These are the biggest headlines today.
North Korea warns of ‘merciless strike’ ahead of US-South Korea drills
Pyongyang also declared that its army can target the United States anytime, and neither Guam, Hawaii nor the US mainland can “dodge the merciless strike.” The messages in Rodong Sinmun, the official government newspaper, come a day before the US starts the Ulchi Freedom Guardian military exercises with South Korea.
Barcelona attacks: Spanish royals join memorial for victims
King Felipe and Queen Letizia joined hundreds of others to pray for the 14 people killed in Barcelona and Cambrils. The memorial service comes three days after a a van plowed into pedestrians on Las Ramblas in the heart of Barcelona, killing 13 and injuring 120.
Trump applauds Boston protesters
President Donald Trump tweeted his support for the Boston Police Department’s handling of a self-described free speech rally and counterprotest march that brought thousands to the city’s downtown Saturday, adding that he applauded “the many protestors in Boston who are speaking out against bigotry and hate.”
Dick Gregory, activist and comedian, dead at 84
Gregory recently rescheduled an event in Atlanta because he was hospitalized. He died in Washington, his son posted on social media without giving details. “The family appreciates the outpouring of support and love, and respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time,” Christian Gregory said.
Pastor first to quit Trump’s evangelical advisory board
A.R. Bernard announced on Twitter Friday that “it became obvious that there was a deepening conflict in values between myself and the administration.”
New Confederate monuments are going up, too
Culpepper founded the local chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, the self-described historic honor society that’s been keeping the Confederate legacy alive for more than a century. Culpepper greeted visitors with smiles and handshakes as they filed into rows of white folding chairs behind the towering, shrouded statue.
Death toll mounts in Sierra Leone mudslides
Eighteen bodies were discovered Saturday, bringing the death toll to 499 people, according to Sidie Yahya Tunis, the tourism and cultural affairs minister. More than 150 children were among the dead, he said. The death toll includes those killed in mudslides on the outskirts of the West African nation’s capital, Freetown, and fatalities from flash floods in other provinces, Deputy Health Minister Madina Rahman told CNN earlier.
India train derailment leaves 23 dead, 40 injured
At least 23 people were killed and 40 injured Saturday after a train derailed in northern India, police said.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari returns from UK – BBC News
Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has returned home after three months of medical leave in the UK. Officials refused to disclose what he was being treated for. It was the president’s second spell of medical leave this year – leading many Nigerians to question whether he was well enough to run the country.
Grace Mugabe back in Zimbabwe amid SA assault claims – BBC News
The wife of the Zimbabwean leader, Robert Mugabe, has returned home from South Africa, despite allegations of an assault at a hotel in Johannesburg. Grace Mugabe, 52, landed at Harare early on Sunday, Zimbabwean radio said. She had intended to appear at a summit on Saturday but failed to show.
South Africa minister Mduduzi Manana resigns over assault claim – BBC News
A South African minister has resigned amid accusations he assaulted a woman in a nightclub earlier this month. Deputy Education Minister Mduduzi Manana appeared in court last week to face the assault charge. He is accused of hitting the woman during an argument at the venue.
How do Flat Earth truthers explain the eclipse? These weird-as-hell videos explain it.
It is widely understood that on August 21, North America will experience a total solar eclipse for the first time since 1979. For a few brief, blissful moments, the moon will pass between the sun and the Earth, blocking the star from view for anyone within a 70-mile path that cuts across the United States.
New Star Wars film might include Princes Harry and William
Even princes want to be Jedi. Princes Harry and William got significantly closer to that dream with a Star Wars set visit in 2016, and John Boyega confirmed Friday that they did indeed film a cameo – and that they weren’t the only visitors on set.
13 times ‘The Defenders’ roasted Iron Fist so you wouldn’t have to
So you spent your weekend bingeing The Defenders and no spoilers, but Danny Rand is still the worst. Meeting Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage brings him down a few notches from his high horse of channeling chi, but only after his fellow heroes repeatedly roast him for being an idiot.
Three construction innovations that will change the way we build
A number of companies are competing to find ways to automate construction, using bricklaying robots and machines that can 3D print with concrete. These innovations are among the most successful prototypes whereby entire buildings were constructed using robots.
HBO has the most profitable app thanks to ‘Game of Thrones’
HBO’s app has set a new record and, of course, it’s all because of Game of Thrones. The company’s streaming app, HBO Now, has been the top-grossing app in the App Store for two days in a row now, beating out Netflix, Tinder, Candy Crush, and all the other apps that typically dominate the top of the charts.
Steve Bannon is history, and everyone’s making the same joke
Steve Bannon, Trump’s White House Chief Strategist, has officially left the building and the internet can’t help but notice his impeccable timing.
Trump Praises Steve Bannon’s Return to Breitbart
President Donald Trump on Saturday praised the return of Steve Bannon to Breitbart News a day after Bannon, Trump’s former chief strategist, was ousted from the White House. After his departure, Bannon immediately chaired a Friday evening editorial meeting for Breitbart, a conservative site that has given a platform to far-right, nationalist views.
Jay-Z Finally Opens Up About His Fight With Solange Knowles
Fans can finally relax. Jay-Z has broken his silence about his violent clash with Solange Knowles at the 2014 Met Gala in an hour-long podcast interview on Friday, and he spoke of how close the two are.
Serena Williams’ Fiancé Is A Little Shocked By Her Pregnancy Cravings
He knew there would be cravings, but not quite like this. Alexis Ohanian posted a video on Saturday to document his shock over what his fiancé, sports icon Serena Williams, was craving. The pregnant tennis star apparently passed on ice cream and pickles for asparagus.
John McCain Just Finished His First Round Of Chemo And Radiation Treatment
John McCain is one tough cookie. The Arizona senator marked a major milestone Friday, with the completion of his first round of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Both the Republican senator and his daughter, Meghan McCain, celebrated the news with posts to social media. “My father completed first round radiation/chemo,” Meghan McCain tweeted Friday.
