week photos august
|

The week in photos: August 1-7, 2026

ByJustpaste.in

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ Alexandra Eala captured her first-ever WTA Tour crown in the Mubadala DC Open after a win over world No. 3 Jessica Pegula of the United States on August 3 (August 4, Manila time). The win propelled Eala to No. 20 in the WTA rankings, the biggest ranking jump since her breakthrough into the top 35 in February, when she surged from No. 47 to No. 31.

On August 3, Day 11 of the Vice President’s impeachment trial, the prosecution finally brings out long-infamous names — from Mary Grace Piattos to Andy C. Lim — in their bid to weave a narrative that Duterte misused her confidential funds.

Veteran lawyer Lorna Kapunan, private counsel for the House prosecution panel, probed state auditor Roderick Wamil over what the Commission on Audit (COA) had earlier flagged as shortcomings in how the OVP spent its confidential funds in the final quarter of 2022 and the first quarter of 2023.

On August 5, late into the third and final day of this week’s hearings marked by intense questioning and hours of poring over documents, an exasperated Kapunan suggests using the defense’s documents — which she says with certainty are the same as the prosecution’s — to speed up the process. With minutes left before the impeachment court was supposed to call it a day, the prosecution and defense were still arguing over the admission of documents.

Meanwhile, a Thai teenager killed at least five people and himself at a school outside Bangkok on August 7, after fatally shooting his grandparents, in the Southeast Asian nation’s worst mass killing since 2022. Those killed were all teachers and school staff. Police said the 14-year-old shooter, a student, fired at least 26 bullets using a gun that belonged to his grandfather. An additional 34 rounds were also found.

Catch more stories in these photos from the week that was:

Roman history re-enactment festival in Bosnia

Participants wear Roman costumes during a Roman history re-enactment festival featuring gladiator battles, Roman soldiers, cavalry, ancient crafts and period costumes, as organizers seek to boost tourism by bringing the region’s archaeological heritage to life, in Mokro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on August 1, 2026. PHOTO BY AMEL EMRIC/REUTERS

Annual Canal Parade at WorldPride in Amsterdam

Participants perform ahead of the start of the annual Canal Parade at WorldPride in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, on August 1, 2026. PHOTO BY THILO SCHMUELGEN/REUTERS

Flag bearer Reuben Ward of Scotland celebrate with teammates during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games at The Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland, on August 2, 2026. PHOTO BY ISABEL INFANTES/REUTERS

Alex Eala wins Mubadala DC Open

Filipino tennis ace Alexandra Eala falls on her knees as she gets emotional after winning against Jessica Pegula in the finals of the Mubadala DC Open, at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center in Washington DC on August 3, 2026. PHOTO FROM MUBADALA DC OPEN INSTAGRAM

Sara Duterte impeachment trial

An acknowledgement receipt issued by the Office of the Vice President is flashed on screen as former state auditor Roderick Wamil testifies at the impeachment trial Sara Duterte on August 3, 2026. PHOTO FROM THE SENATE SOCIAL MEDIA UNIT

People walk past an anti-U.S. billboard on a street in Tehran

People walk past an anti-US billboard on a street in Tehran, Iran, on August 3, 2026, amid President Donald Trump’s apparent de-escalation after days of threats of new attacks. PHOTO BY MAJID ASGARIPOU/WANA VIA REUTERS

Cuba's electric grid collapses less than a day after last blackout

Agricultural vendor Adrian Vargas poses for a photograph as Cuba’s national electrical grid collapsed again while the government was trying to restore power following a nationwide blackout, in Havana, Cuba, on August 3, 2026. PHOTO BY NORLYS PEREZ/REUTERS

Wildfires in Washington state

Wildfire smoke rises to the sky over Spokane, Washington, as the Old Trails Fire burns nearby, on August 3, 2026. PHOTO BY DAVID RYDER/REUTERS

Worshippers pray inside Imam Hussein shrine ahead of Arbaeen pilgrimage in Karbala

