Morning Digest
35 stories from 9 sources, 63 more held back.
US targets ICC chief in push to ‘dismantle’ court. The US has imposed sanctions on two senior International Criminal Court (ICC) officials, accusing The Hague-based institution of overstepping its authority.
Liberia has agreed to accept up to 1,200 third-country migrants deported from the US under a controversial agreement pushed by the Trump administration as part of its sweeping immigration crackdown. The transfers will take place over one year, with the first group of 20 due to arrive in the West African country on Thursday, Liberia’s Ministry of Information said in a statement on Tuesday.
South Africa citrus exporters secure breakthrough in India. South African citrus exporters have received a boost in the Indian market after New Delhi amended its plant quarantine rules on Monday, approving additional cold-treatment options for fresh citrus imports from the African state.
The death toll from last week’s ferry disaster on Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba has risen to 94, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said on Tuesday. Search teams remain deployed in the area and recovery operations will continue as the authorities seek to locate any people still missing.
Russia and Ukraine have conducted another prisoner of war exchange, returning over a hundred servicemen to each side, the Defense Ministry in Moscow announced on Wednesday. In a statement published on social media, the ministry said that “103 Russian servicemen were returned from territory controlled by the Kiev regime.
NASA has released images showing a crater blasted into the Moon by a discarded SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage that struck the lunar surface at around 5,400 mph (8,700 kph) earlier this month.
The US has lifted security restrictions on vessels arriving from Nigeria, ending a 12-year regime that burdened shipping companies with additional guards, inspections, and paperwork.
Mount Etna eruption sparks worst aviation crisis for Sicily in 20 years (VIDEOS). Sicily is facing its worst aviation disruption in more than two decades as a prolonged eruption of Mount Etna forces hundreds of flight cancellations, stranding thousands during the peak summer holiday season.
Islam Makhachev made history on Saturday night, winning his 17th fight in a row, breaking a UFC consecutive victory record he had shared with Anderson Silva.
Every WNBA team has 10 or fewer games left in the 2026 regular season. But with the schedule break for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup from Aug. 31 through Sept. 16, key games that could determine playoff position are spread out over the next five weeks. Three teams -- the Minnesota Lynx, Golden State Valkyries and Las Vegas Aces -- have clinched a playoff berth.
It's the sound of something building. Others refer to it as momentum. I like the idea of a drumbeat.
The preseason AP Top 25 football poll was released Monday, so let's use it as a roadmap into the 2026 season. I have one wager or prediction for every team in the poll. Some prices are playable, while others are too expensive and better treated as predictions.
Claressa Shields solidified her No. 1 spot in the ESPN women's pound-for-pound rankings with another dominant performance Saturday night at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Shields, the undisputed women's heavyweight champion, moved down in weight and defeated Kaye Scott by sixth-round TKO to reclaim the WBC and WBA middleweight titles.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick did not know it at the time, but he could easily have been describing Rodri in April when he spoke about what his side needs to get even better. "We need players with leadership on the pitch," Flick, who has guided Barça to back-to-back LaLiga titles in his two years with the club, said. "This is important in the [key] moments.
When the Bears hired Ben Johnson last offseason, we had a pretty clear idea of who he was. The young coach who had saved Jared Goff's career and lit the Lions' offense aflame by grafting much of the old Sean McVay offense into a new approach in Detroit. A ton of motion, play-action and intermediate in-breakers.
Bregman walks it off for the Cubs | Morning Lineup.
CHICAGO – Kevin Gausman removed his glove and inspected his left hand, while Cubs manager Craig Counsell emerged from the dugout and made his way to the mound. It was the second time the veteran starter had to pause due to the issue and Counsell opted against pushing Gausman any further.
CHICAGO – In the hours leading up to Tuesday night’s game, Pete Crow-Armstrong flipped his hat around backward and headed to the dugout wearing a vintage Cubs jersey and shorts. A group of kids from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago was waiting in the dugout. The Cubs star center fielder took a seat, chatted them up and had the group smiling and laughing as he answered an array of questions.
