, Osama bin Laden [Op-Ed]. newsone.com 
Look, we didn't need any more evidence that President Donald Trump and his administration's mass deportation agenda is about racism and xenophobia, not simply ensuring that all immigrants in the U.S. are documented. We already knew it wasn't about ridding the U.S. of the "worst of the worst," regarding "criminal illegal aliens." Besides the fact …
(2026-08-20). Nneka Ogwumike To Retire From WNBA At The End Of This Season. newsone.com 
Source: G Fiume / Getty | After 15 seasons in the WNBA, Nneka Ogwumike has announced that she'll retire from the league at the end of the 2026 season. |
(2026-08-20). China, Australia seize over 90 million cigarettes in joint probe. ecns.cn Chinese customs anti-smuggling authorities and the Australian Border Force have seized more than 90 million smuggled cigarettes in a joint operation against a transnational network that moved counterfeit tobacco products through China to Australia, China's Ministry of Public Security said Thursday.
(2026-08-20). House Democrat Suggests DSA Members in Congress Shouldn't Get Security Clearances. truthout.org Conservative Democrat Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Florida) has been on a rampage against the progressives and the left after winning his primary against a Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) member this week — at one point suggesting that democratic socialists elected to Congress shouldn't be able to get security clearances. Moskowitz's first priority after winning his primary on Tuesday night… |
(2026-08-20). Why The FCRA Debate Should Concern Every Indian? ummid.com India could lose something more fundamental if it gets the FCRA question wrong: the autonomy of the institutions through which minorities and citizens organise themselves outside the state.
(2026-08-20). Shanghai sets sight on leading 6G breakthroughs, global data hub construction. ecns.cn Shanghai is accelerating its digital transformation under a new blueprint for the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), with a focus on breakthroughs in 6G technology and next-generation digital infrastructure. The city plans to advance the commercial deployment of 6G and develop intelligent experimental networks. It will also expand 5G-A coverage across a wide range of scenarios and strengthen links with the "Thousand Sails Constellation" satellite internet project.
(2026-08-20). PSG start Ligue 1 defence with eye on Champions League hat-trick. tribune.com.pk 
Paris Saint-Germain kick off their Ligue 1 campaign as overwhelming favourites to win a sixth successive title, but will have one eye firmly on their bid for a third straight Champions League crown. | The capital giants eased to a record-extending 14th French top-flight triumph last season, despite often prioritising their European ambitions. | They start their Ligue 1 campaign against Rennes on Sunday, hoping to make a quick start before the Champions League begins on September 8. | "When the season starts, everyone says the league is easy," said head coach Luis Enrique. | "Nothing is easy ⚪ I don't recall a…
(2026-08-20). Silicon Valley's Billionaire Cults Are Coming for Democracy. truthout.org "We can have billionaires or we can have democracy. We cannot have both," Gil Durán says. In this episode of Movement Memos, Durán and host Kelly Hayes discuss the bizarre fixations and political fantasies of tech billionaires like Peter Thiel, and how those ideas are being translated into real-world governance. Durán and Hayes also discuss Silicon Valley's Christian cosplay… |
(2026-08-20). University suspends US academic leading Jason Arday plagiarism accusations. aljazeera.com Researcher Nathan Cofnas, an outspoken critic of DEI, was himself sacked from Cambridge in 2024 over his views on race.
(2026-08-20). What's behind the UAE's decision to cut Iran trade ties? al-monitor.com The UAE this week announced it was suspending trade with Iran, heaping pressure on its major trading partner at the same time that the US declared "economic warfare" on Tehran. | It is unclear when the suspension came into place or exactly what prompted it, with the UAE only citing "regional escalations".
(2026-08-20). Europe Is Embracing Green Protectionism — At the Cost of a Global Green Transition. fpif.org Developed countries pledged to support poorer countries in their green transitions. Under a new EU policy, they're applying penalties instead — and the U.S. may follow suit.
(2026-08-20). Washington Lit the Fuse for Africa's Energy Explosion. wattsupwiththat.com The boy in Cabo Delgado and the girl in Rivers State are the first generation with a plausible route out of poverty their grandparents never had, and that pathway runs through the hydrocarbons their economies require.
(2026-08-20). The baddest, bloodlust bullies having a very bad year. nationofchange.org 
How goonish egotism backfires, Befouled by self-inflicted quagmires!
(2026-08-20). Lionel Messi scores first goal for Inter Miami since father's death. aljazeera.com Messi's 26th-minute goal in the MLS fixture comes just 11 days after the passing of his father Jorge on August 8.
