Global News in Review: Conflicts, Politics, and Tech

Severe flooding in Bali, Indonesia, caused by torrential rains, has resulted in at least 14 deaths and widespread disruption. The provincial government has declared a state of emergency and hundreds of residents have been evacuated. The floods have affected popular tourist areas, with hotels and businesses struggling to cope. The Indonesian president has expressed condolences and instructed agencies to act swiftly. The disaster has highlighted the island's long-standing issues with waste management and poor infrastructure, which have been exacerbated by climate change.

A French parliamentary commission has recommended banning social media for children under 15 and implementing a digital curfew for 15-18 year olds to prevent exposure to toxic content on platforms like TikTok. The commission's report criticizes TikTok for failing to protect minors from harmful content, citing testimony from families of young victims. The recommendations include banning social media for under-15s, restricting overnight use, and prohibiting mobile phones in schools. TikTok has rejected the commission's findings, stating that it has robust safety measures in place. The French inquiry is part of a broader European effort to regulate social media and protect children online.

The article discusses the debate surrounding Charlie Kirk's political legacy following his death. Kirk was a conservative Christian activist who rallied a youth movement and held celebrity status among his fans. His views were polarizing, and he was known for his provocative speeches and debates. While his supporters appreciated his frank opinions and conservative values, his detractors criticized his stance on issues like gun rights, abortion, and transgender rights. The article explores the impact of Kirk's death on his fans and critics, with many expressing shock and horror at the violence. Some have begun debating Kirk's legacy, with some crediting him with giving young conservatives the confidence to be themselves, while others criticize his views as harmful and divisive.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has expressed concerns that a recent US immigration raid on a Hyundai plant in Georgia will deter South Korean companies from investing in the US. The raid resulted in the detention of over 300 South Korean nationals, most of whom have since been released. Lee stated that the situation is 'extremely bewildering' and that it will become more difficult for Korean firms to establish manufacturing facilities in the US. The South Korean government is negotiating with the US on visa options for its workers. The raid has sparked concerns in Seoul, with media outlets warning of a 'chilling effect' on Korean businesses in the US.

Israeli air strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen killed at least 35 people, according to the Houthi health ministry. The Israeli military said it targeted military sites, including the Houthis' military public relations headquarters, in response to recent missile and drone attacks on Israel. The Houthis claimed the targets were civilian, including newspaper offices, and vowed to respond 'with all our might'. The strikes are part of an escalating conflict between Israel and the Houthis, who have been attacking Israel and international shipping since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023.

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison for plotting a military coup to stay in power after losing the 2022 election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The sentence was handed down by a panel of five Supreme Court justices, with four voting guilty and one for acquittal. Bolsonaro's lawyers have called the sentence 'absurdly excessive' and plan to appeal. The conviction has sparked reactions from the US, with Donald Trump and Marco Rubio criticizing the verdict, while Brazil's foreign ministry has defended the country's democracy.

The Irish broadcaster RTÉ has stated that it will not participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to participate, citing the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the loss of lives. RTÉ's decision is not final and will depend on the European Broadcasting Union's (EBU) decision regarding Israel's participation. Other broadcasters, including Slovenia's RTVSLO and potentially Spain, may also withdraw if Israel participates. The EBU has acknowledged the concerns surrounding the conflict and is consulting with its members on how to manage participation and geopolitical tensions.

The trial of Ryan Routh, accused of attempting to assassinate former US President Donald Trump, has begun. Routh, representing himself, was interrupted multiple times by Judge Aileen Cannon during his opening statement, which included philosophical musings and invocations of historical figures. The prosecution presented evidence, including testimony from Secret Service agents and eyewitnesses, and physical evidence such as a handwritten note and an SKS semi-automatic rifle. Routh struggled to mount a coherent defense, and the trial is ongoing.

Zambia's government is seeking additional compensation from a Chinese-owned copper mine following a toxic spill in February that polluted a major river. The spill released 1.5 million tonnes of toxic material, containing heavy metals and pollutants, into waterways near Kitwe. While the mine's owner, Sino-Metals, initially pledged $580,000 in compensation, Zambia's Vice-President Mutale Nalumango stated that this may not be sufficient and that further compensation will be pursued if necessary. The spill has had severe environmental and health impacts, with reports of fish deaths, crop damage, and health issues among local communities. Authorities have imposed a fishing ban on the Kafue River and taken measures to reduce acidity levels in the affected waterways.

