Global Conflicts and Diplomatic Tensions Escalate

A drone strike on a mosque in Sudan's Darfur region has killed 78 people and injured around 20 others. The attack in the city of el-Fasher has been blamed on the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who are fighting against the Sudanese army in a ferocious civil war. The RSF has not taken responsibility for the attack, but has been gaining ground in the region and is expected to seize control of el-Fasher, the last army stronghold in Darfur. The attack has raised concerns of ethnic cleansing and targeting of civilians, with the UN warning of the 'increasing ethnicisation of the conflict.'

Estonia has requested a consultation with Nato members after Russian warplanes violated its airspace. Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace without permission and remained for 12 minutes. Nato members Italy, Finland, and Sweden scrambled jets to respond. Russia denied violating Estonian airspace, but tensions have been escalating with recent incidents involving Poland and Romania. Estonia's Prime Minister Kristen Michal emphasized the need for a united and strong Nato response. US President Donald Trump expressed concern over the incident, saying it "could be big trouble." The incident is the fifth Russian violation of Estonian airspace this year.

A group of 34 students from Gaza, including four medical doctors, have been evacuated to the UK to take up fully funded scholarships at British universities. The students, who were assisted by the UK government, are currently undergoing visa biometric checks in a third country before completing their journey to the UK. This is the first time students have been helped to leave Gaza to study in the UK since the conflict began. The evacuation follows months of campaigning by politicians, academics, and others on behalf of over 100 Palestinian students holding offers from UK universities. The UK government has stated that it is working urgently to support Chevening Scholars and students in Gaza who have been offered fully funded places at British universities. However, it remains unclear when the next group of eligible students might be evacuated, with at least 35 students with full scholarships still trapped in Gaza.

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order introducing a $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visa applicants, sparking concerns among small businesses and tech companies. The fee is expected to restrict entry to the programme and favour large companies. Critics argue that the fee will undercut American workers, while supporters believe it will allow the US to attract top talent. The order is set to come into effect on September 21.

The US has vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza for the sixth time. The resolution, which was supported by 14 other members, described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as 'catastrophic' and called on Israel to lift aid restrictions. The US argued that the text did not condemn Hamas sufficiently or recognize Israel's right to defend itself. The veto was met with widespread criticism from other UN members, who expressed disappointment and frustration at the US's decision. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with thousands of people killed and many more displaced as Israeli tanks and troops continue to advance into Gaza City.

A US federal judge has dismissed Donald Trump's $15 billion defamation lawsuit against the New York Times, citing issues with its contents. The judge, Steven Merryday, gave Trump 28 days to file an amended complaint. The lawsuit was filed in response to a book written by Times reporters and accused the newspaper of serving as a 'mouthpiece' for Democrats. The New York Times welcomed the judge's ruling, stating that the complaint was a 'political document rather than a serious legal filing'. The lawsuit is part of a larger criticism of the Trump administration's alleged crackdown on media unfavourable to the president.

A global treaty aimed at protecting the world's oceans and reversing damage to marine life is set to become international law after receiving its 60th ratification from Morocco. The High Seas Treaty, two decades in the making, will pave the way for international waters to be placed into marine protected areas. Environmentalists have hailed the milestone as a 'monumental achievement' and evidence that countries can work together for environmental protection. The treaty aims to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity, with the goal of protecting 30% of the world's national and international waters by 2030. Currently, only 1% of the high seas are protected, leaving marine life at risk of overexploitation. The treaty will allow countries to propose areas to be protected, which will then be voted on by signatory countries.

Shankar, Delhi's only African elephant, died at 29 after years of isolation in the city's zoo. Animal welfare activists mourned his death, having long campaigned for his rehabilitation in a sanctuary with other African elephants. Shankar arrived in India in 1998 as a diplomatic gift from Zimbabwe with a companion, but after the companion's death in 2001, Shankar was left alone. Despite a 2009 ban on keeping elephants in solitary confinement for more than six months, Shankar spent at least 13 years isolated. Activists criticized the zoo's conditions and the lack of effort to find him a mate or relocate him. The zoo director claimed all care was provided, but activists alleged neglect and called for accountability.

