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- Iran executes Afghan national convicted of police officers’ deaths during protests
- First image of 42-year-old man shot dead in car in east London
- Investigation launched after thousands of dead fish wash up on South African beaches
- Luzian Andrin Zgraggen claims no intent to insult Hindu holiday
- PSG relocates opening league match to Rennes due to pitch damage from heatwave
- Studies indicate public transit could enhance health and community well-being
- Pentagon officials discuss firing longstanding publisher of Stars and Stripes
- EU countries plan measures to manage illegal migration: how outlets frame it
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Iran executes Afghan national convicted of police officers’ deaths during protests
4:21 pm
Get you up to speed: Live Updates: Iran dismisses Trump’s “economic D-Day” threat, says it “will only bring further defeat”
Iran executed Ghaem Hosseini, a 21-year-old Afghan national, on Thursday after he was convicted of involvement in the deaths of four police officers during anti-government demonstrations, at Isfahan central prison. This marks the 30th execution since the resumption of wartime executions on March 19, according to the Iran Human Rights group.
Ghaem Hosseini was executed at Isfahan central prison, marking him as the fifth individual hanged in relation to the deaths of four police officers during the protests. Iran Human Rights reported that at least 12 defendants have received death sentences in this case since the anti-government demonstrations escalated in January.
Rights group Iran Human Rights condemned the execution of Ghaem Hosseini as indicative of “the arbitrary use of the death penalty by the Islamic Republic.” The organisation reported that at least 12 defendants connected to the protests have been sentenced to death, indicating ongoing legal actions linked to the events in Isfahan.
What remains unclear — It is not specified whether any additional defendants in the case will face execution or if further trials are pending.
Iran executes Afghan national convicted of police officers’ deaths during protests
Iran on Thursday executed an Afghan national convicted of the killing of police officers during anti-government demonstrations, the 30th in a wave of hangings since the start of the Iran war, a rights group said.
Ghaem Hosseini was executed after being convicted of involvement in the deaths of four police officers, according to the state-linked outlet Nour News.
Hosseini was listed only as a foreign national, but the Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) group said the 21-year-old was from Afghanistan and was hanged at Isfahan central prison.
The Mizan Online news website, linked with Iran’s opaque judiciary authorities, said Hosseini was convicted “of drawing a weapon and causing fear and terror, creating widespread insecurity, acting against people’s physical integrity and national security in a manner that seriously disrupted public order,” according to the AFP news agency.
According to IHR, however, Hosseini was accused of kicking one of the policemen, and “authorities have presented no evidence proving that his actions led to the death of any of the policemen.”
The case “is a stark example of collective punishment and the arbitrary use of the death penalty by the Islamic Republic,” said IHR director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam.
He is the fifth person to be hanged over the case involving the death in Isfahan of four police
officers during nationwide anti-government protests that peaked in January.
At least 12 defendants in the case have been sentenced to death, said IHR, adding that since wartime executions resumed on March 19, at least 30 protesters have been executed.
According to Amnesty International, Iran executed at least 2,159 people in 2025.
WTX/AFP
First image of 42-year-old man shot dead in car in east London
4:00 pm
Get you up to speed: First picture of man, 42, shot dead in car with gunman on the run | News UK
Masum Miah, 42, was fatally shot while in his car parked in St Bartholomew’s Road, Newham, at approximately 3am on Tuesday. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and no arrests have been made at this time.
Detectives from the WTXpolitan Police’s homicide unit are leading the investigation into the shooting, appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant footage. The incident occurred around 3am, and investigators have not yet made any arrests.
Detective Chief Inspector Dan Whitten expressed condolences to the family of Masum Miah, urging witnesses or anyone with relevant footage to assist the investigation. Police continue to gather evidence at the scene and no arrests have yet been made.
What remains unclear — No arrests have been made, and the identity of the shooter has not been revealed.
First image of 42-year-old man shot dead in car in east London
The victim of a fatal shooting in east London has been pictured for the first time.
Shots were fired at Masum Miah’s car parked in St Bartholomew’s Road at 3am on Tuesday.
The 42-year-old was found in Newham with a single fatal gunshot wound in a white Prius.
