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  Global crude oil prices experienced a sharp increase over the last 24 hours following new military strikes launched by the United States against Iranian targets in the Middle East.   Market data shows Brent crude rising to $95.49 per barrel, up 0.54 percent, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) climbed to $90.71 per barrel, representing a 0.84 percent daily increase.   The price surge follows an official statement from United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirming a wave of targeted strikes against Iranian military infrastructure. According to CENTCOM, the targets included air defense sites, radar installations, maritime facilities, mine-laying assets, and communications hubs.   The military action was executed in retaliation for attacks by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on commercial shipping in the strategic Strait of Hormuz and on U.S. military personnel stationed in the region. The escalation also follows the implementation of a U.S. "tanker-f...

  Manchester City have agreed a deal with Chelsea to sign Enzo Fernandez for £125m.   The deal matches the British record transfer fee Liverpool paid for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak during last year's summer Deadline Day.   Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2023 for a then-British record fee of £107m, with his latest switch matching the £125m that Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak also on transfer deadline day last summer.   The clubs have been negotiating over the past 24 hours and have now reached an agreement.   Fernandez, 25, will now undergo a medical ahead of signing a long-term deal at City. Personal terms will not be an issue.   Argentina international Fernandez worked with City manager Enzo Maresca during the Italian's reign at Chelsea.   Maresca is keen to work with him again after losing a host of midfielders this summer.   It is the second time this summer that City have broken their own transfer record, following the £116m...

  American music icon Lionel Richie remains hospitalized in a St. Louis intensive care unit as doctors carry out tests over possible cardiac-related issues. Sources familiar with the situation told TMZ that Richie is undergoing medical examinations concerning his heart. He is, however, expected to be released from the hospital on Wednesday, September 2.   The singer reportedly checked himself into the hospital for testing after his Saturday night performance at The Muny in St. Louis. Sources initially said doctors were also investigating possible mild dehydration, with Richie hoping to be discharged on Tuesday. However, his hospital stay has continued as medical professionals conduct further tests. Richie’s condition comes after concertgoers noticed that he appeared to be struggling towards the end of his St. Louis performance. According to reports, he asked members of his team to bring him a chair so he could sit while performing his final song, “All Night Long.” The latest h...

  Organizers of the Ballon d’Or have confirmed that the official 30-man shortlist for the 2026 award will be unveiled on September 8, intensifying debate following the conclusion of the 2025/2026 European season and the FIFA World Cup in North America.   With the international media jury, comprising top journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations, evaluating both individual output and major silverware, the race for football's highest individual honor remains highly competitive. Here is the ranking of the top five favorites ahead of the official shortlist announcement:   5. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami / Argentina) Messi’s inclusion among the top contenders highlights the immense weight carried by the FIFA World Cup. While domestic appearances in Major League Soccer were secondary, the 39-year-old Argentina captain delivered eight goals during the tournament to lead his nation to the final before falling to Spain.   4. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid / France) Mbappé rem...

  A Haitian-born college student in Ohio died by suicide after he lost his temporary protected status protections amid the Trump administration’s termination of Haiti’s TPS designation. Pierre Damas Bel, 20, died on Monday as he walked into oncoming traffic after parking his vehicle on the right shoulder of Interstate 70, according to Ohio State Highway Patrol. “Bel succumbed to fatal injuries at the scene,” Ohio State Highway Patrol said in a statement, adding that the incident remains under investigation. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, said Tuesday that Bel’s death is a “horrible, horrible tragedy.” “He graduated from high school here,” DeWine said. “He was well liked. He was in the junior ROTC. And, I’m told by those that knew him that he had great dreams about what he could do in this country and what he could contribute to this country.” “I think we have to ask ourselves: Is this really good? Is it what we want done to people like this being picked up and facing deportat...

  Tennis legend, Novak Djokovic experienced a historic setback at the US Open on Sunday night, suffering his first-ever opening-round loss at Flushing Meadows after falling to Argentina's Mariano Navone.   The 39-year-old fourth seed succumbed 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a grueling five-set battle at Arthur Ashe Stadium that spanned four hours and 36 minutes. The defeat marks Djokovic's earliest exit from any Grand Slam tournament in 20 years, dating back to the 2006 Australian Open. Visible physical distress plagued the 24-time Grand Slam champion throughout the night. Djokovic battled vomiting and severe cramping, requiring medical attention, medication, and lower back treatment between sets. The Serbian committed 70 unforced errors in the match. "I didn’t enjoy myself," Djokovic admitted post-match.   "I think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me. It's something that I've been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every mat...

  Three sisters have d!ed after a boat they were travelling in capsized at Tiga Dam in Tudun Wada Local Government Area of Kano State. According to family members, the incident occurred at about 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026.  The victims were identified as Murjanatu, Atikatu and Bilkisu, popularly known as Amira, all daughters of the same household in Yalwan Rugu-Rugu community.   Confirming the development, the Chairperson of Tudun Wada Local Government and Chair of the Kano State Association of Local Government Chairpersons, Hajiya Sa’adatu Salisu Soja Maijama’a, described the accident as a devastating loss to the family and the community.   “We share the pain of the bereaved family and pray that Almighty Allah forgives the deceased, grants them Aljannatul Firdaus, and gives their loved ones the strength to bear this painful loss,” she said.   Residents of Yalwan Rugu-Rugu have since been gripped by grief, with neighbours and sympathisers mourning th...