In other news

A large-scale immigration enforcement raid was conducted at a Hyundai facility in Georgia, resulting in the detention of 475 immigrants suspected of living and working in the U.S. illegally. The operation, led by Homeland Security Investigations, targeted workers at the site, including subcontractors, and was part of a months-long investigation into allegations of unlawful employment practices. The detainees, mostly Korean nationals, were taken to an ICE facility in Folkston, Georgia. The raid was criticized by the president of Georgia's AFL-CIO chapter as 'politically motivated' and part of a 'campaign of harassment' against immigrant Georgians. Hyundai and LG Energy Solution, which is building an adjacent battery plant, stated they were 'closely monitoring the situation' and committed to complying with all laws and regulations.

The U.S. Coast Guard has seized over 40,000 pounds of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific Ocean as part of Operation Pacific Viper, a counter-drug operation aimed at stopping cartels and criminal organizations. The operation has resulted in the apprehension of 36 suspected drug smugglers and a record cocaine haul. The Coast Guard is coordinating with international and interagency partners to disrupt illicit drug shipments. The operation is part of a broader effort to combat drug smuggling in the region, with recent interceptions in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea resulting in a significant seizure of cocaine and marijuana.

A French couple was given suspended jail sentences for keeping a black panther named Louise in their apartment, which escaped and roamed rooftops in Armentieres, northern France. The couple claimed they saw the animal as their 'big, affectionate baby', but the court condemned their actions as 'tantamount to species trafficking'. The panther was later recaptured and is now living in a sanctuary in the Netherlands.

Renowned Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91, as announced by his company on social media. Armani was born on July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, Italy, and initially attended medical school before pursuing a career in fashion. He launched his eponymous fashion label in 1975, and his designs were known for their refined simplicity. Armani's big break came when he designed Richard Gere's wardrobe for the 1980 movie 'American Gigolo.' He dressed numerous celebrities for red carpet appearances and was credited with softening the image of men and hardening the image of women through his designs. The Armani Group stated that he worked until his final days and that his family and employees would carry the company forward in respect of his values. A private funeral will be held in accordance with Armani's wishes.

Thieves stole three porcelain works worth $11 million from the Adrien Dubouche National Museum in Limoges, France, in the early hours of Thursday. The stolen items, classified as national treasures, include two Chinese porcelain dishes from the 14th and 15th centuries and an 18th-century Chinese vase. The robbers entered the museum by smashing a window and triggered the alarm, but had fled by the time police arrived. The museum's security system was activated, but the city's mayor suggested it may need to be reviewed. The theft is being investigated as aggravated theft of cultural property.

A new image captured by the International Gemini Observatory shows the growing tail of Comet 3I/ATLAS, a rare interstellar comet passing through our solar system. The comet is expected to make its closest approach to the sun in late October and remain visible through September. The image provides scientists with information about the comet's composition and chemistry.

Teenage girls in Sweden are increasingly being used as hitwomen in organized crime wars, with prosecutors and experts warning that their involvement is often overlooked. Stockholm prosecutor Ida Arnell reported a case involving a 15-year-old girl who was recruited to shoot someone in the head. The girl was arrested with a 17-year-old male accomplice, and the victim was left clinging to life after being shot multiple times. Arnell stated that girls are often required to prove themselves as more deadly and ruthless than boys to gain acceptance in criminal circles. The number of girls aged 15-17 charged with violent crimes has been rising, with 280 cases reported last year. Experts attribute this trend to the growing presence of organized crime in Sweden, which has infiltrated various sectors, including welfare, politics, and education. The government has proposed new legislation to curb the violence, including allowing police to wiretap children under 15. The article also highlights the vulnerability of girls involved in organized crime, with many having experienced trauma and substance abuse issues.