He died at the scene.
No arrests have been made at this stage.
Dramatic footage from seconds after the incident shows armed police on the scene as paramedics on the ground battle to save his life.
Mira Kabal told WTX: ‘It was absolute carnage.
‘There were blue lights and armed police. We are so shocked and terrified.
‘I saw the white car the guy was in I thought it had crashed. But then I was told he had been shot.’
DCI Dan Whitten, who is leading the investigation, said: ‘Our thoughts remain with Masum’s family as they come to terms with his tragic death.
‘We are continuing to appeal to anyone with information that could assist out enquires to come forward.
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‘If you were in the area at the time of the shooting, witnessed anything suspicious or have any dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage that could support our investigation, we urge you to get in touch. No matter how big or small the information you have is, it could prove vital in helping us piece together the full circumstances.’
Investigation launched after thousands of dead fish wash up on South African beaches
3:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Mystery virus kills thousands of fish | News World
Thousands of dead pilchards washed up along Bloubergstrand Beach in Cape Town, South Africa, on August 17, prompting an investigation by scientists. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has detected genetic material from the virus pilchard herpesvirus but stated that this does not confirm it as the cause of the deaths.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is investigating multiple potential causes for the mass fish deaths, including harmful algae and changes in water temperature. Authorities have indicated that the pilchard herpesvirus is present but have not confirmed it as the cause of mortality in the affected fish.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has launched an investigation into the mass deaths of fish along the South African coastline, noting the presence of the pilchard herpesvirus but clarifying that it does not prove causation. Authorities have advised the public against collecting or consuming dead fish, citing potential health risks from bacterial contamination, while marine biologists express concern for the impact on local penguin populations.
What remains unclear — It is not yet known what specific factors led to the mass die-off of the fish despite the detection of the pilchard herpesvirus.
Investigation launched after thousands of dead fish wash up on South African beaches
Thousands of dead fish were spotted across a beach in South Africa (Picture: @777nitro/Newsflash/NX)
Scientists have launched an investigation after thousands of dead fish mysteriously washed up along beaches in South Africa.
Disturbing footage shows dead pilchards, which belong to the herring family and are generally slightly larger than sardines, covering large sections of Bloubergstrand Beach in Cape Town on Monday, August 17.
Several birds can also be seen nearby, with some appearing to be unwell.
The mass deaths have also been reported at Milnerton and Sunset Beach, with dead pilchards found on the shore along parts of the wider Cape Town coastline.
Scientists have detected genetic material from the virus pilchard herpesvirus (PHV) in samples taken from the dead fish.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) said the virus was also found at lower levels in some apparently healthy sardines caught off the west coast.
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However, officials have stated that this does not mean the virus caused the deaths.
DFFE spokesperson Zolile Nqayi said: ‘Sequencing has confirmed the presence of PHV genetic material but this alone does not prove that the virus caused the deaths.’
The virus is understood to affect the gills of fish, making infected sardines less able to breathe and more vulnerable to low oxygen levels or sudden changes in sea temperature.
Scientists are also investigating a number of other possible causes, including harmful algae, low oxygen levels, unusual ocean conditions and changes in water temperature.
The DFFE said PHV had never previously been recorded in South African sardines.
However, the virus has been linked to major sardine deaths in Australia and New Zealand back in the 1990s.
(Picture: @777nitro/Newsflash/NX)
The disappearance of thousands of sardines has also sparked fears for South Africa’s critically endangered penguins which rely on sardines and anchovies for food.
Marine biologists said penguins at three local breeding colonies had already shown signs of weight loss.
Authorities have also urged members of the public not to collect or eat fish that have washed up dead.
The DFFE warned that dead marine animals can pose health risks because bacterial contamination can occur.
The warning does not, however, apply to commercially produced canned sardines.
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Luzian Andrin Zgraggen claims no intent to insult Hindu holiday
1:00 pm
Luzian Andrin Zgraggen claims no intent to insult Hindu holiday
Court Statement
Luzian Andrin Zgraggen claimed in court he never intended to insult the Hindu holiday or the Balinese people during his trial.
