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A mass shooting at a pool hall in Ecuador's Santo Domingo city has left 7 dead and 4 wounded, marking the second such attack in less than a month. Police attribute the violence to a 'territorial dispute' between organized crime groups. The attack is part of a larger wave of violence in Ecuador, with over 4,600 homicides recorded in the first half of the year, a 47% increase from the same period last year. The country is a key departure point for cocaine shipments to the US and Europe, and is home to various criminal groups involved in extortion and contract killings. The recent recapture of Ecuador's most wanted drug lord, Adolfo Macías, alias Fito, has not stemmed the violence.

Christian Brueckner, the prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, is set to be released from prison in Germany after serving a seven-year sentence for raping a 72-year-old American woman. Brueckner has refused to be interviewed by U.K. police, which is seen as a setback in the investigation into McCann's disappearance. Authorities are considering imposing supervisory oversight on Brueckner after his release, which could include measures such as an ankle tracking tag and restrictions on his travel. The case remains one of the world's most high-profile missing persons investigations, with Brueckner at the center of the inquiry since 2020.

Divers have recovered artifacts from the wreckage of the Britannic, the sister ship of the Titanic, which sank in the Aegean Sea in 1916 after striking a mine during World War I. The recovery operation was conducted by an 11-member deep-sea diving team in May, and the artifacts include the ship's bell, navigation light, and various items reflecting the ship's luxurious design and utilitarian role. The artifacts are now undergoing conservation in Athens and will be included in the permanent collection of a new Museum of Underwater Antiquities in Piraeus.

A British aristocrat, Constance Marten, and her partner, Mark Gordon, have been sentenced to 14 years in prison each for the death of their newborn daughter, Victoria. The couple, who had been living off-grid, were found guilty of manslaughter after a jury trial. The baby's body was discovered in a shopping bag on a vegetable patch days after the couple's arrest. Marten and Gordon had been trying to keep custody of their daughter despite having their four other children taken into care due to concerns about their lifestyle. The judge criticized the couple for their 'neglect of the gravest and most serious type' and for showing 'no genuine expression of remorse.'

The Trump administration has designated Colombia as a country failing to cooperate in the drug war for the first time in nearly 30 years, citing a surge in cocaine production and strained ties with Colombian President Gustavo Petro. Despite this designation, the administration issued a waiver of sanctions, citing vital U.S. national interests. The move reflects a deterioration in bilateral relations and could hamper efforts to restore security in Colombia. The U.S. has provided billions in foreign assistance to Colombia to combat drug-fueled rebels and eradicate coca crops, but cooperation has unraveled since the suspension of aerial eradication of coca fields with glyphosate. Colombian cocaine production has skyrocketed, with the amount of land dedicated to cultivating coca almost tripling in the past decade.

The Chinese government has introduced 19 measures to boost domestic consumption and economic growth. The measures include relaxing market access, increasing supply in sectors such as culture, sports, and healthcare, and strengthening fiscal support and investments. The government aims to attract more foreign visitors, support local businesses, and encourage financial institutions to lend more to businesses in the sector. The measures also include interest subsidies for consumer loans and adjustments to school holiday schedules to allow for more travel and activities.

China is expected to experience a significant surge in travel bookings during the upcoming 'golden week' holiday, which combines the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day. Travel operators report increased demand for domestic and international trips, with rail, flight, and car rental bookings potentially rising compared to last year. The railway authority predicts 219 million passenger trips over 12 days, exceeding last year's numbers. Online travel agencies have seen year-on-year increases in bookings and searches for flights, trains, and car rentals, indicating a boost to consumer spending and China's economy.

China's Tianlong-3 rocket, developed by Space Pioneer, has successfully completed a 35-second burn test of its first stage, producing nearly 1,000 tonnes of thrust. The test is a significant milestone in the development of the reusable rocket, which is expected to launch by the end of the year and enter routine commercial operations thereafter. The Tianlong-3 rocket is one of three Chinese contenders aiming to match SpaceX's Falcon 9 orbital achievement by the end of the year, and its success could help alleviate the growing mismatch between China's limited rocket supply and surging demand.

A new coalition of Filipino content creators, Creators Against Corruption (CAC), has launched to expose corruption and demand accountability in the Philippines. The group aims to transform social media into a force for civic action amid growing public fury over the country's flood control scandal. Led by tech influencer Carlo Ople, the coalition is open to accepting members from all walks of life and plans to use their platforms to fight corruption. The group's formation was sparked by a viral image of wads of cash allegedly intended as kickbacks for lawmakers, which served as a 'rude awakening' for many Filipinos.

Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu delivered his fourth policy address, vowing to improve people's livelihoods and reform the economy. Lee announced a new system to hold senior civil servants accountable, allowing for salary cuts, compulsory retirement, or dismissal for underperforming officials. He also pledged to expedite the development of the Northern Metropolis near the border with mainland China by chairing a new decision-making body. Other key measures include strengthening the stock and bond markets, enhancing the cash-for-residency scheme, and increasing subsidized housing supply. Lee's blueprint is considered crucial as he has less than two years to deliver on his agenda before his current term expires in mid-2027.