Visitors gather around the shrine of Imam Hussein ahead of the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage, in the holy city of Karbala, Iraq, on August 3, 2026. PHOTO BY ALAA AL-MARJANI/REUTERS

Funeral of 112 members of the Hassayna and Abu Sharia clan, in Gaza City

Palestinians attend the funeral of 112 members of the Hassayna and Abu Sharia clan, who were killed in an Israeli strike in 2023 and whose remains were recovered from beneath the rubble, according to Gaza’s Civil Defense, in Gaza City, on August 4, 2026. PHOTO BY DAWOUD ABU ALKAS/REUTERS

European Aquatics Championships

A replica of the Statue of Liberty at Ile aux Cygnes stand in the background as swimmers compete in the Men’s 10km Open Water Swimming of the European Aquatics Championships, at Pont de Bir-Hakeim, Paris, France, on August 4, 2026. PHOTO BY GONZALO FUENTES/REUTERS

Underground cave offers respite as South Korea swelters under record-breaking heat, in Gwangmyeong

Visitors rest beside an illuminated installation inside Gwangmyeong Cave, a former gold mine turned into a tourist attraction, during a record-breaking heatwave in Gwangmyeong, South Korea, on August 5, 2026, after Yangsan recorded the highest temperature in the country in 122 years. PHOTO BY KIM SOO-HYEON/REUTERS

Drone view shows boats stranded in mud at a marina during a heatwave as low water levels expose the bottom of the Sulejow Reservoir in Barkowice

A drone view shows boats stranded in mud at a marina during a heatwave as low water levels expose the bottom of the Sulejow Reservoir in Barkowice, Poland, on August 5, 2026. PHOTO BY KACPER PEMPEL/REUTERS

Smart Dragon-3 (SD-3) carrier rocket carrying Oriental Smart Eye 01 and 02 satellites launching from waters off the coast of Haiyang, in Shandong

People watch a Smart Dragon-3 (SD-3) carrier rocket carrying Oriental Smart Eye hyperspectral satellites 01 and 02 launching from waters off the coast of Haiyang, in Shandong province, China, on August 5, 2026. CNSPHOTO VIA REUTERS

Russian missile strike in Kyiv

Smoke rises in the city during a Russian missile strike in Kyiv, Ukraine, on August 5, 2026. PHOTO BY VLADYSLAV SODEL/REUTERS

Congo intercepts a passenger boat near Kinshasa that carried suspected Ebola case

A volunteer uses a megaphone to make announcements while intercepting a passenger boat, after, according to officials, a passenger who had disembarked earlier died after developing symptoms consistent with Ebola, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on August 5, 2026. INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR MIGRATION HANDOUT PHOTO VIA REUTERS

People dance with umbrellas on a climate-controlled “rainy street” at the voco Monaco Dubai resort on The Heart of Europe development in Dubai

People dance with umbrellas on a climate-controlled “rainy street” at the voco Monaco Dubai resort on The Heart of Europe development in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on August 6, 2026. The attraction generates on-demand rainfall and maintains temperatures at around 27 degrees Celsius, as developers in the UAE explore ways to make outdoor spaces more comfortable during the summer months. PHOTO BY RULA ROUHANA/REUTERS

Trash litter Baseco Beach following heavy rains due to Tropical Depression Maymay

Garbage washed ashore pile along Baseco Beach in Manila on August 7, 2026, following heavy rains and rough seas triggered by Tropical Depression Maymay and the enhanced southwest monsoon. PHOTO BY RAPPLER

Workers protest wage hike at DOLE

The Unity for Wage Increase Now (UWIN), a coalition of labor groups, marched in front of the Department of Labor and Employment headquarters to denounce the agency’s failure to ensure the implementation of the P85 daily minimum wage increase, on August 7, 2026. PHOTO BY RAPPLER

Shooting takes place at a school in Thailand, officials say

Emergency personnel carry a dead body on a stretcher at Debsirin Nonthaburi School following the shooting incident at the school, in Bang Kruai district in Nonthaburi province on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand, on August 7, 2026. PHOTO BY CHALINEE THIRASUPA/REUTERS