The Duchess of Kent, Katharine, the oldest member of Britain's royal family, has died at the age of 92. She was married to Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, for 64 years and was known for her appearances at Wimbledon and her passion for music. The Duchess had stepped back from her royal duties in 2002 to focus on her charitable work and music. Her death makes her husband the oldest living member of the British royal family.

A geopolitical contest is unfolding in central-southern Africa as major global powers, including China, the US, and Japan, compete for control of key logistical routes in a global race to secure critical minerals for the green energy transition. The small town of Kapiri Mposhi in central Zambia is a strategic hub where three competing corridors - China's Tazara, the US-backed Lobito Corridor, and Japan's Nacala Corridor - converge. The race to build these corridors is not just about moving minerals but a strategic effort to secure long-term influence over critical mineral supply chains and reduce reliance on rivals.

Thailand is becoming a hub for film production, particularly for global streaming platforms, due to its skilled artists, talent pool, and tax breaks. The country has been used as a backdrop for foreign films for decades, and is now looking to expand its role by providing high-quality production services. The sci-fi series Alien: Earth on Disney is a recent example, with US$90 million spent in Thailand. Industry professionals, such as Chris Lowenstein of Living Films, praise the craftsmanship of Thai artists and the country's ability to create complex sets and worlds.

The article discusses how two major mainland Chinese tutorial school operators, including New Oriental, are expanding their presence in Hong Kong, increasing competition for local tutorial firms. Local firms are also extending their operations to the mainland due to rising demand from mainland students to take Hong Kong's university entrance exams. The number of centers run by major local operators in Hong Kong has decreased from 102 in 2016 to 56 currently. New Oriental has opened its first campus in Mong Kok, offering tutoring courses for the Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) exams, as well as school placement and transfer services for mainland students.

A hot-air balloon festival in Hong Kong was marred by controversy on its third day as the balloons were deflated due to high temperatures, leaving attendees disappointed and angry. At least 30 people demanded refunds from the organiser, AIA Hot Air Balloon Fest, which had also failed to secure a licence for tethered balloon rides. The event, held at the Central Harbourfront Event Space, had about six hot-air balloons inflated initially, but they were taken down before 10:30 am. Attendees expressed frustration, stating that they had purchased tickets primarily to see the balloons, and felt misled by the festival's advertising.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump have reaffirmed their personal friendship and the strong bond between their countries, despite recent strains caused by US tariffs on Indian imports. Trump downplayed his earlier remarks about 'losing India' to China, and Modi expressed appreciation for Trump's positive assessment of their ties. The two leaders, both right-wing populists, have maintained a strong relationship since Trump's first term. The exchange comes amid tensions between the two nations, with the US accusing India of fuelling Russia's attacks on Ukraine by purchasing Russian oil.

The article discusses the legal battle among the family of Zong Qinghou, the founder of Wahaha, a Chinese beverage company, after his death. Zong had set up trusts to distribute his wealth among his family, but the existence of a 'secret' family has led to public scrutiny and disputes over the trusts. The case has implications for other wealthy individuals in China, highlighting the importance of succession planning. Wealthy families are seeking to learn from the Zong case and are consulting lawyers to make their own plans.

A Hong Kong police officer allegedly tricked into working at a scam farm in Cambodia has returned to Hong Kong and resigned. The officer had requested leave in mid-August to care for his mother before disappearing. A viral post on an online forum led to the confirmation that the officer was being held at a scam farm. The Hong Kong police force sent a four-member team to Cambodia to aid in the officer's return. The case is now being handled by the Organised Crime and Triad Bureau.

