A Deep South state in the United States, bordered by Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi
The Booker Prize longlist for 2026 has been announced with 13 novels from seven countries and three continents. It features former winners and debut authors, including Douglas Stuart and Elizabeth Strout, and is chaired by Mary Beard. The panel says the list expands boundaries and offers a mix of humor, dystopia, and drama. The shortlist will be revealed Sept. 22, with the winner announced Nov. 9.
A set of developments across researchers and private firms are advancing biological control methods. BBC reports on Wolbachia-infected male mosquitoes being released for pest control, while Independent outlines NovoFly, a gene-edited male fly, and UK/US efforts to test sterile-insect releases. The Guardian covers tick prevention and bite risk amid rising Lyme disease cases.
A series of 6-3 rulings across several federal circuits has reinforced broad presidential authority in immigration and asylum matters. The courts have allowed mass detention and swift enforcement actions under executive orders, while some panels require bond hearings for detainees. The fabric of due process and administrative power is being tested as the administration pushes sweeping policy changes.
A federal judge blocks the Trump administration's rule redefining qualifying employers for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, while another judge rules the rule is contrary to law. The ruling preserves PSLF benefits for workers in government and nonprofits and prompts Education Department review. The litigation spans multiple states and advocacy groups.
Trump-backed Julia Letlow has won the Louisiana Senate runoff, consolidating support for his slate in Republican primaries. The race highlights Trump’s continued influence while Democratic challengers eye a path to regain control of Congress.
Ukraine’s mid-range, Starlink-enabled drones have expanded the front’s reach, pressuring Russia’s supply lines and Crimea’s energy hubs. Russia is countering with camouflage, jamming, and new tactics, while Ukraine trains fighters and pursues domestically produced drones to sustain the push.
Insurers are signaling double‑digit premium increases for 2027 in preliminary rate filings across 16 states and the District of Columbia. Analysts attribute the rise to higher healthcare costs and the expiration of pandemic‑era subsidies, with enrollment shrinking as affordability pressures mount.
A coalition of more than 20 states and the District of Columbia has filed suit against CMS over an interim final rule that tightens Medicaid eligibility by redefining medical frailty and enforcing work or community-engagement requirements for expansion enrollees. The suit argues the rule exceeds the agency’s authority, risks disenfranchising patients with serious illnesses, and forces costly system changes as states prepare for a January 2027 rollout.
Legendary guitarist Buddy Guy will headline a one-night 90th birthday concert at Radio City Music Hall with a star-studded guest list. The show, part of a wider summer tour, marks Guy’s ninth Grammy win and follows his long career in blues and rock.
The Supreme Court has ruled that the president can remove leaders of most independent federal agencies, overturning the 1935 Humphrey’s Executor precedent, while carving out an exception for the Federal Reserve. The decisions leave Lisa Cook in place for now but open the door for presidents to exert new control over agencies such as the FTC, shifting regulatory power toward the White House.
Multiple authorities report arrests in a weekend cybercrime sting targeting online predators. A 75-year-old man who renamed himself Santa Claus is among 11 suspects charged with illegal computer-aided solicitation of a minor and indecent behavior with a juvenile in Kenner, Louisiana, as authorities say more arrests are anticipated in the operation.
Across multiple projects, autonomous and humanoid machines are moving from labs to factories and field sites. From Louisiana’s solar-grid work to Austin’s Robot Park and a Chinese factory livestream, developers say robots are proving value in real-world settings while building data and capability for broader deployment.
Marine Le Pen faces a key appeal ruling over a 2025 EU funds embezzlement conviction and a five-year ban on holding public office. The outcome could restore her bid, trim the ban, or keep her from running, reshaping the National Rally’s path to the presidency in 2027.
Meta is pursuing a cloud compute business, potentially selling access to excess AI compute power and/or hosted AI models. The move follows high AI infrastructure spending and could reshape the company’s revenue flow beyond advertising. Investors have reacted positively, while rivals and early pilots offer a benchmark for profitability.
Charles Winters and other Black employees allege systematic racial discrimination at Six Flags Magic Mountain and Planet Fitness facilities, claiming reduced duties, stricter supervision, unlawful terminations, and denial of promotions. Lawsuits seek tens of millions in damages as the cases unfold in Los Angeles Superior Court and related venues.
