Book Review: '53 Days,' by Timothy W. Ryback

Timothy W. Ryback wrote 53 Days: How Hitler Dismantled a Democracy, which explores Hitler’s rise to power in 1933. The book shows how Hitler used democratic processes to destroy the Weimar Constitution. Ryback said it provides "a step-by-step account of how Hitler disabled and then dismantled his country's democratic structures."

Postal Service plans may keep voters from getting ballots, whistleblower says

A whistleblower warned Congress on Tuesday that new Postal Service plans could block many Americans from receiving mail ballots this fall. Sen. Richard Blumenthal said, "The Postal Service has designed a system to disenfranchise millions of Americans." If implemented, a single barcode error could cause entire ballot batches to fail.

Virginia was ordered to stop barring many felons from voting. The issue persists.

In January, a judge told Virginia officials they have been violating a federal law barring broad disenfranchisement of people with felony convictions. Last month, the judge said the state defied his order. Eden Heilman said, "It's basically one of the largest lasting vestiges of a Jim Crow scheme."

Pakistan wins Indus waters battle at The Hague, but India threat remains

A court in The Hague ruled on Monday that India cannot unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty. The five-member court said the agreement remains fully in force. India, which stopped following the treaty in April 2025, did not participate in the hearings. Pakistan got a legal victory, but tensions remain high.

What to know about the US primary election in Massachusetts

Voters in Massachusetts head to the polls on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, for a primary election. The race features a Senate contest between Senator Ed Markey and Representative Seth Moulton. Many voters will also decide competitive primaries in the 6th and 8th Congressional Districts, plus races for the state governor.

Russian drone and missile barrage kills at least 12 in Ukraine’s Kyiv

Russian drone and missile attacks killed at least 12 people in Kyiv and the surrounding region on Tuesday. Kyiv regional military administration chief Tymur Tkachenko said, “Kyiv region came under a massive attack by Russian missiles and strike drones tonight.” Many others got injured as the strikes damaged a residential building.

Israeli attacks on Gaza kill at least four, including children

Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip killed at least four people on Tuesday morning. A drone strike in Gaza City left three dead, including two children, while another person died in Deir el-Balah. The Israeli military said it struck targets to remove threats, as the situation remained very chaotic.

U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln to Dock in Thailand on Wednesday, Pattaya Mayor Says

The U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln will dock in Thailand on Wednesday, Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet said. After a long deployment, 5,000 sailors and Marines will get shore leave until Sunday. The mayor welcomed the crew, noting, "Handling 4,000 to 5,000 people is actually routine for Pattaya." The ship then heads home.

Could 4+4 make 1 in Libya? UN-backed agreement looks to unite rival camps

Representatives of Libya's rival political camps recently signed a landmark agreement in Tripoli to draft a roadmap for elections within 24 months. Mediated by the United Nations, this deal attempts to resolve disputes that have crippled the nation since 2011. However, deep mistrust and armed factions make unity difficult.

Iran's president says Tehran will reciprocate if US honours interim deal commitments

President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Tuesday that Iran will immediately reciprocate if the United States returns to its commitments under an interim deal signed in June. Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit, he noted that war is in no one's interest and Tehran remains open to a negotiated solution.

'I'll never be Swedish enough': Far-right campaign upsets minority groups

Sweden Democrats launched controversial campaign posters across Stockholm Central Station before the September 13 general election. Therapist Neira Tokalija said, "it made me feel like it doesn't matter how much I try; I'll never be Swedish enough." The party also ran provocative bus advertisements, which many drivers protested by calling in sick.

China or the U.S.? Two Meetings Offer Competing Showcases of Global Power.

Xi Jinping met with leaders of Russia and Iran in Bishkek this week to showcase China’s growing global influence. Meanwhile, G20 officials in Asheville, North Carolina, faced fractures over U.S. policies. Ryan Hass said, "It builds a narrative around China gaining momentum in building support for playing a more central role."