US President Donald Trump stated that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed and approved a deal regarding TikTok's US operations during a phone call. The deal involves selling TikTok's US business to a group of US investors, reportedly including Oracle. However, there is no confirmation from Beijing, and the details of the deal remain unclear. The Chinese government has expressed its willingness to negotiate, but also emphasized the need for any deal to comply with Chinese laws and regulations. US lawmakers have raised concerns about the potential for continued Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence over TikTok through the algorithm. Trump initially called for a ban on TikTok but has since changed his stance, viewing it as a key part of his 2024 electoral campaign.

A drone strike by Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) killed 75 people at a displacement camp in Darfur, according to an aid group. The strike occurred as the RSF pushed to oust the army from El-Fasher, the main city in Darfur. The United Nations released a report stating that Sudan's civil war is escalating, with civilian deaths, summary executions, and ethnic violence rising in the first six months of 2025. The conflict has killed tens of thousands, displaced millions, and created a severe humanitarian crisis. The UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, warned that the conflict is becoming increasingly ethnicized and that urgent action is needed to protect civilians.

The European Union is proposing to accelerate its phase-out of Russian gas imports by January 2027, a year earlier than planned, as part of a new sanctions package aimed at reducing Moscow's revenue from fossil fuels. The move comes amid pressure from the United States, led by President Trump, to end EU imports of Russian fossil fuels. The EU has already significantly reduced its reliance on Russian oil, but still imports 19% of its gas from Russia. The new sanctions package is also expected to target Chinese refineries, special economic zones, and Russian and central Asian banks. EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need to 'turn off the tap' on Russian fossil fuel revenues, which sustain Moscow's war economy.

Italian driver Fabio Barone attempted to set a new record for the fastest car driven on a boat by reaching a speed of at least 99.4 mph on the flight deck of the Italian Navy aircraft carrier Nave Trieste. Barone successfully achieved a speed of 101.9 mph in his Ferrari SF90, beating his previous record. The event took place in Civitavecchia, Italy, and was witnessed by journalists, naval officers, and VIPs. The team plans to submit the certified result to Guinness World Records for official recognition.

Scientists have discovered prehistoric insects preserved in amber in South America, providing a glimpse into life on Earth 112 million years ago. The fossils, found in a sandstone quarry in Ecuador, include beetles, flies, ants, and wasps, and offer insights into the evolution of flowering plants and their interactions with insects. The discovery is significant as it is the first time such fossils have been found in South America, and it sheds light on the biodiversity of the region during the Cretaceous period. The amber deposits were found to contain hundreds of fragments, including ancient insects, pollen, and tree leaves, which will help researchers understand the ecosystem of the time.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that Russian athletes will be allowed to participate in the 2026 Winter Games under a neutral flag. This decision maintains the same sanctions imposed during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Russian athletes were allowed to compete under a neutral flag and individual events due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The IOC suspended the Russian Olympic Committee in October 2023 for violating the Olympic Charter. Russian athletes will be vetted for any links to the Russian military or support for the war in Ukraine before being allowed to compete.

Russian fighter jets entered Estonian airspace for 12 minutes, prompting condemnation from Estonian officials and NATO. This incident is seen as part of a larger pattern of Russian aggression, with Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna calling it "unprecedentedly brazen." NATO and EU officials have responded strongly, with NATO spokesperson Allison Hart describing it as "another example of reckless" behavior by Russia. Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal suggested that Russia's aim is to draw attention away from Ukraine. The incident has heightened tensions in the region, with the EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas calling it "an extremely dangerous provocation." The European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has put forward a new package of sanctions against Russia.