WeWard has launched Walking Mode, a feature that locks social apps until users meet a walking goal. The feature aims to promote activity and reduce screen time. Venus Williams funds the project, with the app reporting 30 million users in 29 countries and a 25% increase in walking time on average.
A former Milwaukee judge has been sentenced after being convicted of felony obstruction for helping an immigrant evade ICE during a courtroom incident. The judge has acknowledged public threats and resignations followed, while prosecutors emphasize the need for accountability in law enforcement and judicial duties. The case highlights political tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in Wisconsin.
Outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have spread across multiple US states, with New York, Illinois and Texas reporting higher case counts. The CDC is investigating clusters tied to fresh produce, and health officials urge thorough washing of fruits and vegetables to reduce risk.
New safety measures are being rolled out after multiple drownings highlighted by the Independent and AP reports. The push emphasizes swift rescue, pool safety, and funding for swimming lessons following a family tragedy that inspired a charitable foundation.
A new detention-like facility near Alexandria, Louisiana, is expanding the deportation process by housing families and unaccompanied children en route to removal. The move follows a prior case in Florida where a mother of four was detained despite a court ruling against detaining new mothers. Advocates warn the setup risks extended confinement and raises oversight concerns.
The cycleospora outbreak has grown, with Michigan reporting nearly 1,000 cases and Ohio, New York, and other states seeing rising counts. The illness causes watery diarrhea and can last weeks; health departments are investigating potential foodborne sources and urging safe handling.
Meta has expanded its Hyperion AI data center in Richland Parish, Louisiana to at least 5 gigawatts of compute capacity at a cost surpassing $50 billion. The project, already a major AI infrastructure push, is expected to create over 1,000 jobs and bring billions in local contracts and infrastructure investments.
AP-NORC survey shows a generational divide among Jewish Americans: older, religiously affiliated Jews emphasize Israel in identity and security while younger Jews prioritize cultural links; views on Gaza and genocide claims vary, with concerns about safety rising in the US.
Monsoon floods have struck Nuristan, Afghanistan, damaging Parun and surrounding areas. Authorities report dozens dead, hundreds missing or injured, as forecasters warn of more heavy rainfall. Rescue teams are struggling amid rugged terrain and limited infrastructure; international aid agencies are mobilising.
CNBC’s 2026 America’s Top States for Business quality-of-life rankings have drawn criticism from conservatives who say the methodology unfairly targets red states. Critics argue the list conflicts with population growth data and different state policy outcomes.
A widespread outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to leafy greens is expanding across the United States. Michigan reports thousands of cases as authorities investigate a potential link to Taco Bell and other produce sources. Health officials warn the outbreak is likely to continue through August; precautions include thoroughly washing produce or cooking it.
The Senate Judiciary Committee is questioning Todd Blanche, acting attorney general, about his past with Trump, the handling of the Epstein files, and a controversial $1.8 billion fund; Republicans and Democrats press on independence and accountability as the nomination moves forward.
The National Weather Service has issued alerts as a large, deadly flood wave is barreling down the Guadalupe River in Texas, threatening Kerrville, Uvalde and other Hill Country communities. Rescue teams have already carried out dozens of high-water rescues; governors have declared disasters across dozens of counties as rainfall continues.
Mahmoud Khalil has filed a federal lawsuit in New York alleging a conspiracy between senior Trump administration officials and pro‑Israel groups to jail and silence pro‑Palestinian activists. The suit cites the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871 and targets figures in the White House, Heritage Foundation, Canary Mission, and Betar USA. Khalil, a former Columbia student, is challenging deportation while continuing broader court battles.
House Republicans have advanced a reconciliation budget resolution that would channel roughly $60 billion to the Iran war, boost Pentagon and farm aid and include parts of President Trump’s elections package. Democrats have opposed the plan’s high spending and social riders. Separately, more than 100 House Democrats voted to withhold military aid to Israel, exposing a deep intra-party split ahead of the midterms.
Civil rights leaders have announced a major demonstration in Washington, D.C. for Aug. 28, marking the 63rd anniversary of the 1963 march. The event, led by Rev. Al Sharpton and Martin Luther King III, aims to press Congress after a Supreme Court ruling tightened voting rights protections and spurred state redistricting.