Calling all comic lovers and baseball fanatics: All Baseball Comics is debuting a collection of three officially licensed books to expand your collection. Centered on the thesis that baseball is “the story of America,” the trio of issues features one spotlight on each of the Yankees, Dodgers and Cubs. They are available for preorder now on baseballcomics.com.
Another night, another dramatic Crosstown finish at Wrigley Field. After center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong won the Cubs the series-opener with a walk-off homer in extra innings Monday, third baseman Alex Bregman delivered a two-out, walk-off single to give the Cubs a 4-3 win over the White Sox, the 13th walk-off win at the Friendly Confines this season.
This site is free thanks to our community of supporters. Voluntary donations from readers like you keep our news accessible for everyone. A tied Crosstown tilt between the Cubs and White Sox went into a late weather delay Tuesday night at Wrigley Field.
The headlining addition of the Cubs’ trade-deadline haul made an early exit from Tuesday night’s tilt with the Crosstown-rival White Sox. Righty starting pitcher Kevin Gausman departed in the fifth inning, leaving with the trainer after facing two batters. The team announced his exit was forced by a cramp in his left hand.
Craig Counsell has already made it clear he plans to keep using Jacob Webb as the Cubs’ go-to reliever. “There’s nobody I’d rather have out there,” the skipper said after the righty stretched his streak of scoreless appearances to 22 games Monday.
The Cubs will spend the next four weeks without their starting shortstop, no small thing in the middle of a playoff race. Dansby Swanson is a critical part of the Cubs’ championship puzzle, playing Gold Glove defense at one of the sport’s premier positions and, if at times quietly, providing ample offensive production. He came into Tuesday fourth on the roster with 18 home runs.
The fight, which Chicago police say is not connected to an eighth-inning brawl in the stands captured in a widely shared video, happened outside a restroom as the game was wrapping up, according to court records. The 26-year-old victim told police that a man “sucker punched” him with his right fist, causing his nose to bleed, according to a police report.
Es el mundo de Pete Crow-Armstrong y el resto del béisbol solo vive en él.
A far-right Florida congressman was just caught on video rifling through a voter’s mailbox, which is a textbook federal felony. A Republican congressman in South Carolina is turning on Donald Trump for endorsing his primary opponent, accusing the president of abandoning his MAGA base.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth could soon be out the door, as Donald Trump is in need of a scapegoat for the failed Iran war and desperate sailors on an aircraft carrier trying to jump overboard. Disney and ABC just filed a lawsuit against Trump’s FCC over what they say is a retaliation campaign against the network’s coverage of his administration.
Mojo🔥 is now open source (via) Mojo🔥 is now open source. The Mojo programming language has been promising an open source release since May 2023. Last week they shipped their 1.0 and today they have followed through on that original promise, releasing the compiler and toolchain under an Apache 2 license.
In industrial facilities where 400–480V three-phase power is standard, machine builders don’t have to ask themselves if they need to use high voltage; that’s a given. Instead, they need to figure out how to design motion systems to work effectively within that environment without introducing unnecessary complexity.
As robots become more autonomous and enter more spaces with people, the need for a trustworthy safety technology stack has grown. FORT Robotics Inc. today said it is merging with Newbury Street II Acquisition Corp., a special-purpose acquisition company, or SPAC.
Sensing “skin” is among the technologies in development around physical AI including humanoid robots. Materials company Uni-Chem Co. this month acquired Loomia Technologies Inc. to enter the market for “electronic skin” for humanoids, as well as the market for interior materials for smart mobility.
This article is part of our exclusive IEEE Journal Watch series in partnership with IEEE Xplore. Microspines are one of many ways to enable robots to latch onto surfaces like walls and ceilings. Now roboticists in Canada are using the mini spikes to get drones to land on a more challenging, remote surface: icebergs.
The seven-year contract follows a handful of agreements between Raytheon and DOD signed at the beginning of 2026, supporting the company’s yearly production rate of more than 1,000 Tomahawk missiles. In January, Raytheon was awarded an additional $380.8 million for an existing contract for recertifying and upgrading Tomahawk missiles.
It's easier to develop new manufacturing processes and equipment than to develop new materials for manufacturing that have unique chemical and other properties, according to Z Polymers CEO Mike Zimmerman. However, innovative materials are what really drives product development, he said. “These things have typically taken a long time.