The US Senate confirmed Mike Waltz as the next US ambassador to the United Nations after months of delays. The confirmation vote was 47-43, with Waltz being the last member of President Trump's Cabinet to be confirmed. Waltz takes the position as the US seeks to manage tensions with China and Iran, and as President Trump's frustrations increase with Russia over its war in Ukraine. During his confirmation hearing, Waltz stated that the UN needs 'major' reform but is still a crucial platform for international dialogue.

The Taliban released British couple Peter and Barbie Reynolds on September 19, 2025, after detaining them for over seven months on undisclosed charges in Afghanistan. The release followed mediation led by Qatar, in close coordination with the British government and the couple's family. The Reynolds, aged 80 and 75, had lived in Afghanistan for 18 years and run an education and training organization. Their detention highlighted concerns about the Taliban's actions since seizing power in 2021. The Qatari embassy provided critical support to the couple during their detention, including access to their doctor and regular communication with their family. The British government had worked intensively to secure their release, with Minister Hamish Falconer expressing relief at their freedom.

The outgoing head of Britain's MI6 intelligence agency, Sir Richard Moore, has stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin 'lies to the world' and has no genuine interest in negotiating peace in Ukraine. Moore made these comments during a speech at the British consulate in Istanbul, criticizing Putin's actions and motivations regarding the ongoing conflict. Moore's assessment aligns with recent statements by former US President Donald Trump, who expressed frustration with Putin's handling of the war. Meanwhile, the UK has launched a new dark web portal to recruit informants and improve its intelligence gathering capabilities.

CNBC's Jim Cramer expressed cautious optimism about FedEx after the company reported a strong quarter, beating Wall Street's earnings and revenue expectations. Cramer attributed FedEx's success to its effective cost-cutting measures and ability to adapt to the changing global commerce landscape. Despite concerns about tariffs and a weaker industrial economy, FedEx managed to impress Cramer with its constructive and realistic attitude towards the operating environment. The company's initiatives to improve shipping efficiency and customer service also contributed to its positive performance. Cramer views FedEx's stock as inexpensive compared to its full-year earnings forecast and believes the company's 2.5% dividend yield is safe.

The article 'Dying for gold: who killed the miners of Buffelsfontein?' by The Economist recounts the tragic events surrounding the entrapment of illegal miners, known as 'zama-zamas,' in the abandoned Buffelsfontein gold mine in South Africa. The miners were trapped underground when the South African police blockaded the mine's entrance, cutting off their food supplies and access to the clandestine rope crews that could pull them out. The situation led to extreme hunger, sickness, and death among the miners. The article provides a historical context to the gold mining industry in South Africa, highlighting its exploitative nature and the harsh conditions faced by miners. It also touches upon the cultural impact of mining on the region, including the development of a unique music genre known as 'famo.' The incident raises questions about the government's responsibility towards the miners and the broader implications of the gold mining industry's practices.

The article describes the newfound freedom of Syrians to visit their Mediterranean coastline after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Many are visiting the beach for the first time, including those from areas that were previously opposed to the regime. The article highlights the stories of two women, Nesrine al-Haj Ali and Rawaa al-Rajab, who share their experiences of visiting the beach and their hopes for the future of Syria. The article also touches on the challenges faced by the country, including the need for security and the risk of reprisals against Alawites.

Van Jones recounts receiving a direct message from Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist, the day before Kirk's murder. Kirk invited Jones to appear on his show for a respectful conversation about crime and race, despite their public disagreement. Jones reflects on the rising tide of political violence and the need for civility and open debate, urging people to reject violence and seek common ground. Jones emphasizes that Kirk's actions, despite their differences, demonstrated a commitment to respectful dialogue.

The crew of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' will be paid through next week as discussions between Jimmy Kimmel and Disney executives continue over the future of the show. The program was pre-empted indefinitely amid controversy over Kimmel's comments about Charlie Kirk's suspected killer, which sparked right-wing uproar and pressure from Trump administration officials. Kimmel met with top ABC executives to discuss a possible path forward, but no resolution has been reached. Disney is hopeful to find a way to bring the show back, but both parties need to agree on how to continue it without risking ABC's local broadcast licenses.