US President Donald Trump has announced that he will host the 2026 G20 summit at his Trump National Doral resort and spa in Miami, Florida. Trump claims that he will not profit from the event, despite facing accusations of corruption and enriching himself and his family during his presidencies. The decision to host the summit at his own golf resort is similar to a previous plan to host the 2020 G7 summit at the same location, which was met with accusations of corruption from Democrats.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has maintained his uncompromising stance on the Ukraine war after meeting with Chinese leaders in Beijing. Putin warned the West against sending troops to Ukraine, stating that they would be considered legitimate targets for destruction. The Russian president also proposed meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Moscow, a suggestion dismissed by outsiders as unrealistic. Putin's stance is driven by Russia's perceived military initiative in Ukraine, diplomatic successes, and the belief that Western efforts to isolate Russia have failed. The article suggests that Russia and Ukraine/Europe are on different paths regarding peace, with Putin envisioning a Russian victory and a new global order. The prospects for peace appear grim due to the vastly different goals and expectations of the parties involved.

The European Commission has fined Google €2.95 billion for abusing its dominance in the online advertising technology sector. The Commission found that Google had favoured its own products for displaying online ads, to the detriment of rivals, and had intentionally boosted its own advertising exchange, AdX, over competing exchanges. Google has been ordered to bring these practices to an end and pay the fine. Google has stated that it will appeal the decision, claiming that the fine is unjustified and will hurt European businesses. The decision is part of a broader scrutiny of Google's empire in online search and advertising by regulators worldwide.

US President Joe Biden recently underwent Mohs surgery to remove skin cancer. The 82-year-old former president had a wound on the right side of his head, and his spokeswoman confirmed the surgery to CBS News. Biden has a history of skin cancer, having had a cancerous skin lesion removed from his chest in 2023 and several non-melanoma skin cancers removed in the past. He was also diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer in May, which has spread to his bones. The Bidens have been strong advocates for fighting and curing cancer, having lost their adult son Beau to brain cancer in 2015.

A funicular cable railway derailed in Lisbon, Portugal, killing 16 people and injuring around 20 others. The victims include nationals from several countries, including Portugal, the UK, South Korea, Canada, the US, Ukraine, Switzerland, and France. The cause of the crash is not yet confirmed, but eyewitnesses described seeing the carriage crumple. The funicular's brake guard, André Jorge Gonçalves Marques, was among the dead, along with several employees of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia charity. Portugal has declared a national day of mourning.

Tesla's board has proposed a pay package worth over $1tn for Elon Musk if he achieves ambitious targets over the next decade, including boosting Tesla's value eightfold, selling a million artificial intelligence robots, and selling 12 million Tesla cars. The package is tied to 12 market milestones and operational targets. Some experts have questioned the proposal, citing Tesla's falling sales and Musk's 'toxic' reputation.

Ken Dryden, a Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender who won six Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens in the 1970s, has died at 78 after a battle with cancer. Dryden was an exceptional athlete and an exceptional man, according to Canadiens owner Geoff Molson. He had an impressive amateur career at Cornell and a memorable eight-year NHL career with the Canadiens, winning numerous awards including the Calder Trophy and Vezina Trophy. After his hockey career, Dryden worked as a commentator and served as a Member of Parliament from 2004 to 2011. Molson praised Dryden's legacy, saying he embodied the best of the Montreal Canadiens and his impact transcended the sport.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an accused MS-13 gang member and El Salvador national, is facing deportation to Eswatini after rejecting a deal from the Trump administration. Garcia had listed 22 countries he feared persecution or torture in, leading to Eswatini being chosen as his deportation destination. The Trump administration has previously deported individuals to Eswatini, sparking legal challenges. Garcia was accused of human smuggling and had been released back to the US after being deported to El Salvador earlier this year.

Taylor Swift has skipped Travis Kelce's Kansas City Chiefs season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil. The couple recently announced their engagement on Instagram. Swift did not attend the game, reportedly because none of the wives and girlfriends made the trip to Brazil. The article provides details about their engagement, including the proposal and the ring designed by Artifex Fine. It also mentions Swift's recent activities, such as attending Brittany Mahomes' 30th birthday bash in Nashville.