The U.S. military destroyed an alleged drug-trafficking boat from Venezuela last week, killing 11 people. The boat was reportedly turning around when it was hit. The administration claims the vessel was operated by the Tren de Aragua gang, a foreign terrorist organization. Venezuelan officials dispute this, saying none of those killed were gang members. The U.S. military maintains it acted within its authority to protect national security and foreign policy interests.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted to repeal the authorizations for the use of military force in Iraq from 1991 and 2003, in an effort to reclaim Congress's constitutional authority over matters of war and peace. The bipartisan amendment, sponsored by Democratic Rep. Gregory Meeks and Republican Rep. Chip Roy, was adopted in a 261-167 vote and is linked to the annual National Defense Authorization Act. Lawmakers argue that the authorizations are 'long obsolete' and risk abuse by administrations of either party. The measure has passed the House previously but stalled in the Senate; a similar measure passed the Senate in 2023 but didn't receive a vote in the House at that time.

The Atlantic hurricane season is at its statistical peak, but the region has been unusually quiet this year. The National Hurricane Center's data shows that September 10 is typically the peak day for hurricane and tropical storm activity. However, this year's calm conditions are attributed to Saharan dust moving over the Atlantic Ocean and the planet being in an 'ENSO Neutral' cycle, meaning neither El Nino nor La Nina is present. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an above-average season with 13-18 named storms, and the season is far from over with 60% remaining. Historically, La Nina conditions tend to increase Atlantic hurricane activity, and NOAA forecasts a transition back to La Nina in the coming months.

Kim Dotcom, the founder of Megaupload, has lost his latest bid to avoid extradition to the United States on charges related to copyright infringement, money laundering, and racketeering. A New Zealand court rejected his appeal, ruling that the decision to extradite him was lawful. Dotcom's lawyers argued that the decision was politically motivated and that he would face grossly disproportionate treatment in the U.S. The court's decision is the latest chapter in a 13-year battle by the U.S. government to extradite Dotcom. The Megaupload founder has been free on bail in New Zealand since 2012 and has been fighting extradition efforts since his arrest in 2012. The U.S. prosecutors allege that Megaupload raked in at least $175 million from people who used the site to illegally download copyrighted material.

Over 300 South Korean nationals detained by ICE at a Hyundai plant in Georgia for alleged visa violations were released and boarded a charter flight back to South Korea. The incident strained U.S.-South Korea ties, with South Korea's president expressing disappointment and concern over the treatment of its citizens. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security called the ICE raid the largest single-site enforcement action in its history. The incident highlighted the need for clearer visa policies and cooperation between the two countries.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to launch new attacks on Qatar if it does not eject Hamas' political representatives, following Israel's surprise strike on a Hamas meeting in Doha. The strike was widely condemned by Qatar and other regional actors, who saw it as a serious threat to regional security and a blow to ongoing ceasefire negotiations. US President Donald Trump has stated that the strike was not coordinated with the US and does not advance Israel or America's goals. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation and added to Israel's global isolation.

Prince Harry visited the UK for the first time in 19 months and met with his father, King Charles III, at Buckingham Palace. The meeting was private and for tea, with no other details disclosed. Harry's visit was focused on charity events and showing support for causes he cares about. The visit comes amid strained relationships within the royal family, particularly between Harry and his brother Prince William, who haven't seen each other in person since 2022. Harry's decision to step down as a working royal and his subsequent criticism of the royal family in interviews and a tell-all book have contributed to the tension.

A South Korean court has acquitted a woman, Choi Mal-ja, who was convicted in 1965 for defending herself against a sexual attacker by biting off part of his tongue. The 79-year-old woman was initially sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years, for causing grievous bodily harm. The recent ruling, inspired by the #MeToo movement, deemed her actions 'justifiable self-defense' under South Korean law. Choi's case gained momentum after the #MeToo movement led to massive women's rights protests and victories on various issues in South Korea. Her lawyers plan to seek compensation from the state for the damages she suffered due to her conviction.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has fired Peter Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to the US due to revelations about Mandelson's friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Emails and messages between Mandelson and Epstein have come to light, showing a deeper relationship than previously known. Mandelson had expressed support for Epstein during his legal troubles and questioned his initial conviction. Despite Mandelson's expressions of regret for his association with Epstein, Starmer decided to withdraw him as ambassador, citing new information that was not available at the time of Mandelson's appointment.