US President Donald Trump announced that his administration conducted a lethal military strike on an alleged drug-trafficking vessel in international waters, killing three 'narcoterrorists'. This marks the third known fatal strike on an alleged drug boat this month. Trump claimed the vessel was affiliated with a designated terrorist organization and was trafficking illicit narcotics. The strike was carried out in the US Southern Command's area of responsibility, which includes Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The Trump administration has escalated its fight against narcotics trafficking, with previous strikes earlier this month killing a total of 14 people allegedly tied to the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang. Critics have questioned the legality of these strikes, citing a lack of evidence and concerns over the use of lethal force against civilian vessels.

Thousands are expected to attend the memorial service for Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist assassinated at a campus event. The service, to be held at State Farm Stadium in Arizona, will feature high-profile speakers including President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The event is expected to draw significant attention and presents a major security challenge for law enforcement.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is facing backlash from Israel and within Spain for alleged comments suggesting the use of nuclear weapons against Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Sanchez of making a 'blatant genocidal threat' against the Jewish state. Sanchez's government denied the allegations, calling them 'false and slanderous.' The controversy has highlighted concerns about antisemitism in Spain, with reports of a significant increase in antisemitic incidents. Critics argue that Sanchez's stance on Israel is influenced by his coalition with communist and socialist parties that have expressed antisemitic views. The Spanish government has reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution and condemned antisemitism, but the incident has strained relations between Spain and Israel.

The US has designated four Iran-backed Iraq militias as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, marking a significant escalation in the Trump administration's campaign against Iranian influence in the region. The designated groups - Harakat al-Nujaba, Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya, and Kata'ib al-Imam Ali - are believed to be responsible for hundreds of attacks in Iraq, Syria, and Jordan, including the killing of three US service members in January 2024. The move is seen as a continuation of the Trump administration's efforts to counter Iranian aggression, with experts hailing it as a necessary step to curb Tehran's influence in the region.

Russia is reviving the Intervision song contest, a Cold War-era rival to Eurovision, as a means to project soft power and counter its exclusion from Eurovision since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The event, scheduled for Saturday night in Moscow, promises a global outlook with participants from around 20 countries, including China, India, and Saudi Arabia. Despite the Kremlin's insistence that Intervision is not a political event, the line-up and jury composition suggest otherwise, with Russian contestant Yaroslav Dronov, known for his patriotic songs and support for the war in Ukraine, and Colombia's ambassador to Russia serving on the jury. Experts see the revival as an attempt by Russia to legitimize its regime, counter the narrative of its isolation, and promote 'traditional values' in opposition to the 'decadent, liberal West'.

A former Afghan interpreter who was resettled in the UK has alleged that many Afghans who were relocated to the UK under a government scheme exaggerated their claims of facing threats from the Taliban. The source claimed that some applicants staged torture videos, sent fake Taliban threat letters, and made false claims of Taliban attacks against themselves or their relatives. The source also alleged that some individuals were resettled in the UK despite already having asylum in other safe countries or having worked with British forces for only a short period. The Ministry of Defence expects the total cost of the relocation scheme to be between £5.5bn and £6bn.

The Albanian parliament has welcomed its first AI-generated 'minister', Diella, who delivered a three-minute address on two screens. The opposition protested, arguing that the move was unconstitutional as Diella is not human and does not hold Albanian nationality. Prime Minister Edi Rama introduced Diella as a symbol of his government's push for transparency and innovation, with the task of addressing corruption concerns. Diella was developed in partnership with Microsoft and uses the latest AI models to ensure accuracy. The opposition boycotted a vote on the programme, but it passed with 82 votes in favour.