A Kenyan High Court has issued an arrest warrant for a British national suspected of murdering Agnes Wanjiru, a 21-year-old woman, in 2012. The suspect allegedly spent an evening partying with British soldiers before being killed and left in a septic tank at a hotel in Nanyuki. The case has sparked outrage in Kenya, with the victim's family fighting for justice for over a decade. The Kenyan court has directed that the identities of the accused and witnesses not be published to protect the trial's integrity. The UK government has expressed commitment to helping the family secure justice, while the Ministry of Defence has stated it is cooperating with the Kenyan investigation.

A 25-year-old Eritrean man has won a last-minute legal claim to temporarily block his removal to France under the UK's 'one in, one out' returns pilot scheme. The scheme, agreed upon by the UK and France in July, allows for the return of migrants who have traveled to the UK by small boat and have had their asylum claim withdrawn or declared inadmissible. The man's lawyers argued that he needed more time to present evidence that he might have been a victim of modern-day slavery. The High Court judge ruled that there was a serious issue to be tried in relation to the trafficking claim and temporarily blocked the man's departure. The ruling raises questions about the potential impact on other migrants allocated to flights under the scheme.

Four Somali TikTokers have been arrested for allegedly insulting President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in a dance video. The video featured a remix of a campaign song from the president's 2022 election bid with altered lyrics containing derogatory language. The arrests have sparked a debate about the role of social media in Somalia, particularly TikTok, which has been at the center of controversy in the past. The authorities have warned that anyone disrespecting national institutions or leaders will face the full force of the law. The incident has reignited concerns over the spread of harmful content, including extremist propaganda and defamatory material, on the platform.

Tensions are escalating in South Sudan as the party of suspended Vice-President Riek Machar calls for "regime change" following Machar's charging with treason and other crimes. The move has raised fears of a return to civil war, which would devastate the nation still recovering from the last conflict. A recent UN report has also accused South Sudanese officials of misappropriating billions of dollars in oil revenues, depriving millions of essential services. The crisis is rooted in long-standing tensions between Machar and President Salva Kiir, fueled by ethnic divisions and competing political ambitions.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was unable to secure a defense treaty with Papua New Guinea during his visit, marking the second consecutive failure to establish a security pact with a South Pacific island nation, following a similar attempt with Vanuatu a week prior. The treaties were aimed at countering China's growing influence in the region.

The article discusses the delayed confirmation of Mike Waltz as the US ambassador to the United Nations under President Donald Trump. Due to procedural hurdles and Democratic opposition, Waltz's nomination is unlikely to be confirmed before the UN General Assembly meeting next week. The nomination was sent back to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee after Democrats blocked over two dozen of Trump's executive branch nominees. Although there will be another committee vote, it is improbable that Waltz will be confirmed by the full Senate chamber in time for the meeting.

The leader of the Unification Church, Hak Ja Han, was questioned by investigators over allegations that the church bribed the wife of South Korea's jailed former President Yoon Suk Yeol and a conservative lawmaker close to him in an effort to secure business favors. Han appeared before a special prosecutor just hours after a Seoul court issued an arrest warrant for lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong, citing concerns he might destroy evidence.

A Wells Fargo banker, Mao Chenyue, who was barred from leaving China has been allowed to return to the US following negotiations between US and Chinese officials. The case is one of several recent incidents where US citizens have been blocked from leaving China, straining US-China relations. The release coincides with high-level diplomacy between the two countries, including a potential meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed frustration with Western powers, particularly the United States under Donald Trump's leadership, for not doing enough to pressure Russia to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. Zelenskyy believes that Trump's approach of waiting for European countries to take action before imposing sanctions on Russia is misguided and that the US should take a stronger stance on its own. He emphasized that Vladimir Putin understands only force and that the US has the power to stop him.

The prime suspect in the Madeleine McCann case, Christian B, is being released from prison after serving a seven-year sentence for rape. He will be subject to strict conditions, including wearing an electronic tag and surrendering his passport. Christian B remains the only suspect in the abduction of Madeleine McCann, who vanished on a family holiday in Portugal in 2007. The prosecutor leading the investigation believes Christian B abducted and murdered Madeleine. Christian B has denied any involvement in Madeleine's disappearance and recently rejected an interview request from the Metropolitan Police. His lawyers plan to challenge the restrictions imposed upon his release.

Spain's state broadcaster RTVE has voted to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest if Israel competes next year, following similar announcements by the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Iceland. This decision makes Spain the fifth broadcaster to threaten withdrawal and the first among the 'Big Five' countries to do so. The move increases pressure on the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to decide on Israel's participation. Spain's prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, has previously called for Israel's ban, citing the precedent of Russia's expulsion in 2022. The EBU has taken note of the concerns and is consulting with members on how to manage participation and geopolitical tensions.