Australian authorities are investigating American influencer Mike Holston, known as 'therealtarzann' on Instagram, for filming himself wrestling wild crocodiles in Queensland, Australia. The videos, which have garnered millions of views, show Holston engaging in 'extremely dangerous and illegal' activities with saltwater and freshwater crocodiles. The Queensland environment department has condemned the actions, stating that they could have 'disastrous consequences' for both humans and wildlife. Holston has claimed the videos were for 'educational purposes,' but authorities are exploring strong compliance action, including fines. The incident has sparked outrage in Australia, with some calling for Holston to be deported if he doesn't respect the country's wildlife.

A recent survey by International Workplace Group (IWG) found that Gen Z employees are driving the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace, with nearly two-thirds helping older colleagues learn to use AI tools. The survey of over 2,000 professionals in the US and UK revealed that AI is bridging generational divides, with 50% of employees saying it has improved collaboration. Senior directors reported that working with younger colleagues has allowed them to focus on higher-value tasks and unlock new business opportunities. The survey also found that 86% of office workers believe AI has made them more efficient, and 76% think it helps their careers. Gen Z workers are using their digital fluency to guide colleagues and introduce new ways of working, while senior colleagues contribute their experience and industry knowledge.

Amazon's Project Kuiper is entering the satellite internet market, competing with SpaceX's Starlink. Despite having fewer satellites in orbit, Amazon has secured its first contract to supply in-flight WiFi to JetBlue. The market is heating up with global satellite operators planning to launch 70,000 LEO satellites between 2025 and 2031. SpaceX is bolstering its Starlink network with a $17 billion deal to buy EchoStar's wireless spectrum licenses. The satellite internet provision market is expected to benefit those lacking internet access and users in remote regions.

The European tech sector has received a boost from recent developments, including AI firms Mistral and ElevenLabs doubling their valuations and Swedish fintech Klarna's successful IPO on the New York Stock Exchange. These events have revived hopes that Europe can develop a tech industry competitive with the U.S. and Asia. Investors view the recent buzz around European tech firms as a 'growing wave' rather than a renaissance, citing a confluence of factors including generative AI and access to capital. However, systemic challenges remain, such as a fragmented market and varying regulations across countries. Despite these challenges, investors see potential for growth, particularly amid economic uncertainty and geopolitical risks.

SK Hynix, a South Korean memory chipmaker, has completed its quality assurance process for its next-generation HBM4 memory chips and is ready for mass production. The company's HBM4 chips offer significantly better performance and are expected to be used in Nvidia's next-generation Rubin architecture. SK Hynix's dominance in the HBM market is expected to persist, with analysts predicting it will remain ahead of rivals Samsung Electronics and Micron Technologies. The company's shares rose over 7% following the announcement, bringing its year-to-date gains to nearly 90%.

The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has condemned the sentencing of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years in prison, calling it a 'witch hunt.' The U.S. has threatened to respond accordingly, potentially escalating tensions between the two countries. Bolsonaro, a close ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump, was convicted of plotting a coup to overturn the 2022 Brazilian election. The U.S. Treasury Department had previously imposed sanctions on Brazilian Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who was involved in the case. Trump also imposed tariffs of up to 50% on most Brazilian products, prompting a strong response from Brazil's current President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who denounced the move as an infringement on Brazil's sovereignty and vowed to retaliate.

The assassination of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative figure and Donald Trump's ambassador to youthful conservatives, has sparked concerns about the future of politics in America. Kirk's murder has led lawmakers to rethink the kind of freewheeling, outdoor campaigning that his barnstorming college tours were meant to preserve. The balance between political free association and security is now at risk of being tilted towards restricted indoor gatherings, smaller audiences, and less interaction with voters. This shift could lead to politics becoming more radicalized, distanced from voters, and dominated by stunts rather than issues. Lawmakers are demanding more security, but providing extensive security for all lawmakers is impractical and costly. The article highlights the vulnerability of politicians and the potential loss of quintessentially American political practices if campaigning becomes more restricted and security-heavy.

The article discusses the potential of AI-powered nursing robots, such as Nurabot, to alleviate healthcare staffing shortages. Nurabot is designed to assist nurses with repetitive tasks, such as delivering medication and guiding patients, and has been piloted at Taichung Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan. The robot uses AI to navigate the hospital, schedule tasks, and react to verbal and physical cues. While there are challenges to be addressed, such as patient preference for human interaction and infrastructure changes, experts believe that AI-enhanced systems can provide significant time and cost savings. Foxconn plans to commercially launch Nurabot in 2026.

Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, faced numerous personal threats and campus turmoil in recent years as he mobilized young conservatives on college campuses. Despite these threats, Kirk continued to prioritize reaching young Americans, and his events often drew large crowds and impassioned protests. Kirk was fatally shot during a campus visit in Utah, and authorities are investigating the incident. In the years leading up to his death, Kirk faced several specific threats, including online threats and violent confrontations at his events. Some events were canceled or modified due to security concerns, and Kirk's security team was constantly on guard.

Over 300 South Korean workers detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Georgia returned home after a week-long saga that strained US-South Korea relations. The workers were detained during a raid at a battery plant co-owned by Hyundai and LG, sparking public outrage and diplomatic tensions. South Korean officials, including President Lee Jae Myung, urged the US to allow the workers to return and continue working, warning that the incident could impact future investment. The incident has raised questions about the economic partnership between the two countries and the treatment of foreign workers in the US.

Terrorism expert Bill Roggio warns that Al Qaeda remains the most dangerous terrorist group 24 years after the 9/11 attacks. Despite the rise of other terrorist groups like ISIS and Hamas, Roggio believes that Al Qaeda's global operations have expanded and it continues to pose a significant threat. He cites the group's ability to operate training camps in Afghanistan, its control of parts of Somalia, and its influence in Syria. Roggio also expresses concern about the rise of safe havens for terrorist groups and the increasing public support for extremist organizations. He argues that the threat posed by Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups can only be countered by addressing the root causes of extremism and countering radical ideology.

Conservative media personality Charlie Kirk was assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University, prompting grief from the Hostages and Missing Family Forum, which represents 48 hostages still held by Hamas. Kirk was known for his support of Israel and the hostages. The assassination came amid heightened tensions between Israel and Hamas, with negotiations for hostage exchanges repeatedly failing. President Donald Trump met with former hostages and family members of current hostages just hours before Kirk's assassination. The incident drew international condemnation, with Qatar announcing an emergency Arab-Islamic summit to address the Israeli attack that occurred just before Kirk's assassination.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US-backed aid organization, was forced to shut down its women's food distribution site in Gaza due to a credible terror threat from Hamas. The threat involved Hamas operatives planning to infiltrate the site dressed as women. GHF has faced increased pressure and attacks on its sites since the Israel Defense Forces began their offensive against Gaza City. The organization has distributed over 161 million meals since starting operations in May and is calling on international organizations to partner with them to ensure aid reaches the people, not Hamas.

Hundreds of protesters were arrested in France as the 'Block Everything' movement led to widespread demonstrations across the country. The protests were against President Emmanuel Macron, budget cuts, and other complaints. The movement gained momentum on social media and encrypted chats over the summer. The protests resulted in road blockades, traffic slowdowns, and clashes with authorities, with around 80,000 police deployed across France.

The UK government is facing criticism for its response to a large antisemitism protest in London, with an estimated 70,000 people attending. The Campaign Against Antisemitism slammed the government for not sending a senior representative to the march, instead offering a backbench peer. The protest was in response to rising antisemitism in the UK, which has been fueled by pro-Palestinian activism and support for Hamas. The UK government has faced criticism for its handling of antisemitism, including the appointment of Shabana Mahmood as Home Secretary, who has been accused of stoking hatred of Israel. The Jewish community in the UK is feeling increasingly unsafe, with half of British Jews considering leaving the country due to antisemitism.

World leaders reacted with shock and sadness to the news of Charlie Kirk's assassination at a speaking event in Utah. Leaders from various countries, including Hungary, France, Israel, Italy, Argentina, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand, expressed their condolences and condemned political violence. They praised Kirk as a defender of freedom and faith, and emphasized the importance of respectful dialogue and the protection of democracy.

At least 19 Russian drones entered Polish airspace on September 10, 2025, prompting a swift NATO response. Polish and NATO forces shot down several drones, with debris falling across residential areas in Poland. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from Polish allies and raised concerns about Russia's intentions. The drones were identified as Chinese-designed 'Gerbera' drones, primarily used as decoys. NATO forces, including Dutch and Polish fighter jets, responded quickly to the incursion, with Ukrainian forces providing information on the drones' movement. The incident has brought the conflict in Ukraine to NATO's doorstep, with analysts warning of Russia's intentions to challenge NATO's boundaries and create uncertainty around its 'Article 5' threshold.