The Canadian government has banned the Irish rap group Kneecap from entering the country due to allegations of 'glorifying terrorist organisations'. The group was set to perform four concerts in Toronto and Vancouver. Kneecap has denied the accusations and threatened legal action against Vince Gasparro, Canada's parliamentary secretary for combatting crime. The group has been involved in several controversies, including accusations of supporting terrorist organisations such as Hezbollah and Hamas. Kneecap has maintained that they condemn 'all attacks on civilians, always'.

Russia is hosting an alternative to the Eurovision song contest, called Intervision, which is seen as a reaction to Russia's exclusion from Eurovision after its invasion of Ukraine and a response to the contest's values and celebration of LGBTQ+ rights. Intervision emphasizes 'traditional values' and features contestants from 23 countries, including Russia's allies. The contest is viewed by Ukraine as propaganda and an attempt to whitewash Russia's war. The article explores the contest, its participants, and the views of Russians on its resurrection.

The outgoing head of MI6, Sir Richard Moore, has stated that there is 'no evidence' that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to negotiate peace in Ukraine, accusing him of 'stringing us along'. Moore made the comments at a news conference in Istanbul, where he is set to leave his post at the end of September after five years. He criticized Putin for underestimating the Ukrainians and for prioritizing his own personal legacy over his country's future. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said Putin had 'let me down' in his efforts to end the war. Moore's comments come as MI6 unveiled a new dark web portal to recruit spies, including Russians, to help gather intelligence on the Kremlin.

British couple Peter and Barbie Reynolds, detained by the Taliban for over seven months, have been released and reunited with their family after mediation by Qatar. The couple, who have lived in Afghanistan for 18 years and run an NGO called Rebuild, were arrested on their way home to Bamiyan. Despite being Afghan citizens, they were held without charge, with the Taliban citing they had broken Afghan law. The Reynolds expressed gratitude for their release and stated they were treated well, although their son had previously reported they were suffering from serious health issues. The UK and Qatari officials welcomed their release, thanking the Taliban for their cooperation.

The article discusses the sudden suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's show by ABC, following his controversial comments about a 'kid who killed Charlie Kirk' and the subsequent backlash from the right and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chief Brendan Carr. The network has remained silent on the reason for the suspension, fueling speculation and conspiracy theories. The article suggests that ABC may have been motivated by a desire to avoid further controversy and protect its affiliates' FCC licenses, or by Kimmel's low ratings and high salary. The author argues that ABC should clarify the reason for the suspension and take a stand on Kimmel's comments.

Bill Maher criticized Jimmy Kimmel's suggestion that Charlie Kirk's suspected assassin was a MAGA Republican, stating that the suspect doesn't belong to either party but rather 'belongs in a straitjacket.' Maher also slammed ABC for suspending Kimmel's show, drawing parallels to his own experience being 'canceled' by the network 24 years ago. Maher interviewed Tom Homan, Trump's 'border czar,' discussing the administration's mass deportation agenda. Other late-night hosts, including Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart, showed support for Kimmel, condemning ABC's decision as 'blatant censorship.'

Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's would-be assassin, Nicholas John Roske, now identifies as a transgender woman named Sophie Roske, according to court filings. Roske pleaded guilty to attempting to kill Kavanaugh in April and is facing a minimum sentence of 30 years. The case has drawn attention to the issue of violence linked to trans-identifying individuals, with some conservative groups calling for increased scrutiny. Roske's motivations for the attempted assassination were tied to the leaked Supreme Court draft decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, and he had researched various methods to carry out the attack.

The article discusses how Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old leftist candidate for NYC mayor, is dividing the Democratic Party in New York. Despite his extreme views on public safety and Israel, he has been endorsed by the state's top Democratic leaders, including Gov. Kathy Hochul and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. The article argues that Mamdani's radical agenda will lead to increased crime, civil unrest, and a loss of moderate voters, ultimately benefiting Republicans. It highlights the concerns of regular Democrats, such as Nassau County Reps. Tom Suozzi and Laura Gillen, who have refused to back Mamdani due to his extreme views. The article concludes that Democrats' embrace of Mamdani will drive moderate and center-left Jews to vote for the GOP and potentially lead to a loss of House seats in New York.

Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney was arrested in his hometown of Rock Hill, South Carolina, for trespassing and failure to identify just days before signing with the Dallas Cowboys. Clowney, 32, was attempting to park in an apartment parking lot that was not open to the public. He claimed he was visiting his aunt, but authorities disagreed. Clowney was not concerned about the arrest, stating it was not new to him. The Cowboys signed Clowney after trading away Micah Parsons to the Packers, with owner Jerry Jones defending the trade as a way to improve the team's chances of winning.

Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, co-stars in 'The Morning Show,' appeared on an episode of LADbible's 'Do You Even Know Me?' where Witherspoon revealed her real name, Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon, stunning Aniston who had not known after 25 years of friendship. The two actresses met when Witherspoon guest-starred on 'Friends' in 2000 and later reunited for 'The Morning Show' on Apple TV+.

A former staffer of Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show has spoken out about the show's indefinite suspension by ABC, citing the network's decision to axe the program due to Kimmel's controversial remarks about the alleged assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The staffer believes the show will not return and that Disney, ABC's parent company, will likely buy out Kimmel's contract and replace the show with reruns. The staffer defended Kimmel's comments, stating that right-wing critics are unrelenting and that an apology would not be enough to satisfy them.

British rocker Morrissey has cancelled two shows in New England due to a 'credible threat' to assassinate him onstage. The cancelled concerts were set for Friday at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn., and Saturday at Boston's MGM Music Hall at Fenway. The decision came days after a 26-year-old Ottawa man, Noah Castellano, was charged with uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm after posting a threat on Bluesky to shoot Morrissey during his Sept. 12 festival set in Canada. Despite the alleged threat, Morrissey's CityFolk set went ahead, followed by shows in Toronto and New York City. The cancellations were announced against the backdrop of heightened sensitivity after a conservative activist was shot dead at a Utah college event on Sept. 10.

Priscilla Presley, in her new book 'Softly, As I Leave You: Life After Elvis,' reveals that her ex-husband Elvis Presley used to call her in the middle of the night while she was dating Robert Kardashian. She claims Elvis would have reacted violently if he knew Kardashian was in her bed. Priscilla and Kardashian dated for about a year but broke up due to his demanding job and her reluctance to get married again. The two remained friendly until Kardashian's death in 2003. The article also touches upon the deaths of their mutual daughter Lisa Marie Presley and Kardashian's family life with Kris Jenner.

A Texas State University student, Devion Canty Jr., was expelled for mocking the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist. Canty reenacted Kirk's shooting on campus, shouting profanities and imitating the recoil of a bullet's impact. He was identified and removed from the university after a video of the incident went viral. Canty has since set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for his education, claiming he 'made a mistake in the heat of the moment' and is being unfairly targeted. Texas Governor Greg Abbott called for Canty's expulsion, and the university's president condemned the behavior as antithetical to the university's values.

The US military has carried out a third strike against alleged drug traffickers affiliated with a terror organization, killing three men on a boat in international waters. President Trump announced the strike on Truth Social, stating that the vessel was trafficking illicit narcotics and was en route to poison Americans. The strike is part of a broader US effort to counter Venezuela's state-backed cartel, with the US Navy deploying warships to the Caribbean Sea and F-35 fighter jets to the region. The Trump administration has also placed a $50 million bounty on Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro's head. The strikes are aimed at disrupting the activities of narcoterrorist groups operating under Maduro's regime, including the Tren de Aragua gang, which was targeted in the first US strike on September 2.