(2026-08-20). Friday 8/21: The logic of Freedom, a Juneteenth-inspired walking tour. indybay.org meet in the lobby of the American Youth Hostel | 312 Mason Street | San Francisco…
(2026-08-20). USS George Washington Arrives in the Middle East. news.antiwar.com US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that the USS George Washington aircraft carrier strike group had arrived in the Arabian Sea. The USS Washington will replace the USS Abraham Lincoln after multiple reports of horrendous conditions for sailors on the aircraft carrier. "US Sailors work on the flight deck of USS George Washington, Aug. 20, as …
(2026-08-20). NTA cancels 3 UGC-NET June 2026 Papers, Rahul seeks accountability. ummid.com Hours after releasing the Provisional Answer Keys, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced to cancel and re-conduct three papers of the UGC NET June 2026 exams.
(2026-08-20). New York mayor Mamdani sues to block $10,000 teaching aide bonuses. aljazeera.com New York mayor challenges $10,000 bonus law, citing conflict with collective bargaining rules.
(2026-08-20). Why liberals keep mistaking left-wing populism for selfishness. thecanary.co 
Left-wing politicians, like Zohran Mamdani, Abdul El-Sayed and (to an extent) Andy Burnham, have found recent success by taking a fresh angle on selling their politics. The Economist, a stalwart institution of liberalism and opponent of leftism, refers to this new approach as "Gen-Z socialism", which it characterises as a "me-first doctrine" embodying: a form of retail […] | By
(2026-08-20). Max Verstappen signs new F1 contract with Red Bull until 2030. aljazeera.com Four-time F1 World Drivers' Champion's new deal puts to rest rumours that he would exit the team at the end of 2028.
(2026-08-20). U.S. Progressives to Challenge Trump 'Donroe Doctrine' at Pan-American Congress. progressivehub.net BRETT WILKINS | COMMON DREAMS…
(2026-08-20). West Bank: Israel-Backed Settler Violence Drives Displacement. hrw.org Click to expand Image | A Palestinian uses a flashlight on a nearby hill while taking part in a night watch with other volunteers to deter settler attacks on the West Bank village of Sinjil, July 16, 2026. | © 2026 AP Photo/Leo Correa…
(2026-08-20). Sabalenka, Zverev stunned in Cincinnati. tribune.com.pk 
Top seeds Aryna Sabalenka and Alexander Zverev crashed out of the Cincinnati Masters in a matter of hours on a rainy Wednesday of fourth-round action. | American Tommy Paul saved a match point on the way to a 4-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 upset of Germany's Zverev. | But the biggest shock came on the women's side where Czech Sara Bejlek, ranked 35th, stunned world number one Sabalenka 7-6 (9/7), 6-4 in a gritty match that finished up shortly after the clock ticked past midnight into Thursday morning. | Former champion Sabalenka led by a break in the opening set and was up 5-1 in the tiebreaker before Bejlek roared back…
(2026-08-20). Meeting attendees denounce Australian government's assault on the disabled. wsws.org "The cuts will hit clients, support workers, teachers, and healthcare staff alike. It is clear this is an international offensive against the working class." — Maureen, a former aged-care nurse.
(2026-08-20). China's 'Lychee Capital' Maoming posts record exports despite off-year. ecns.cn Maoming in south China's Guangdong Province, known as the country's "lychee capital," has concluded this year's fresh lychee export season, with the final shipment cleared by customs and sent to the United States on Wednesday, according to Maoming Customs.
(2026-08-20). Reijnders leaves Man City for Al Qadsiah. al-monitor.com Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders completed a move from Manchester City to Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah on Wednesday in a deal reportedly worth 61 million euros ($71 million). | An AFP correspondent saw Reijnders arrive at the club's headquarters in Al Khobar on Tuesday ahead of the official announcement by both clubs.
(2026-08-20). She Defended Herself From Domestic Abuse. She's on Trial for Murder Next Week. truthout.org Keshia Golden, a Black mother from the West Side of Chicago, turned down a plea deal months ago even though it put her at risk of at least 20 years in prison. In October 2022, Golden was eight months pregnant and had just celebrated her baby shower. She says her boyfriend, Calvin Sidney, attacked her in the kitchen, slamming her head into the counter — her attorneys say that kind of violence… |
(2026-08-20). Golden Shoe winner Kane hopes for Ballon d'Or after 'best season ever'. tribune.com.pk 
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has set his sights on the Ballon d'Or after receiving his second European Golden Shoe in Munich on Wednesday. | The England captain collected the prize after scoring the most goals in Europe's top divisions last season. | Kane won the 2023-24 award after a prolific first season at Bayern, but said this year's honour "tasted even better than the first". | The 33-year-old scored 36 goals in 31 Bundesliga games last term, the third most in a German top-flight campaign, while winning the league and cup double. | He also netted six times at the World Cup, becoming England's top goal…
(2026-08-20). Houthis and government trade attacks as Yemen slides back to full-scale war. aljazeera.com Gov't forces carried out 81 attacks in the last 24 hours as Houthis claim to have hit two targets in Saudi Arabia.