Luzian Andrin Zgraggen claimed in court he never intended to insult the Hindu holiday or the Balinese people during his trial.
Trial Statement
During the trial, Luzian Andrin Zgraggen’s claim of no intent to insult the Hindu holiday or Balinese culture underscores the complexities of cultural sensitivities in legal contexts.
During the trial, Luzian Andrin Zgraggen’s claim of no intent to insult the Hindu holiday or Balinese culture underscores the complexities of cultural sensitivities in legal contexts.
Intent Clarification
Luzian Andrin Zgraggen stated in court, “I had never intended to insult the Hindu holiday or the Balinese people.”
Luzian Andrin Zgraggen stated in court, “I had never intended to insult the Hindu holiday or the Balinese people.”
Swiss tourist sentenced to year in jail for insulting Bali's sacred Day of Silence
During his trial, Luzian Andrin Zgraggen told the court he had never intended to insult the Hindu holiday or the Balinese people.
PSG relocates opening league match to Rennes due to pitch damage from heatwave
12:00 pm
Get you up to speed: PSG forced to move opening league match as heatwave in France damages pitch
Paris Saint-Germain’s opening league match against Rennes has been moved to Rennes due to damage to the pitch at Parc des Princes caused by a summer heatwave. The French football competitions committee confirmed the relocation on Wednesday, citing concerns for player safety and well-being.
The French football competitions committee announced that the relocated match is set for Sunday in Rennes. Paris Saint-Germain confirmed plans to replace the damaged pitch at Parc des Princes ahead of their next home game against Monaco on 4 September.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has announced that its opening match of the French league season will be relocated to Rennes due to significant pitch damage, with the decision made in agreement with Rennes. PSG has identified a plan to replace the damaged pitch ahead of its next home game against Monaco on September 4.
What remains unclear — It is not specified when the pitch at Parc des Princes will be fully repaired for future matches.
PSG relocates opening league match to Rennes due to pitch damage from heatwave
Sport|FootballPSG forced to move opening league match as heatwave in France damages pitch
Paris Saint-Germain moves its opening league game to Rennes after heatwave causes damage to pitch at Parc des Princes.
Published On 20 Aug 202620 Aug 2026
Paris Saint-Germain’s opening game of its title defence in the French league against Rennes has been relocated at short notice because of damage to the champion’s pitch following a heatwave this summer.
Sunday’s match will now take place in Rennes, French football’s competitions committee announced late on Wednesday.
PSG said its pitch at Parc des Princes had deteriorated so much “that the current conditions did not allow the match to be held under satisfactory circumstances, particularly with regard to the safety and physical well-being of the players”.
The change of venue has been decided “in agreement” with Rennes, PSG said, and thanked its opponent for “making the match possible”.
“Paris Saint-Germain fully understands the inconvenience caused by this change for its supporters and all those who had planned to attend this match at the Parc des Princes,” PSG added, saying “the club regrets this exceptional situation.”
PSG said it had “identified a solution for replacing the pitch at the Parc des Princes for the upcoming matches,” starting with its next home game in Ligue 1 against Monaco on September 4.
The defending French league and Champions League winners opened their season with a win against Aston Villa last Wednesday in Austria to defend their UEFA Super Cup title.
Studies indicate public transit could enhance health and community well-being
11:00 am
Get you up to speed: Studies suggest public transit may improve health
A study has indicated that public transportation can enhance health through increased physical activity, well-being, and community engagement. The findings come amidst ongoing safety concerns expressed by transit riders.
Officials are conducting a study to assess the health benefits of public transportation, focusing on its impact on physical activity and community well-being. The investigation aims to address safety concerns raised by transit riders while highlighting the positive outcomes associated with increased public transit usage.
Officials have acknowledged safety concerns raised by transit riders but emphasised the health benefits of public transportation, including its promotion of physical activity and community well-being. Moving forward, authorities are expected to enhance safety measures while prioritising initiatives that highlight the positive impact of transit on public health.
What remains unclear — It is not specified what specific safety concerns are being raised by transit riders.
Studies indicate public transit could enhance health and community well-being
Although there are safety concerns coming from transit riders, a study is showing public transportation can improve health with physical activity, well-being, and community.
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