The article discusses a reported proposal by the Trump Justice Department to ban transgender people from owning guns by declaring them 'mentally ill.' The author argues that this proposal is not only absurd and unconstitutional but also exposes the hypocrisy of Democrats who may be forced to choose between their support for gun control and their support for transgender rights. The author suggests that the proposal may be a ploy to embarrass progressives and create a conflict between their values.

US immigration authorities detained 475 people during a raid on a Hyundai electric vehicle factory in Georgia. The majority of those detained are from South Korea and worked for subcontractors on the site. The raid is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of unlawful employment practices and other federal crimes. Hyundai and LG Energy Solution, which is building an adjacent battery plant, have stated they are cooperating with the authorities. The operation is the largest single-site enforcement action in the history of Homeland Security Investigations.

A 17-year-old suspect was shot and injured during his arrest after allegedly stabbing a 45-year-old teacher multiple times at a vocational college in Essen, Germany. The suspect fled the scene before being located by police, who used firearms when he pulled out a knife during the arrest. Both the suspect and the teacher were taken to hospital for treatment.

The article reports on a recent Hamas video showing two Israeli hostages, Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Alon Ohel, held in Gaza City. The video was released as Israel continues its military offensive in Gaza, with the IDF striking a high-rise building in the city. The building's management denied any military use, and civilians were reportedly warned beforehand. The hostages' families have expressed concern for their safety, and Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has urged negotiators to resume talks for their release. The conflict has resulted in over 64,000 Palestinian deaths and 1,200 Israeli deaths.

The article discusses the escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela, with Venezuelan President Maduro refusing to back down despite threats from US President Trump. CNN's Stefano Pozzebon reports on the mood on the streets of Caracas, highlighting the growing tensions between the two nations.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has announced that it controls 40% of Gaza City and is preparing to seize the entire area as part of its ongoing conflict with Hamas. The IDF has been advancing into eastern suburbs, with heavy bombardments reported in several districts. Gaza health officials reported at least 53 Palestinians killed, mostly in Gaza City. Israeli officials claim 70,000 people have fled the area, while Palestinian authorities dispute this number. The operation, known as 'Operation Gideon’s Chariots,' aims to achieve several objectives, including the return of hostages and the dismantling of Hamas' rule.

A federal judge in San Francisco has blocked the Trump administration from ending temporary legal protections for over 1 million people from Haiti and Venezuela living in the United States. The judge ruled that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's decision to revoke these protections was arbitrary and capricious. The protections, known as Temporary Protected Status (TPS), allow individuals to live and work in the U.S. due to dangerous conditions in their home countries. The Trump administration had argued that conditions in Haiti and Venezuela had improved, but the judge disagreed, citing the State Department's advice against travel to these countries. The ruling is a significant victory for immigrant advocates, although it's unclear if it will help those already deported. The government is expected to appeal the decision.

Italy's ban on outdoor work during the hottest days of summer has significantly impacted food delivery drivers, who are among the gig economy's most vulnerable workers. While the ban aims to protect their health, it has resulted in lost income for many drivers who rely on every delivery to make ends meet. The issue highlights the complexities of balancing worker safety with the financial needs of those in the gig economy. Delivery companies and unions are debating the best solutions, including providing more secure contracts and protective equipment for workers.

The article explores the experiences of people who lived through the India-Pakistan Partition in 1947 and its lasting impact on their lives. It highlights the stories of individuals who were forced to flee their homes and rebuild their lives in a new country, and the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan that continue to affect their lives. The article provides historical context and statistics about the Partition, including the massive displacement of people and the violence that accompanied it.

Samoa's first female Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, has failed to win re-election after months of political infighting. The opposition Fast party won 30 out of 50 contested seats in parliament, making its leader, La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt, the likely next Prime Minister. Fiame, known as the 'Iron Lady of the Pacific', was elected in 2021 and faced challenges during her term, including a disputed election result, a state of emergency due to widespread blackouts, and a rejected government budget. The election was marked by rising prices and a desire for stability among voters.