The widow of horror film icon Tony Todd, Fatima Cortez Todd, has expressed disappointment that her late husband was not mentioned in the Emmy Awards' 'In Memoriam' segment during the live broadcast. Despite having a long list of TV credits and being known for his roles in 'Candyman' and 'Final Destination', Todd was snubbed by the prestigious award show. Fatima believes that the industry did not respect her husband's contributions as much as they should have, and that he was overlooked despite his decades-long career and classical training. The Emmy Awards did, however, mention Todd in an extended 'In Memoriam' video posted online.

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has received over 150,000 job applications from 'patriotic Americans' to help with migrant deportation arrests, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The Trump administration launched a massive ICE recruiting campaign after being granted $75 billion in extra funding for immigration enforcement. The agency has already issued over 18,000 tentative job offers and is offering lucrative incentives, including six-figure salaries and student loan repayment. The recruitment drive comes amid anti-ICE protests and a surge in deportations and criminal migrant arrests under Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration.

A Texas State University student was expelled after re-enacting the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on campus, sparking widespread outrage. The student was caught on camera mocking Kirk's shooting, using profanity, and making violent gestures. Texas Governor Greg Abbott demanded the student's expulsion, and the university's president, Kelly Damphouse, announced the student's removal. The incident comes amid a rising tide of tensions and controversies surrounding Kirk's recent shooting at Utah Valley University.

The article discusses the factors influencing America's young voters in the 2024 US presidential election. Young voters are disillusioned with the current state of the economy, feeling that higher education is too expensive, job prospects are uncertain, and home ownership is out of reach. The article highlights the differing views of young supporters of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, with Harris leading among young voters according to opinion polls. The youth are more fired up than in the past, with a larger proportion of young Democrats saying they will definitely vote in the coming election. The article also features interviews with young voters, showcasing their concerns and perspectives on the economy and the candidates' policies.

The article discusses the last generation of people who experienced the India-Pakistan Partition in 1947 and their memories of their homeland. It highlights the stories of two individuals, Vikram Kalra and Reena Varma, who were forced to flee their homes in Lahore and Rawalpindi, respectively, and have been unable to return. The article also provides historical context about the Partition, including the violent migration of over 15 million people and the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. The author notes that as the last generation of Partition survivors passes away, their memories and experiences are at risk of being lost.

A study by Yale University's Humanitarian Research Lab found that Russia has been indoctrinating Ukrainian children from occupied territories at over 210 sites, including military cadet schools and Russian Orthodox monasteries. The program involves reeducation and military training, with the goal of assimilating the children into Russian culture. The study's findings have outraged Ukrainians and prompted investigations into war crimes, including the issuance of arrest warrants for President Vladimir Putin and a top Russian aide.

The article discusses the anticipation surrounding the U.S. Federal Reserve's meeting, where investors are eagerly awaiting the interest rate decision and Chair Jerome Powell's press conference. The market is in a state of limbo, with U.S. stocks declining mildly on Tuesday. The article also touches on other news, including China's control over rare earths, Baidu's share spike, and Japan's exports slowing their decline. The Fed is expected to cut rates, with a new governor, Stephen Miran, likely to dissent from the decision.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche refused to name left-wing groups being targeted by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in an interview with CNN's Kaitlan Collins. The DOJ's actions come after President Trump and senior White House officials threatened to investigate these groups following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Blanche emphasized that the DOJ is committed to upholding the law and protecting the rights of all Americans, but declined to comment on specific groups or investigations.

The article discusses the persecution of Christians in Sudan amidst the country's devastating two-year civil war. Christians, estimated to be around 4% of Sudan's population, face a double whammy of desperation due to chronic food shortages, war horrors, and alleged discrimination and persecution by both the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese government's Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The article highlights the dire situation, with Christians being forced to eat animal feed and grass to survive, and churches being demolished, stormed, or bombed. A senior Sudanese church leader and a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies provide insights into the persecution, citing instances of Christians being forced to convert to Islam in exchange for aid and protection.

NPR is planning to cut $5 million from its budget as local public radio stations struggle to cope with the loss of federal funding. Despite a surge in listener contributions, the financial situation remains volatile. NPR CEO Katherine Maher has offered $8 million in relief to affected stations, but some local station officials argue that more help is needed. The number of NPR-affiliated stations has decreased, with three stations dropping their affiliation, while one new station has joined. The future of public radio remains uncertain as it adapts to new financial circumstances.

At least 900 tourists were stranded near Peru's ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu due to a protest that blocked the train tracks. The protest is linked to a dispute over a bus contract, with protesters claiming a lack of transparency and fairness in the process of replacing the previous bus operator, Consettur. PeruRail suspended its service, and while 1,400 tourists were evacuated, hundreds remained stuck. The tourism minister stated that the situation was being monitored, and efforts were being made to resolve the issue.