The Pentagon has introduced new restrictions on reporter access, requiring them to pledge not to gather or use unauthorized information, with the risk of losing their credentials. The move is seen as a direct assault on independent journalism by the National Press Club. The restrictions reflect the Trump administration's pervasive attitude of limiting media access and scrutiny. The new guidelines constrain media movements within the Pentagon, designating large areas off-limits without escorts. The policy has been criticized by press freedom advocates, who argue it operates as a prior restraint on publication and violates the First Amendment.

Senator Ted Cruz has criticized Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr for his threat to revoke ABC's broadcast license over comments made by Jimmy Kimmel about the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. Cruz accused Carr of using 'mafia-like tactics' and said his actions were 'dangerous as hell.' Cruz's comments reflect growing unease among some Republicans about efforts to clamp down on free speech following Kirk's death. Despite his criticism, Cruz praised Carr as 'a good guy.' The incident highlights the tension between free speech and the desire to silence political opponents.

The article reports that President Trump announced on social media that the US military had attacked a third suspected drug boat in the Caribbean Sea, killing three people. Trump described the individuals as 'narcoterrorists' and claimed that the vessel was trafficking illicit narcotics. The attack is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to treat drug smuggling as a national security threat and to use military force against suspected drug traffickers. The administration's actions have been criticized by Democrats and specialists in international law, who argue that they are illegal and could lead to the targeting of civilians. A draft bill is circulating that would provide legal authorization for the administration's actions, but its passage is uncertain.

President Trump has introduced a new $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visas for skilled foreign workers and launched a 'gold card' program costing $1 million or $2 million for corporations sponsoring individuals. The moves are part of the Trump administration's efforts to overhaul immigration policies, likely to face legal challenges. The new fee could significantly impact companies relying on H-1B visas, including tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. Administration officials argue it will help American workers' wages by discouraging companies from hiring lower-wage international workers.

The article discusses the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination and how it has sparked calls for retribution from some conservatives, with some prominent figures warning that such actions could tarnish Kirk's legacy as a champion of free speech. The article explores the emergence of a 'woke right' phenomenon, where conservatives are using tactics similar to those employed by the left to suppress dissenting views. Some conservatives, including Tucker Carlson and Ben Shapiro, have expressed concerns about the potential for a crackdown on free speech, while others, like Representative Dan Crenshaw, dismiss the idea of a 'woke right.' The article also notes that the term 'woke right' has been circulating online for months and is characterized by moral shaming, purity tests, and social media pile-ons to enforce loyalty.

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 campaign themes, which focus on addressing their concerns, such as providing grants for first-time homebuyers and banning price gouging at grocery stores. In contrast, Donald Trump's proposals, including imposing tariffs on Chinese imports, are met with skepticism by some young voters. The article notes that young voters 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 discusses the ongoing struggle of the last surviving comfort women in Asia, who were forced into providing sexual services to Japanese Imperial Army troops during World War II. Eighty years after the war, these women, now in their 90s, continue to demand closure and justice. The issue remains a contentious topic between South Korea and Japan, with South Korea being the most vocal about seeking justice. The article highlights the dwindling number of survivors, the historical grievances, and the efforts of civic groups to raise awareness and install comfort women statues around the world.

Former US President Donald Trump stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to approve a deal regarding TikTok during their phone call. The deal involves transferring TikTok's US operations to US control, with investors like Oracle potentially taking a large stake. However, details of the agreement remain unclear. The call marked the first direct contact between the two leaders since June and touched on various issues including trade negotiations, the war between Russia and Ukraine, and fentanyl. China emphasized the importance of US-China relations and described the call as 'pragmatic, positive, and constructive.'

The Vatican's 'trial of the century' involving a bungled 350 million euro investment in a London property is set to continue with an appeals trial. The initial trial revealed a complex web of financial misconduct, espionage, and ransom payments, with Cardinal Angelo Becciu convicted of embezzlement. New evidence, including thousands of pages of private text messages, has emerged, suggesting questionable conduct by Vatican officials and potentially undermining the original verdicts. The appeals trial may expose further revelations about the Vatican's inner workings and Pope Francis' role in the affair.