(2026-08-20). Report Finds Companies That Maintain DEI Face No Financial Repercussions. newsone.com 
Source: Star Tribune via Getty Images / Getty | In news that's surprising to no one who's been paying attention, a recent report found that companies who maintained their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs haven't faced any financial repercussions. |
(2026-08-20). North Philly development will bring 129 affordable rentals to Temple University area. whyy.org Have a question about Philly's neighborhoods or the systems that shape them? PlanPhilly reporters want to hear from you! A New York developer is working to bring a 129-unit affordable apartment building to 11th and Berks streets in North Philadelphia, directly across from Temple University's campus. | The
(2026-08-20). New set of norms decreed to regulate trade, public catering, consumer services in Belarus' countryside. eng.belta.by The document aims to improve retail services, enhance their quality, and create additional conditions for the development of trade, public catering, and consumer services in rural areas.
(2026-08-20). DR Congo to receive 70,000 doses of Ervebo vaccine as Ebola infections surge. aljazeera.com WHO says vaccines for Ebola virus disease being allocated to DRC amid largest outbreak that has killed nearly 2,500.
(2026-08-20). ICC removes Gaddafi Stadium demerit point. tribune.com.pk 
The International Cricket Council on Thursday rescinded a demerit point imposed on Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium after an appeals panel overturned its "Unsatisfactory" pitch rating for the third one-day international between Pakistan and Australia on June 4. | The ICC panel reviewed match footage, the Match Referee's report and comments from the captains following an appeal by the Pakistan Cricket Board. | While the panel said the Match Referee had followed the relevant guidelines, it concluded that the pitch "did not demonstrate excessive unevenness or spin". | The demerit point was therefore removed, leaving Gadd…
(2026-08-20). Orsha conductor shares stories of famous passengers and life on rails. eng.belta.by Over 20 years as a conductor, Yekaterina Romanovich has met all kinds of passengers, including celebrities. She believes it is crucial to find the right approach to each person.
(2026-08-20). Bridging the distance: What is driving Belarus, Myanmar closer together. eng.belta.by What draws Belarus to Myanmar, and why are relations between these | two far-flung states developing so rapidly right now? BelTA has | examined the driving forces behind the trend.
(2026-08-20). WHYY Newscast for Thursday 6:00 a.m. whyy.org The latest local headlines from WHYY…
(2026-08-20). Philly Naked Bike Ride, 'National Treasure' weekend and a citywide indie bookstore crawl in this week's 'Things to Do'. whyy.org The weekend opens up with a three-day homage to "National Treasure," the 2004 movie starring Nicholas Cage with multiple Philly-related plot points. The event includes screenings and more. Theatre in the X mounts a community production of "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When The Rainbow is Enuf" at West Philly's Malcolm X Park. | Plus, it's the 17th year of Philly's Naked Bike Ride and the fourth for the Philly Bookstore Crawl, a self-guided tour of the area's indie bookstores. Rush checks in for two shows at Xfinity Mobile Arena, while Gregory Alan Isakov comes to The Mann stage with the Philly Po…
(2026-08-20). Pakistan rue missed opportunities at Headingley. tribune.com.pk 
Pakistan endured a difficult opening day of the first Test against England at Headingley on Wednesday, being bowled out for 171 after failing to capitalise on a promising recovery led by Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq. | Shafique top-scored with 61 from 104 balls, including eight fours, and shared a 91-run third-wicket partnership with Imam after Pakistan were reduced to six for two inside the opening overs. | Azan Awais was trapped lbw with the first ball of the match before captain Shan Masood fell to the same dismissal soon afterwards, leaving Pakistan in immediate trouble. | Shafique and Imam steadied t…
(2026-08-20). Could US sanctions destroy the International Criminal Court? aljazeera.com Washington's new measures against the ICC have been widely condemned but welcomed by Israel.
(2026-08-20). Why would the Pentagon want to hide weapons testing results? responsiblestatecraft.org The Pentagon says it
(2026-08-20). DUSU Election 2026 Schedule Published. ummid.com The Delhi University (DU) has issued the notification and published the complete schedule of the high stake Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) Elections 2026.