–with reports from Reuters/Rappler.com

Similar Posts

  • | |

    FIFA pushes ahead with controversial commercial investment plan despite opposition from UEFA and Concacaf

    ByJustpaste.in

    FIFA has insisted that “nobody is selling football” whilst reaffirming its intention to proceed with a plan to sell minority stakes in its commercial operations to private investors, despite a fierce backlash from major regional governing bodies. UEFA voted to boycott future World Cups if the initiative moves forward, whilst Concacaf confirmed its 41 member associations also rejected the proposal put forward by FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Under the proposal, FIFA intends to establish a new commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to manage the commercial rights of major tournaments including the men’s World Cup. Private equity firm Thrive Eternal, founded by venture capitalist Joshua Kushner, is expected to lead the investor group purchasing a minority stake in the new entity, which carries an initial valuation of $20 billion. To secure the necessary 106 votes from FIFA’s 211 member associations, Infantino has offered an immediate $20 million payout to federations that back the proposal before a 19 September deadline. FIFA maintains the initiative will significantly increase development funding for smaller footballing nations without compromising the sport’s governance.

  • |

    Central Command announces completion of two-hour retaliatory strike campaign against Iranian military targets

    ByJustpaste.in

    The United States military has completed a concentrated two-hour campaign of heavy air strikes targeting dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps installations across Iran, according to an official statement released by US Central Command. The precision operations focused primarily on disabling strategic military assets, including high-level command centres, missile production and drone manufacturing facilities, coastal radar surveillance outposts, integrated air defence networks, and naval infrastructure. Military officials confirmed that the retaliatory operation was executed following an attempted surprise ballistic missile attack launched by Iranian forces against American military personnel stationed in the region. Central Command stated that US defensive systems successfully intercepted all incoming Iranian missiles, preventing casualties or facility damage. According to defence spokespersons, the targeted strikes were designed to degrade Iran’s offensive capabilities, neutralise recurring threats posed by regional proxy forces, and safeguard commercial shipping corridors and partner nations across the Arabian Gulf.