US targets ICC chief in push to ‘dismantle’ court. The US has imposed sanctions on two senior International Criminal Court (ICC) officials, accusing The Hague-based institution of overstepping its authority.
Liberia has agreed to accept up to 1,200 third-country migrants deported from the US under a controversial agreement pushed by the Trump administration as part of its sweeping immigration crackdown. The transfers will take place over one year, with the first group of 20 due to arrive in the West African country on Thursday, Liberia’s Ministry of Information said in a statement on Tuesday.
South Africa citrus exporters secure breakthrough in India. South African citrus exporters have received a boost in the Indian market after New Delhi amended its plant quarantine rules on Monday, approving additional cold-treatment options for fresh citrus imports from the African state.
The death toll from last week’s ferry disaster on Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba has risen to 94, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said on Tuesday. Search teams remain deployed in the area and recovery operations will continue as the authorities seek to locate any people still missing.
Russia and Ukraine have conducted another prisoner of war exchange, returning over a hundred servicemen to each side, the Defense Ministry in Moscow announced on Wednesday. In a statement published on social media, the ministry said that “103 Russian servicemen were returned from territory controlled by the Kiev regime.
NASA has released images showing a crater blasted into the Moon by a discarded SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage that struck the lunar surface at around 5,400 mph (8,700 kph) earlier this month.
The US has lifted security restrictions on vessels arriving from Nigeria, ending a 12-year regime that burdened shipping companies with additional guards, inspections, and paperwork.
Mount Etna eruption sparks worst aviation crisis for Sicily in 20 years (VIDEOS). Sicily is facing its worst aviation disruption in more than two decades as a prolonged eruption of Mount Etna forces hundreds of flight cancellations, stranding thousands during the peak summer holiday season.
Islam Makhachev made history on Saturday night, winning his 17th fight in a row, breaking a UFC consecutive victory record he had shared with Anderson Silva.
Every WNBA team has 10 or fewer games left in the 2026 regular season. But with the schedule break for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup from Aug. 31 through Sept. 16, key games that could determine playoff position are spread out over the next five weeks. Three teams -- the Minnesota Lynx, Golden State Valkyries and Las Vegas Aces -- have clinched a playoff berth.
It's the sound of something building. Others refer to it as momentum. I like the idea of a drumbeat.
The preseason AP Top 25 football poll was released Monday, so let's use it as a roadmap into the 2026 season. I have one wager or prediction for every team in the poll. Some prices are playable, while others are too expensive and better treated as predictions.
Claressa Shields solidified her No. 1 spot in the ESPN women's pound-for-pound rankings with another dominant performance Saturday night at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Shields, the undisputed women's heavyweight champion, moved down in weight and defeated Kaye Scott by sixth-round TKO to reclaim the WBC and WBA middleweight titles.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick did not know it at the time, but he could easily have been describing Rodri in April when he spoke about what his side needs to get even better. "We need players with leadership on the pitch," Flick, who has guided Barça to back-to-back LaLiga titles in his two years with the club, said. "This is important in the [key] moments.
When the Bears hired Ben Johnson last offseason, we had a pretty clear idea of who he was. The young coach who had saved Jared Goff's career and lit the Lions' offense aflame by grafting much of the old Sean McVay offense into a new approach in Detroit. A ton of motion, play-action and intermediate in-breakers.
A far-right Florida congressman was just caught on video rifling through a voter’s mailbox, which is a textbook federal felony. A Republican congressman in South Carolina is turning on Donald Trump for endorsing his primary opponent, accusing the president of abandoning his MAGA base.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth could soon be out the door, as Donald Trump is in need of a scapegoat for the failed Iran war and desperate sailors on an aircraft carrier trying to jump overboard. Disney and ABC just filed a lawsuit against Trump’s FCC over what they say is a retaliation campaign against the network’s coverage of his administration.
Bregman walks it off for the Cubs | Morning Lineup.
CHICAGO – Kevin Gausman removed his glove and inspected his left hand, while Cubs manager Craig Counsell emerged from the dugout and made his way to the mound. It was the second time the veteran starter had to pause due to the issue and Counsell opted against pushing Gausman any further.