(2026-08-20). A Reform councillor just resigned in the most embarrassing way possible. thecanary.co 
Here at the Canary, we've been very critical of the sort of people who run to become Reform UK councillors. Sometimes this has been because of their own actions; other times it's been because the party they sought to represent is reprehensible. Given this, we'd generally praise someone for leaving the party. It is somewhat difficult […] | By
(2026-08-20). Jailed Journalist in Azerbaijan Denied Medical Care. hrw.org Click to expand Image | Aytaj Ahmadova during a rally on International Women's Day, March 8, 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan. | © 2024 Aziz Karimov/Getty Images | Azerbaijani authorities are refusing to allow a jailed journalist with a serious breathing disorder to see a specialist or to undergo diagnostic scans, her family and lawyer say, the latest sign of the deteriorating conditions for the country's imprisoned journalists.Aytac Ahmadova, 32, who writes as Aytac Tapdig, is a reporter for the exiled outlet Meydan TV. She has been in pretrial detention at Kurdakhani Prison since December 6, 2024, when she was…
(2026-08-20). Kate Bronfenbrenner, the Union Organizer's Scholar. portside.org Kate Bronfenbrenner, the Union Organizer's Scholar |
(2026-08-20). Ben-Gvir celebrates demolition of Palestinian homes in Israel. aljazeera.com Far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has praised the destruction of 10,000 Palestinian homes in Israel.
(2026-08-20). The Mecca Security Pact is not about Iran. juancole.com Melbourne (Special to Informed Comment; Feature) — On August 7, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan signed a pact in Mecca. The
(2026-08-20). Trump's Iran 'economic D-Day' threat sends oil prices above $94. al-monitor.com In a Truth Social post, the president threatened that any country that provides a financial lifeline to Iran will face "tremendous economic consequences."
(2026-08-20). Monday 9/7: Santa Cruz: Workers Over Billionaires! Labor Day Pro-Union Protest. indybay.org Intersection of Ocean and Water Streets | Santa Cruz, CA…
(2026-08-20). Both on screen and behind the camera, Hollywood's diversity lags. peoplesworld.org 
Only one-third of all speaking characters across the top movies of 2025 were girls or women— a figure that hasn't meaningfully moved in two decades. That's the headline finding from Dr. Stacy L. Smith and the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative's annual report tracking diverse representation on screen and behind the camera for Hollywood's highest-grossing films. …
(2026-08-20). Min Aung Hlaing: Belarus-Myanmar relations rest on mutual trust. eng.belta.by Belarus-Myanmar cooperation is developing on the basis of mutual trust, Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing said at the Belarus-Myanmar Business Forum in Minsk on 20 August.
(2026-08-20). Barca seal Cancelo return to bolster defence. al-monitor.com Barcelona have signed defender Joao Cancelo on a free transfer, the Spanish champions said Thursday. | "The full-back arrives as a free agent and signs on until June 30, 2029," said Barca in a statement. | Portugal international Cancelo terminated his contract with Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal in order to return to Camp Nou.
(2026-08-20). Republican chair of the Senate health panel says he has strong concerns about Trump's FDA pick. nationofchange.org 
Your gift is being matched, dollar for dollar. A member of our board is matching contributions to our summer drive up to $2,000, until the drive ends on 24 August.
(2026-08-20). MCC NEET UG Round 1 Result 2026 Today: Time, Link to Check. ummid.com The Medical Counseling Committee (MCC) is releasing on its official website 'mcc.nic.in' Seat Allotment Result 2026 of MCC NEET UG 2026 (MBBS / BDS) Round 1 Counselling today i.e. August 19, 2026.
(2026-08-20). Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East and Africa. wsws.org French firefighters strike against understaffing and austerity; 11,000 German port workers stage warning strike for higher pay; More than 32,000 Kenyan nurses continue national walkout…
(2026-08-20). Who Can Be Called a Politician and What Does It Mean? indybay.org Understand who can be called a politician, what the role means, and which qualities define effective political leadership. Explore the importance of public service, responsibility, communication, integrity, and community participation in politics.
(2026-08-20). Top seeds Sabalenka, Zverev knocked out of Cincinnati Open. aljazeera.com World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka stunned by Sara Bejlek, while French Open champion Alexander Zverev exits after fourth round.
(2026-08-20). Javier Moreno Zacarés: Dynamics of American Capitalism. newleftreview.org Following his widely praised Ages of American Capitalism, Jonathan Levy's The Real Economy proposes a theoretical counterpart, grounding a concept of capital in a fusion of Smith, Keynes, Freud, Deleuze and Guatarri. Javier Moreno Zacarés responds with a thoroughgoing critical engagement, ranging from the 'transition debate' to the AI bubble.
(2026-08-20). 80th Independence Day: The Way Forward. ummid.com The Jantar Mantar initiative is just the beginning, a long way to go to restore the dreams of Gandhi and Ambedkar, Bhagat Singh and Subhash Bose, Maulana Azad and Sardar Patel.
(2026-08-20). Anton Jà§ger: Hyperpolitics in Command? newleftreview.org A diagnosis of the scrambled political culture of today's Atlantic elites, with Trump read as symptom as much as cause. Can the concept of hyperpolitics help to decipher the strategic incoherence and foreshortened horizons of the West's fractious ruling-class blocs?