Wael Al-Dahdouh, Al Jazeera's Gaza bureau chief, has spoken to Sky News about the loss of his family members in Gaza airstrikes, criticizing the world's indifference to the situation and accusing Israel of committing genocide. He expressed frustration with the media coverage, stating it lacked objectivity and adherence to journalistic norms. Al-Dahdouh warned that the international community's inaction could embolden others to commit similar crimes, potentially affecting them in the future. Israel has denied accusations of genocide, while the UK government has stated that Israel is not committing genocide but must do more to alleviate suffering.

The UK is set to mass-produce advanced interceptor drones designed by Ukraine with British support to help counter Russian air attacks. This initiative is part of a tech-sharing agreement between the UK and Ukraine, announced earlier this year. The drones have proven effective against Iranian Shahed drones used by Russia and are cheaper to produce than traditional air defence missiles. The move comes as Russia's war in Ukraine escalates, with recent incidents including Russian drones violating Polish airspace, prompting concerns of a wider conflict. The UK is also looking to reinforce Poland's air defences and has condemned Russia's actions.

A slew of deranged users on Bluesky sent threats to prominent Republicans and media personalities after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated. The threats targeted Elon Musk, Ben Shapiro, and other public figures, with some calling for violence and others wishing for another assassination attempt on the president. Bluesky warned users that celebrating the assassination violated its rules, and several hateful comments were taken down or deleted. Other social media platforms, including Meta, Reddit, Discord, and YouTube, also announced measures to restrict content tied to Kirk's killing.

The article reports on the arrival of Charlie Kirk's casket in Arizona, where his widow, Erika Frantzve, bravely acknowledged supporters. Kirk, a conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot at an event in Utah Valley University. Vice President JD Vance arranged for the flight of Kirk's body on Air Force 2 and was present at the ceremony. The article highlights the outpouring of support for Frantzve and Kirk's family, as well as tributes from prominent figures, including President Trump, who announced that he would posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

George Zinn, a 71-year-old man detained after falsely admitting to shooting Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, is known as a political 'gadfly' with a history of bizarre behavior and multiple arrests. Zinn has a long record of causing disruptions at public events and has been charged with obstruction. Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative activist, was fatally shot by a sniper while speaking at the university. The actual shooter remains at large, and Zinn was cleared of suspicion.

The article reports on the reaction of some school teachers in the United States to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA. Several teachers took to social media to celebrate Kirk's death, posting disturbing and ghoulish comments. The article highlights examples of these posts, including a special education teacher who sang 'God Bless America' in front of a news report about Kirk's assassination, and another teacher who called Kirk an 'aspiring Goebbels' and wrote 'Good riddance to bad garbage.' The posts sparked outrage, and some of the teachers were subsequently fired or faced disciplinary action. The article suggests that the reactions reveal a deeper issue with the education system, with some teachers holding extreme views that are not in line with their professional responsibilities.

Vice President JD Vance accompanied Charlie Kirk's body from Utah back to Arizona on Air Force 2 as a final tribute to their friendship. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated while holding a public debate event at Utah Valley University. Vance recounted their friendship, which began around 2017, and how Kirk helped him become a champion of former President Trump. Vance cancelled plans to attend a 9/11 commemoration to be with Kirk's family and friends.

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a live event at Utah Valley University. The last person to debate Kirk, Hunter Kozak, a UVU mathematics student, reflected on the irony of arguing that the left is non-violent seconds before Kirk's assassination. Kozak challenged Kirk on his claims about transgender mass shooters, and Kirk was shot while responding. The assassin's ideology is unknown, but a rifle recovered near the scene had ammo engraved with 'transgender and anti-fascist ideology.' Kozak condemned the violence and criticized those celebrating Kirk's death.