The Senate has held a confirmation hearing for Dr. Erica Schwartz, the nominee to lead the CDC, amid questions about how she would balance scientific independence with pressure from the administration on vaccine policy. Her background spans the Coast Guard and the surgeon general’s office, with the agency facing staffing turmoil and political scrutiny.
The Sunshine Protection Act has passed the House to make daylight saving time permanent in most of the United States. Senate consideration faces regional and health-impacts questions, with broad public interest in ending the clock-change ritual. Health experts warn permanent DST could disrupt sleep, while some communities and leaders push for standard time instead.
Latin America sees a rise in Protestant Pentecostal and Charismatic churches, now about 11% of the population, with Pentecostal/Charismatic groups reaching 676 million adherents globally in 2026. The trend influences culture and politics across the region, including Brazil, where Pentecostalism intersects with social identity.
The FDA has upgraded Amy’s Kitchen Organic Lentil Soup – Light Sodium recall to Class II after a lid defect raised spoilage concerns. Separately, General Mills has recalled Pillsbury roll doughs for potential glass contamination, and Midwest Poultry Services has halted shipments as nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs are recalled over Salmonella fears. No illnesses are confirmed yet.
Uganda, Kenya and other African health leaders are pushing for integrated sickle cell care, newborn screening and sustained domestic financing to expand treatment, prevent poverty from illness, and improve outcomes for patients.
Over the past weeks, U.S. and Canadian grocers have pulled iceberg lettuce from Central Mexico after a Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms products. FDA and CDC warn consumers to discard recalled items and seek refunds. The recall now covers 27 states and multiple brands, with thousands of illnesses reported.
Defaults among federal student loan borrowers have surged after the pause ended, with around 9.5 million in default and more facing higher payments as the government ends the SAVE plan. The government has shifted repayment options and tightened relief, raising concerns about financial strain.
Gas prices remain elevated amid renewed fighting in the Iran conflict. National averages hover near $4 per gallon, with regional spikes in California and the West Coast. Polls show voters connect gas costs to broader inflation and political stakes ahead of midterms.
The Republican-led EEOC has voted to end the annual demographic reporting requirement (EEO-1) for private employers, prompting a 30-day public comment period and a hearing on August 11. The move argues the data collection is costly and potentially at odds with colorblind employment principles; critics say the data are crucial to uncover discrimination patterns.
A Florida woman has been charged in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, accused of helping secure more than $32 million in COVID-19 relief funds before fleeing to Jamaica and later being captured in a US-led operation. Several co-defendants have already been convicted or sentenced in the ongoing case.
The SNAP program has faced a historic remolding, with participation falling significantly since the 2025 cost-shift law. States are adapting with tighter eligibility and higher administrative hurdles, while food banks brace for higher demand amid rising prices.Mayors urge reversal of cuts as hunger risk grows.
The Louisiana Supreme Court has paused the July 2 indictment against Attorney General Jeff Murrill, citing procedural flaws by the local court and the special prosecutor. A federal-style response from state authorities includes calls for pardons and ongoing political tensions between Republicans and New Orleans Democrats. The case is ordered closed while further review occurs.
The White House has expanded a nonbinding Ratepayer Protection Pledge to include nearly 200 additional utilities, governors and data‑center developers, and President Trump has urged local leaders to welcome data centers as economic opportunities. Critics say the pledge lacks enforcement and will not prevent rising electricity bills as AI-related power demand grows.
The Strokes have released Reality Awaits, blending their classic minimalist sound with Casablancas' experimental edge. The album features new textures and lively live performances, while Casablancas balances Voidz hauteur with Strokes pop. The band is touring this summer, including Sea.Hear.Now and a New York date.
The National Hurricane Center has warned that wind and rainfall impacts are growing, but exact location and severity remain uncertain. Fausto is roughly 1,300 miles west of Baja California and 1,600 miles east of Hawaii, with winds near 100 mph. Swells are triggering dangerous surf and rip tides in southern California, while Bertha has dissipated after a Gulf Coast impact.
FDA-confirmed cases linked to Midwest Poultry Services shell eggs have prompted recalls across several brands and stores. About 98 illnesses have been reported since Nov. 21, with 26 hospitalizations. Authorities say eggs from Texas farms are a likely source, though not all cases are accounted for. A separate cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce remains under monitoring.