(2026-08-20). Tadhg Hickey tears into Piers Morgan's double standard over Thunberg and Grande. thecanary.co 
In a post on X, Irish satirist and pro-Palestine activist Tadhg Hickey has called out Piers Morgan's glaring double standard over online abuse: defending some targets from trolls while piling on others. Hickey's intervention came after Morgan posted on X defending Ariana Grande and rightly condemning the trolls "making her life a misery". But, as […] | By
(2026-08-20). The Collapse of Nuclear Arms Control Puts the World in Peril. portside.org The Collapse of Nuclear Arms Control Puts the World in Peril |
(2026-08-20). 'Stats for Lefties' elected to Green Party Council, backed by Greens for Palestine. thecanary.co 
On 19 August, Eleanora Foran — perhaps better known as online political analyst 'Stats for Lefties' — announced her election to the Green Party Council. Foran is one of two representatives for the Eastern Region, itself one of the 10 areas of England and Wales represented on the council. This is noteworthy for two reasons. […] | By
(2026-08-20). Ahead of parliamentary elections, Kremlin intensifies crackdown on domestic dissent. wsws.org As is always the case in Western coverage of Russia and the war, the history of both the war and the political tendencies in question is completely ignored.
(2026-08-20). Snowfall in West Papua, while severe drought hits other parts of New Guinea. asiapacificreport.nz 
By Johnny Blades of RNZ Pacific Extreme weather patterns continue to hit the Pacific region with some of the highest parts of New Guinea experiencing snow this week. Reports from West Papua say parts of the highlands region have been blanketed by snow and ice in recent days. This includes parts of Lanny Jaya regency…
(2026-08-20). Death toll in Colombia from magnitude 7.4 earthquake rises to 314. tribune.com.pk 
The death toll from a catastrophic 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia has risen to 314, according to a report released on Wednesday by the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD). | The agency confirmed that emergency teams are still searching for 262 missing persons. The number of injured has climbed to 4,437, while 364 people have been rescued alive from the rubble. In total, 262,154 people have been officially registered as affected across 471 municipalities in 15 of Colombia's 32 departments. | The quake, which struck at 7.34 am on Aug. 10, was the most powerful seismic event…
(2026-08-20). I broke Barclays' windows in 2021 — I'm no terrorist and neither are the 'Barclays 5'. thecanary.co 
Question: What's the difference between cracking the windows of a Barclays bank in 2021 and doing the same thing in 2024? Answer: Up to 10 years in prison and being labelled a terrorist! Barclays battered Back in April 2021, myself and six other women from Extinction Rebellion (XR) cracked several windows at Barclays HQ in […] | By
(2026-08-20). Saturday 8/22: Gold Rush CENTURY: a walking tour. indybay.org meet in the lobby of the American Youth Hostel | 312 Mason Street | San Francisco…
(2026-08-20). From technoparks to food and pharma: What Belarus offers Myanmar. eng.belta.by Prime Minister Aleksandr Turchin outlined proposals to advance | cooperation between Belarus and Myanmar during the Belarus-Myanmar | Business Forum in Minsk on 20 August.
(2026-08-20). "Love Machines" : James Muldoon on How AI Is Changing Relationships & the Global Workers Fueling AI. democracynow.org 
James Muldoon is a sociologist who writes about the changing nature of human-technology relationships. Love Machines: How Artificial Intelligence Is Transforming Our Relationships investigates how people form emotional attachments with large language models, including OpenAI's ChatGPT and Anthropic's Claude. Feeding the Machine: The Hidden Human Labor Powering A.I., co-written by fellow researchers Mark Graham and Callum Cant and based on more than a decade of fieldwork, follows Global South workers whose knowledge and labor are the basis of AI tools and assistants. | "A lot of people see artifi…
(2026-08-20). As election looms, Netanyahu puts Turkey in crosshairs. al-monitor.com After more than two years of ordering on Israel's enemies across the Middle East, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing a tough re-election fight, is zeroing in on another perceived villain ⚪ Turkey. | On Tuesday, Warplanes bombed a base in northern Syria a short drive from the Turkish border.
(2026-08-20). The Felony Charges Against The LAPD Whistleblower Have Been Downgraded, But Why Is He Still Charged At All? [Op-Ed]. newsone.com 
Source: MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images / Getty | Well, well, well — it turns out you can shame the Devil. | Earlier this month,
(2026-08-20). Namibian political prisoners repatriated from Cape Town. sanews.gov.za Namibian political prisoners repatriated from Cape Town | The remains of two Namibian political prisoners who died while incarcerated on Robben Island during the apartheid era were formally handed over to the Government of the Republic of Namibia at a repatriation ceremony. | The repatriation also included ancestral remains, grave goods and body casts that hold deep cultural, spiritual and historical significance for the people of Namibia. | "This is not simply the return of human remains. It is an act of restorative justice, dignity and healing, giving families and communities the opportunity to honour their anc…
(2026-08-20). Two killed, more than 300 evacuated as PMD warns of more rain, urban flooding across K-P. tribune.com.pk 
Two people were killed and at least four injured after heavy rain caused flooding and building collapses in Swabi, while more than 300 people were evacuated from affected areas, Rescue 1122 said on Thursday. Heavy rain also continued in Rawalpindi, as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned of possible urban flooding across parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). | The PMD warned of possible urban flooding in Mardan, Swabi, Peshawar and Nowshera following heavy rain, while mountainous areas of K-P faced a risk of landslides. | Rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms was expected across severa…
(2026-08-20). West Papua issue likely to be on agenda in Palau, says PNG foreign minister. asiapacificreport.nz 
By Johnny Blades of RNZ Pacific Papua New Guinea's Foreign Minister says he expects the issue of West Papua will be discussed at the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders meeting in Palau. This comes as the issue of human rights abuses and conflict in Indonesian-ruled Papua region, often known internationally as West Papua, appeared…
(2026-08-20). When parliament has nowhere to turn. onlineopinion.com.au The Commonwealth has the power to determine who is, or is not, a citizen, but where does that power come from?
(2026-08-20). Russia's Putin hosts Saddam Hifter amid instability in Libya: What to know. al-monitor.com Moscow has built a strong relationship with Libya's eastern camp, as Washington and Ankara pursue efforts to reunify the country's political and military institutions.
(2026-08-20). Union-Busters Are Using ICE to Intimidate California Wine Industry Workers. truthout.org In late July, Raul Calvo, a well-known California union-buster, called workers at the Rodney Strong Vineyards into a meeting. Salvador Ramirez, who'd labored among big wine tanks for 12 years, says he was shocked by what he heard. "He said he was just going to give us the information that he got in an email three days ago, that ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] was here outside… |
(2026-08-20). Pop-up shops in Philadelphia's Market East will stick around through December. whyy.org From Philly and the Pa. suburbs to South Jersey and Delaware, what would you like WHYY News to cover? As city officials and business leaders huddle over how to revive Market East, a project to bring some economic activity back to the struggling corridor over the summer is declaring early success and making plans to continue through the end of the year. | The "Meantime on Market" initiative moved six pop-up businesses into vacant storefronts on the 900 block of Market Street in May. They drew close to 3,300 visitors and generated $30,000 in revenue in just the first three wee…
(2026-08-20). TransActual says 'Know Your Rights' following the EHRC transphobic code of practice. thecanary.co 
Trans-focused advocacy organisation TransActual has updated its 'Know Your Rights' guidance following the implementation of the Equality and Human Rights Commission's transphobic code of practice for service providers on 5 August. An explainer like TransActual's is sadly necessary because — as many critics have highlighted — the EHRC code of practice is desperately unclear. As […] | By
(2026-08-20). Iraq struggles to disarm militias amid US-Iran tug-of-war. responsiblestatecraft.org Esmail Qaani has a habit of not announcing his visits to Baghdad. He simply appears, meets whoever needs meeting, and leaves before most Iraqis know he was there.His trip on August 10 was no different. The commander of Iran's Quds Force, the branch of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responsible for backing armed allies abroad, met with Iraqi militia commanders and officials from the Coordination Framework, the alliance of Iran-aligned Shia parties that dominate Iraq's parliament and effectively chose the current prime minister.Qaani reportedly
(2026-08-20). Today In Dystopia: Burning Books For Israel, Burning Books For AI. thealtworld.com 
(2026-08-20). Phoenix judge knocks anti-union referendum off Arizona ballots. peoplesworld.org 
PHOENIX—A Maricopa County Superior Court judge has knocked an anti-union referendum, which if passed would have virtually put public sector unions out of business, off Arizona ballots this fall. The measure, pushed by state Republican legislative leaders, was so broad that it violates the state constitutional requirement that a ballot initiative stick to one topic, …
(2026-08-20). North Korea Conducts Third Missile Test This Month. news.antiwar.com North Korea test-fired several short-range ballistic missiles as the US and South Korea are engaging in war games. The South Korean military reported the North Korean missile test on Thursday. The missile launch occurred after President Trump requested a meeting with Supreme Leader Kim. When asked by a reporter if he planned to meet with …
(2026-08-20). Walmart sees sales drop as US consumer spending retreats. aljazeera.com Fuel prices above $4 per gallon impact consumer behaviour, driving spending trade-offs and slowing Walmart's growth.
(2026-08-20). Taliban secures pragmatic global alliances without formal recognition. aljazeera.com The Taliban navigates a complex web of global trade and security alliances without gaining full political recognition.
(2026-08-20). Blue States. High Rates ($0.55/gallon premium). wattsupwiththat.com The political signal in gasoline prices is real, but it is a signal of accumulated policy choices: fuel taxes, carbon taxes, and regulatory environments built over decades, rather than of who happens to hold office right now.