  • | |

    Ye to perform in Russia, marking major Western star’s return  

    ByJustpaste.in

      Ye, the American rapper and former Kanye West, is set to perform two concerts in St Petersburg, Russia, this October. His planned performances are attracting significant international attention, as he is expected to become the biggest Western music star to perform in Russia since the country launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine four years ago. The concerts will take place at the 70,000-seat Gazprom Arena. Tickets reportedly sold out within only a few hours after the shows were announced on Monday. Ticket prices ranged from around 9,000 roubles (£78) to 160,000 roubles (£1,394), showing the strong demand for the controversial rapper’s appearance. The performances come at a time when Ye is attempting to rebuild his public image following years of controversial statements, particularly remarks widely condemned as antisemitic and supportive of Nazi ideology. In January, the rapper issued an apology and attributed some of his behaviour to a brain injury and bipolar disorder. Ye’s attempts to return to the international concert scene have faced considerable difficulties. His planned European tour this summer was disrupted after several performances were cancelled because of public criticism surrounding his views. In the United Kingdom, the long-established Wireless Festival was cancelled after Ye, who had been scheduled to headline all three nights, was refused permission to enter the country. The UK Home Office said the decision was based on the assessment that his presence would not be “conducive to the public good”. Other concerts in France, Poland, Italy and the Czech Republic were also cancelled. However, performances in Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Turkey and Albania went ahead. His concert in Madrid earlier this month attracted substantial international interest. According to Spanish national broadcaster, as many as 60% of those attending were foreigners who had been unable to see Ye perform in their own countries. Critics praised the concert’s impressive production and stage design, particularly the huge illuminated dome on which the rapper performed. Despite the controversy surrounding his public statements, some reviewers described the Madrid performance positively. Critics highlighted the energetic atmosphere, extensive selection of popular songs and Ye’s apparent determination to reconnect with audiences. One reviewer even observed that there were no visible Nazi supporters among the crowd. Ye’s upcoming Russian concerts are not entirely unexpected. Rumours that the musician intended to perform in Russia have circulated for several years. In 2024, he visited the country to attend the birthday celebrations of fashion designer Gosha Rubchinskiy, with whom he has previously collaborated. However, his decision to perform in Russia has also received criticism from some Russian figures. Conservative lawmaker Vitaly Milonov suggested that Ye should perform traditional Russian songs rather than his usual repertoire. He said he hoped the experience would encourage the rapper to abandon what he described as his “disgusting antics” and become a more conventional public figure. Before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, performances by major Western musicians were relatively common in the country. International acts including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lana Del Rey, Muse and System of a Down had all performed there. Since the war began, however, the situation has changed significantly. Many international record companies suspended their operations in Russia, while numerous Western artists stopped touring there. As a result, only a limited number of Western musicians have performed in Russia in recent years. Those who have appeared have generally been less prominent international acts, including Tyga, DaBaby, Akon and rapper Lil Pump. Ye’s controversy dates back to 2022, when he began making a series of offensive comments on social media. His remarks resulted in restrictions or suspensions on some of his accounts, while major companies also distanced themselves from him. Adidas and Balenciaga were among the prominent brands that ended their relationships with the rapper. The controversy intensified when Ye publicly described himself as a Nazi and released a song titled “Heil Hitler”. He also promoted clothing featuring a swastika, causing widespread condemnation. In January, however, Ye published a full-page advertisement  in which he apologised for his previous behaviour. He stated that he was neither a Nazi nor an antisemite and described his previous actions as part of a prolonged period of unstable behaviour. Ye said he had experienced what he called a four-month period of manic, paranoid and impulsive behaviour. He also explained that his bipolar disorder had affected his ability to recognise that he was unwell at the time. His upcoming concerts in St Petersburg therefore represent more than simply another entry on his performance schedule. They mark a significant return to a country where major Western artists have largely been absent since the invasion of Ukraine. The shows are likely to attract both Russian fans and international attention, while also continuing the debate over whether controversial artists should be given major international platforms despite their previous statements and conduct.

  • | | | |

    US, Saudi forces strike Iran allies in Iraq

    ByJustpaste.in

    The conflict involving Iran, the United States and its regional allies has entered a new and more dangerous phase, with fresh military strikes reported across the Middle East. US and Saudi forces carried out coordinated airstrikes against Iran-aligned armed groups in eastern Iraq, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM). The operation came after a series of drone attacks that Washington and Riyadh attributed to groups linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). CENTCOM said American and Saudi fighter jets targeted weapons and logistics facilities used by the armed groups. The US military claimed the groups had carried out more than 30 IRGC-directed drone attacks in recent days, including strikes targeting Saudi energy infrastructure. Saudi Arabia also confirmed the operation, saying its forces acted alongside CENTCOM after drones were launched from Iraqi territory toward petroleum facilities in the kingdom’s Eastern Province and Riyadh region. Riyadh said it did not seek a wider escalation but warned that it would respond to further attacks. The latest strikes were followed by an explosion at the headquarters of Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) in Basra. The PMF is an umbrella organisation containing several armed factions, including groups closely aligned with Iran. The cause of the blast and any casualties were not immediately confirmed. Meanwhile, tensions escalated further after the US military reported that Iran had launched multiple ballistic missiles toward American military positions in Jordan. CENTCOM said the missiles were intercepted and that US forces remained on heightened alert. Iranian authorities had not immediately issued an official statement regarding the missile launches. However, an Iranian military official rejected claims that Tehran was responsible for projectiles fired toward Saudi Arabia, warning that attributing attacks on US interests to Iran could be a serious miscalculation. The developments threaten to derail diplomatic efforts aimed at containing the conflict. Iran has repeatedly warned that any attempt to restrict its control over the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a renewed military confrontation. The latest escalation also comes as US President Donald Trump met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Their discussions reportedly focused on Iran and the possibility of renewed military action