A Secret Service employee, Anthony Pough, was put on administrative leave after making inflammatory social media posts about Charlie Kirk, a conservative icon who was assassinated. Pough criticized those mourning Kirk's death, calling him a purveyor of hate and racism. The Secret Service condemned Pough's behavior, stating it violates their code of conduct. The incident has sparked controversy, with some defending Pough's right to free speech and others criticizing his judgment. Kirk's assassination has been widely mourned, with President Trump announcing he will posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

President Donald Trump attended a New York Yankees game at Yankee Stadium on September 11, 2025, where he was cheered by fans and gave a pep talk to the team. Trump predicted the Yankees would win, and they ultimately defeated the Detroit Tigers 9-3. Trump was joined by various officials and celebrities, including congressional representatives and conservative commentator Bill O'Reilly. The event was marked by heightened security measures due to the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

European leaders Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, and Friedrich Merz are facing domestic challenges despite their united stance on global issues like Ukraine. Starmer is dealing with a tax entanglement and a surging right-wing opposition, while Macron has lost another prime minister and Merz's plans are bogged down by his shaky government coalition. Experts question how long they can maintain their global influence while struggling at home. The article highlights the contrast between their international unity and domestic setbacks, and notes that their resilience reflects a determination to confront Russia's aggression.

The article discusses the influence campaigns in the Pacific Islands, particularly in the Solomon Islands, where China and Australia are vying for influence through various means such as gift-giving and infrastructure development. The Solomon Islands recently hosted the Pacific Islands Forum, where China's presence was evident through its gifts, including 27 Tank 500 cars, and infrastructure projects such as a new medical center and a national stadium. Australia also made significant contributions, including 61 Ford Rangers for the local police force and various development projects. The article highlights the strategic importance of the Pacific Islands and the soft power push by various countries to gain influence in the region.

A recent ICE raid at a Georgia battery plant owned by Hyundai and LG Energy Solution detained nearly 500 workers, mostly South Koreans with short-term business visas. Documents revealed that at least one worker was employed legally but was still forced to leave the country. The raid highlights the complexities of immigration policy under the Trump administration and its potential conflict with other policy objectives, such as bolstering US production. Lawyers and immigrant rights groups have criticized the operation, arguing that it was overly broad and targeted workers regardless of their legal status.

The article discusses the impact of climate change on Pacific island nations and the unfulfilled promises made by the United States to support their efforts to adapt to and mitigate its effects. The Pacific Islands Forum, attended by leaders of 18 Pacific island nations and territories, was held in Honiara, Solomon Islands, where the threat of climate change was a major topic of discussion. The US has been criticized for its 'yo-yo' policy, making grand promises and then retracting them, leaving a void that China is attempting to fill by investing in climate projects in the region. Pacific island nations are seeking to take matters into their own hands, discussing ideas such as a homegrown fund to finance climate projects and a declaration to stand against militarization in the region.

The capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, is in chaos as violent protests and fires have ravaged the city, resulting in at least 37 deaths and over 1,600 injuries. The protests, led by Gen Z, began as a rally against corruption and government bans on social media, but escalated into widespread violence and arson. The government has collapsed, with the prime minister resigning and the president's whereabouts unknown. The army is in control, and has met with Gen Z protesters to discuss a potential interim leader, Sushila Karki, a former chief justice. The city is under curfew, with soldiers patrolling the streets and checkpoints in place. The protesters are demanding the resignation of the current leadership and the establishment of a new government.

The Nepalese government's attempt to ban social media backfired, leading to violent protests, the ousting of the prime minister, and the use of Discord by citizens to debate the country's future and select a potential interim leader. Over 100,000 citizens joined a Discord channel to discuss and vote on a nominee, eventually settling on Sushila Karki, Nepal's former chief justice. The military, which now holds effective power, met with the channel's organizers and asked them to propose a nominee. The use of Discord has been described as 'pretty unprecedented' by an expert, but its long-term success in creating a stable political structure is uncertain.

The article reports on the ongoing investigation into the fatal shooting of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. The gunman remains at large, and law enforcement officials are seeking the public's help in identifying the suspect. The investigation has involved a thorough search of the surrounding neighborhood, including a house under construction, and the analysis of surveillance footage and physical evidence. Despite detaining two individuals, neither was found to be connected to the shooting. The FBI and other agencies are continuing to investigate, with officials expressing confidence in their ability to arrest the perpetrator.

FBI Director Kash Patel is facing scrutiny for his handling of the investigation into the shooting of Charlie Kirk, with concerns raised about his lack of experience and leadership style. Patel had initially announced that a suspect was in custody, but later revealed that the individual had been released. The investigation is ongoing, with Patel and his deputy Dan Bongino traveling to Utah to oversee the case. Former officials have expressed concerns about Patel's purge of experienced investigators and his reliance on social media.

The article discusses the last person to speak to Charlie Kirk before his assassination, Hunter Kozak, a liberal TikToker who attended Kirk's rally at Utah Valley University. Kozak asked Kirk about mass shootings involving transgender people, and shortly after, Kirk was shot and killed. The article explores Kozak's background, his views on free speech, and his reaction to Kirk's killing. It also touches on the online conspiracies and speculation surrounding the event.

The article discusses the factors influencing America's young voters in the 2024 US presidential election. It highlights their disillusionment with the current state of the economy, education, and job prospects. The youth are attracted to Kamala Harris's message, with polls showing she has a significant lead over Donald Trump among under-30s. The article explores the views of young voters, including their concerns about inflation, home ownership, and economic policies. It also notes that young voters are more fired up than in the past, especially after President Biden stepped aside for Harris.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is set to meet Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng in Madrid next week to discuss trade, economic, and national security issues, including the status of TikTok and efforts to combat money laundering. The meeting will be their fourth in-person discussion in 2025 as they seek to maintain a trade truce that has reduced retaliatory tariffs and restored the flow of Chinese rare earth minerals to the US. The two sides have struggled to reach a comprehensive trade agreement, with disagreements over agriculture issues and import tariffs. The meeting may also touch on TikTok's future in the US, as the platform faces a potential ban unless it divests its US assets.

The article discusses the scam hub in Shwe Kokko, Myanmar, on the border with Thailand, where transnational criminal networks have established large-scale fraud farms. Despite a crackdown in February that removed over 9,000 workers, the scam operations appear to be continuing, with locals and experts saying that the syndicates have adapted by using alternative power sources and staying under the radar. The region has become a major breeding ground for cyber-enabled fraud, with an estimated 350,000 people involved in the industry, generating between $50 billion and $75 billion annually.

Russia and Belarus are set to begin joint military drills, known as 'Zapad', on September 12, 2025, amidst heightened tensions with the West. The exercises are taking place as Russian forces continue to clash with Ukrainian troops and escalate aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities. NATO's eastern flank members, including Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia, are on high alert due to the drills, which Belarus claims will be held near Borisov, a town east of Minsk. Poland has shut its border with Belarus and restricted air traffic, citing concerns over the exercises. The drills are expected to be smaller than in 2021, but the presence of Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus has raised concerns. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that the drills are not defensive, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has downplayed the tensions.

US President Donald Trump's push for the Nobel Peace Prize is unlikely to succeed as the Norwegian Nobel Committee remains independent and unimpressed by his claims of deserving the award. Despite Trump's assertions that he has ended six wars, conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine continue. The committee secretary, Kristian Berg Harpviken, emphasized that the committee's decisions are based on the merits of each nominee, not media attention. Experts see little chance of Trump getting the prize due to his 'America First' policy, which contradicts the multilateralism that the Nobel Prize embodies. The committee's independence is highlighted by its past decisions, such as awarding the 2010 prize to Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo despite government objections.

The article discusses the ongoing struggles of the last surviving comfort women in Asia, who were forced into providing sexual services to Japanese Imperial Army troops during World War II. The survivors, now mostly in their 90s, continue to demand closure and justice, but the issue remains a contentious topic between South Korea and Japan. The article highlights the historical grievances and ongoing tensions between the two countries, as well as the efforts of South Korean civic groups to raise awareness and advocate for the survivors. Despite some progress, the issue remains unresolved, and the survivors continue to seek justice and recognition.

The article discusses the implications of Jair Bolsonaro's conviction and sentencing to 27 years in prison for masterminding a failed military coup. Despite his incarceration, experts believe that Bolsonarismo, the political movement he led, will continue to thrive. Bolsonaro remains popular among certain sectors of Brazilian society, including evangelicals, agricultural communities, and security forces. Potential successors, including his son Flávio, former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro, and São Paulo's governor Tarcísio de Freitas, are emerging to inherit his votes for the 2026 presidential election. The leftwing politician Guilherme Boulos expects a fierce battle against the rightwing movement, which may receive support from Donald Trump and US big-tech firms.

The Venezuelan government has denied that 11 people killed in a US military strike on a boat in the Caribbean were members of the Tren de Aragua gang, with the interior minister stating that they were not drug traffickers and questioning why they were not arrested instead. The US administration has claimed that the boat was transporting illegal narcotics, but has provided little information about the incident. US lawmakers have demanded justification for the attack, with some questioning its legality and the use of military force for law enforcement purposes. The incident has escalated tensions between the US and Venezuela, with Venezuela's president threatening an armed response if necessary.