(2026-08-20). Monday 9/7: San Francisco: Freedom From Want & Fear! Labor Day Protest. indybay.org Phillip Burton Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse | 450 Golden Gate Ave | San Francisco, CA 94102…
(2026-08-20). Four railway workers killed by express train at station in Japan. aljazeera.com Four railway workers spraying herbicide on tracks north of Tokyo were killed by an express train.
(2026-08-20). Are The Lakers Still L.A.'s Team? lataco.com We asked some hardcore fans and the answer is somewhere between a theory that their latest purchase will get them ready to move the team to Vegas or using the Lakers as a pawn for political influence.
(2026-08-20). Manamela intervenes in CPUT shutdown matter. sanews.gov.za Manamela intervenes in CPUT shutdown matter | Minister Buti Manamela has requested a team from the Department of Higher Education and Training's University Education Branch to work with the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) to facilitate urgent engagement between the university's management, council and student leadership. ⚪ The intervention follows the shutdown of the university after an arson attack at its Bellville Campus, which has caused significant disruption to learning, teaching and other essential institutional operations. ⚪ The shutdown comes amid concerns raised by students over the prop…
(2026-08-20). Where Are the Climate Protests? Human Rights Group Warns Government Crackdown Is Silencing the Green Movement. bylinetimes.com Successive Government clampdowns on the right to protest have had a "chilling effect", human rights campaigners have warned, as large parts of the UK remain in a state of drought, and wildfires continue to rage. | The human rights organisation Liberty argues that the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, the Public Order Act 2023, and the Crime and Policing Act 2026 have significantly curtailed the capacity of the climate movement to participate in protest and other forms of direct action. | The Acts include various new restrictions on protest and impose much harsher sentences for people who break the…
(2026-08-20). Deal or no deal? U.S.-Canada trade talks will cost jobs either way. peoplesworld.org 
At the end of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, a reformed Ebenezer Scrooge leans out his window and asks a passing child, "You boy, what day is this?" These days, working people in Canada are likely to lean out their windows each morning and ask, "You there, is there a trade deal with the U.S. or …
(2026-08-20). Russian ballistic missiles kill 12 in Ukraine's Kyiv, spark fires. tribune.com.pk 
Russian ballistic missiles killed 12 people and injured more than 30 in Kyiv early on Thursday, authorities said, damaging buildings and severing power supply to some parts of the Ukrainian capital. | A fire broke out, and the upper floors of a nine-storey residential block were destroyed in the city's Solomianskyi district, where seven people were killed, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said, calling for Friday to be observed as a day of mourning. | Two other districts also suffered damage, Klitschko said on the ‚Å Telegram messaging app, with non-residential…
(2026-08-20). New Report Says Miliband's Clean Power Plan Will Cost £320 Billion. wattsupwiththat.com The indisputable facts they have put forward must be the strongest argument yet about abandoning Ed Miliband's mad dash to decarbonise the electricity system.
(2026-08-20). Teamsters accuse Amazon and 13 subcontractors of skipping New York's layoff notice law. nationofchange.org 
The union puts the unpaid back wages at up to $11 million as a City Council bill to make Amazon hire its drivers directly reaches 34 sponsors…
(2026-08-20). PM: Belarus, Myanmar aim to turn political dialogue into economic projects. eng.belta.by Belarus and Myanmar intend to transform their political dialogue into concrete economic projects, Belarusian Prime Minister Aleksandr Turchin said at the Belarus-Myanmar Business Forum in Minsk on 20 August.
(2026-08-20). Belarus' PM meets with Myanmar's president. eng.belta.by The agenda focuses on current issues of bilateral cooperation. Key | topics include industrial cooperation, collaboration in agriculture and | food, as well as joint projects in healthcare.
(2026-08-20). Stop Government Surveillance! No to Flock and ALPRs! indybay.org Join us for an action Thursday, August 20th, 5: 00-6: 30, on Broadway and 14th St in Oakland, against Flock and all ALPRs as part of a National Week of Actions organized by DeFlock…
(2026-08-20). From Lucknow to Azamgarh: Students Protesting Against Yogi Govt Across UP. ummid.com Lucknow, Azamgarh, Kannauj, Hamirpur and Fatehpur, the list of Uttar Pradesh cities where students, Gen Alpha, are protesting against the Adityanath Government is growing with every passing day.
(2026-08-20). Madhya Pradesh NEET UG 2026 Round 1: Choice Filling Starts Today. ummid.com Department of Medical Education (DME) Madhya Pradesh has started from today i.e. Saturday August 15, 2026 through its official website 'dme.mponline.gov.in' Choice Filling and Locking for MP NEET UG 2026 Round 1 Counselling conducted for admission in Medical (MBBS) and Dental (BDS).
(2026-08-20). Dar, Syrian foreign minister hold talks on bilateral ties, regional developments. tribune.com.pk 
Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Foreign Minister (FM) Ishaq Dar held a meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani in Islamabad on Thursday, with the two sides reaffirming the deep-rooted brotherly ties between Pakistan and Syria, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office (FO). | According to the statement on X, "FM Dar received Al-Shaibani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs". | "The two foreign ministers held a warm and constructive restricted meeting and discussed ways to further advance bilateral cooperation in areas of…
(2026-08-20). UGC NET June 2026 Answer Key Today: Time, Link to Check. ummid.com The National Testing Agency (NTA) is releasing the UGC NET June 2026 Provisional Answer Key on its official website 'ugcnet.nta.nic.in' today i.e. Sunday August 16, 2026.
(2026-08-20). Bangladesh's government under pressure as youth demand jobs. aljazeera.com Six months into Prime Minister Tariq Rahman's term, Bangladesh faces an energy crisis and rising prices.
(2026-08-20). Robots move closer to everyday life in China as Beijing conference opens. ecns.cn Robots designed to provide companionship, healthcare services and workplace assistance are moving closer to everyday life as the 2026 World Robot Conference opened in Beijing on Wednesday.
(2026-08-20). USS George Washington's Mideast Arrival Highlights Strain On Carrier Force. twz.com 
The Washington's replacement of the Lincoln leaves no carrier in the Western Pacific and the Navy's struggle to meet demand may get far worse before it gets better.
(2026-08-20). President Sheinbaum Rejects Claims Into Lopez Obrador's Son Over Fuel Smuggling. orinocotribune.com Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum denied this Tuesday that Andrés Manuel López Beltrán, son of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, is under investigation by Mexican authorities for alleged fuel smuggling. | Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum attributed the recent revocation of Andrés Manuel López
(2026-08-20). Milei Advisor Fernando Cerimedo Arrested on Suspicion of Ordering Ex-Partner's Assassination. orinocotribune.com Fernando Cerimedo, personal advisor to Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz and co-founder of La Derecha Diario with Javier Negre, has been detained at the Santa Cruz de la Sierra airport as he attempted to board an Aerolíneas Argentinas flight to Buenos Aires. Authorities linked him to an assassination attempt on his ex-partner, lawyer Nadia Beller, who stated in her initial declarations that she feared for her life and connected Cerimedo to the CIA. | Cerimedo's arrest this Tuesday, August 18, is a scandal that has shocked Bolivians, who are questioning the government involvement with Cerimedo, which is also under sc…
(2026-08-20). La rivisitazione da parte di Netanyahu dell' ´inganno sulle armi di distruzione di massa irachene ª — rilanciata per promuovere la guerra contro l'Iran. strategic-culture.su La scelta di Trump di puntare sulla pressione economica come chiave per la capitolazione dell'Iran non è una strategia credibile | Segue nostro Il presidente Trump ha preso per oro colato le esaltazioni militari del segretario alla Guerra Hegseth ( ´La potenza militare degli Stati Uniti è impressionante ª), per scoprire solo in un secondo momento che gli Stati Uniti hanno esaurito gli intercettori in una guerra che dipende dal…
(2026-08-20). US Envoy Warns Israeli Strikes in Syria Could Provoke Turkish Response. news.antiwar.com Israeli fighter jets bombed a military base in northern Syria. Turkish troops near the base were alarmed by the Israeli attack. "Turkish forces were not aware that the Israeli aircraft were en route to that specific Syrian base, nor of their intended purpose, and therefore could potentially have been inclined to scramble their own jets …
(2026-08-20). La Derecha Diario Spreads Disinformation in Latin America: Sheinbaum. orinocotribune.com The digital outlet operates a right-wing-funded network using bots and paid posts to manipulate public opinion. | On Wednesday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum accused the digital outlet La Derecha Diario, co-founded by Fernando Cerimedo, of operating a right-wing-funded network to promote fake news and manipulate public opinion in Latin America. | Previously, Bolivian authorities arrested Cerimedo, a former adviser to Argentine President Javier Milei. He faces charges of attempted femicide filed by his former partner, Nadia Beller, following the hiring of hitmen. | Sheinbaum denounced the use of automated ac…
(2026-08-20). Mourinho begins second Real Madrid reign. tribune.com.pk 
Jose Mourinho's second spell at Real Madrid begins in Barcelona this weekend in La Liga, although at Espanyol rather than up against his and Los Blancos' bitter rivals. | The veteran Portuguese coach returns to the club 16 years after first being appointed but charged with a similar task, deposing Barcelona as the leading club in Spain. | Mourinho is also aiming to restore some of the intensity and attitude that defined his first Madrid reign, between 2010-2013, after two seasons without winning a major trophy steered president Florentino Perez back to him. | The 15-time European champions have suffered dressi…