CHICAGO – In the hours leading up to Tuesday night’s game, Pete Crow-Armstrong flipped his hat around backward and headed to the dugout wearing a vintage Cubs jersey and shorts. A group of kids from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago was waiting in the dugout. The Cubs star center fielder took a seat, chatted them up and had the group smiling and laughing as he answered an array of questions.
Calling all comic lovers and baseball fanatics: All Baseball Comics is debuting a collection of three officially licensed books to expand your collection. Centered on the thesis that baseball is “the story of America,” the trio of issues features one spotlight on each of the Yankees, Dodgers and Cubs. They are available for preorder now on baseballcomics.com.
Another night, another dramatic Crosstown finish at Wrigley Field. After center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong won the Cubs the series-opener with a walk-off homer in extra innings Monday, third baseman Alex Bregman delivered a two-out, walk-off single to give the Cubs a 4-3 win over the White Sox, the 13th walk-off win at the Friendly Confines this season.
This site is free thanks to our community of supporters. Voluntary donations from readers like you keep our news accessible for everyone. A tied Crosstown tilt between the Cubs and White Sox went into a late weather delay Tuesday night at Wrigley Field.
The headlining addition of the Cubs’ trade-deadline haul made an early exit from Tuesday night’s tilt with the Crosstown-rival White Sox. Righty starting pitcher Kevin Gausman departed in the fifth inning, leaving with the trainer after facing two batters. The team announced his exit was forced by a cramp in his left hand.
Craig Counsell has already made it clear he plans to keep using Jacob Webb as the Cubs’ go-to reliever. “There’s nobody I’d rather have out there,” the skipper said after the righty stretched his streak of scoreless appearances to 22 games Monday.
The Cubs will spend the next four weeks without their starting shortstop, no small thing in the middle of a playoff race. Dansby Swanson is a critical part of the Cubs’ championship puzzle, playing Gold Glove defense at one of the sport’s premier positions and, if at times quietly, providing ample offensive production. He came into Tuesday fourth on the roster with 18 home runs.
The fight, which Chicago police say is not connected to an eighth-inning brawl in the stands captured in a widely shared video, happened outside a restroom as the game was wrapping up, according to court records. The 26-year-old victim told police that a man “sucker punched” him with his right fist, causing his nose to bleed, according to a police report.
Es el mundo de Pete Crow-Armstrong y el resto del béisbol solo vive en él.
In industrial facilities where 400–480V three-phase power is standard, machine builders don’t have to ask themselves if they need to use high voltage; that’s a given. Instead, they need to figure out how to design motion systems to work effectively within that environment without introducing unnecessary complexity.
As robots become more autonomous and enter more spaces with people, the need for a trustworthy safety technology stack has grown. FORT Robotics Inc. today said it is merging with Newbury Street II Acquisition Corp., a special-purpose acquisition company, or SPAC.
Sensing “skin” is among the technologies in development around physical AI including humanoid robots. Materials company Uni-Chem Co. this month acquired Loomia Technologies Inc. to enter the market for “electronic skin” for humanoids, as well as the market for interior materials for smart mobility.
This article is part of our exclusive IEEE Journal Watch series in partnership with IEEE Xplore. Microspines are one of many ways to enable robots to latch onto surfaces like walls and ceilings. Now roboticists in Canada are using the mini spikes to get drones to land on a more challenging, remote surface: icebergs.
Mojo🔥 is now open source (via) Mojo🔥 is now open source. The Mojo programming language has been promising an open source release since May 2023. Last week they shipped their 1.0 and today they have followed through on that original promise, releasing the compiler and toolchain under an Apache 2 license.
The seven-year contract follows a handful of agreements between Raytheon and DOD signed at the beginning of 2026, supporting the company’s yearly production rate of more than 1,000 Tomahawk missiles. In January, Raytheon was awarded an additional $380.8 million for an existing contract for recertifying and upgrading Tomahawk missiles.
It's easier to develop new manufacturing processes and equipment than to develop new materials for manufacturing that have unique chemical and other properties, according to Z Polymers CEO Mike Zimmerman. However, innovative materials are what really drives product development, he said. “These things have typically taken a long time.