  • |

    Swiss government rejects proposed constitutional ban on non-UN sanctions ahead of neutrality vote

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Swiss government has formally rejected a popular initiative seeking to enshrine a rigid, absolute definition of neutrality into the country’s constitution, warning the move would cripple national security and diplomatic flexibility. The constitutional referendum, scheduled for 27 September, was triggered after right-wing campaign groups backed by the Swiss People’s Party gathered over 100,000 signatures. Proponents argue Bern’s historical stance has been diluted by adopting European Union sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine and deepening training ties with NATO. If passed, the amendment would constitutionally mandate that Swiss neutrality remain perpetual and armed, while explicitly barring non-UN sanctions and foreign military alliances. Launching the official counter-campaign on Tuesday, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis insisted the nation’s neutrality remains intact without need for restrictive legal amendments. “Switzerland has been and is neutral, and it will remain neutral,” Cassis said in a statement, adding that the proposal would severely hinder security cooperation with international partners prior to an actual crisis. Current polling indicates low public support for the initiative, with a Tamedia survey showing 54 per cent of voters opposed compared to 34 per cent in favour.

  • |

    Pakistan, Saudi Arabia reaffirm ‘Brotherly T…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Saturday reaffirmed their “close and brotherly ties” while underscoring the importance of diplomacy amid escalating tensions in the Middle East involving the United States, Iran, and Yemen’s Houthi movement. The development came as Yemen’s Houthis launched attacks on Saudi oil installations at two Red Sea ports, raising concerns that the conflict disrupting energy supplies from the Gulf could spread to another major shipping route. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The two leaders exchanged views on the latest regional developments and reaffirmed the close and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Both leaders underscored the importance of continued diplomacy and shared their commitment to promoting constructive engagement, peace, and stability in the region. The Middle East crisis, which has continued for nearly six months, has affected regional stability and disrupted energy supplies, with concerns extending beyond the region. The situation appeared to enter a different phase as the United States refrained from launching air strikes on Iran for the first night in two weeks, without immediately explaining the halt. The Houthi attacks on Saudi oil installations threaten to widen disruptions to global oil supplies caused by the Iran conflict and have contributed to a sharp rise in global oil prices, with Brent crude rising above $100 a barrel for the first time since May. Amid the escalating tensions, US President Donald Trump on Friday vowed “major military punishment” for Tehran and the Houthis after the group claimed responsibility for striking two Saudi tankers in the Red Sea on Thursday. The Saudi-led coalition said it would continue taking necessary measures to protect its ships and Saudi Arabia’s interests, warning it would respond “uncompromisingly” if the Houthis continued their attacks. The coalition’s response underscores the seriousness of the situation and the potential for further escalation. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have historically maintained strong bilateral relations, with both countries cooperating on a range of issues, including security, economic development, and regional stability. The reaffirmation of their ties comes at a critical time, as the Middle East faces increasing instability and the threat of a wider conflict. The two leaders’ commitment to diplomacy reflects a shared recognition of the need for dialogue and cooperation to address the complex challenges facing the region. As tensions continue to rise, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia remain committed to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. The international community has urged restraint, with the UN warning of catastrophic consequences if the violence continues. The coming days will be critical in determining whether diplomatic efforts can prevent a full-scale war or whether the region will slide further into chaos. The situation remains fluid, and the world watches with concern as the conflict in the Middle East continues to unfold. The commitment of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to diplomacy offers a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution, but the challenges ahead are significant, and the path to peace remains uncertain. The international community must continue to support efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote regional stability, ensuring that the voices of diplomacy and dialogue prevail over the drums of war. The situation in the Middle East serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of global security and the importance of cooperation in addressing shared challenges. The coming weeks will be critical in shaping the future of the region and the broader global order, with the conflict highlighting the urgent need for a coordinated international response to prevent further escalation and promote lasting peace.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *