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Dutch police clashed with anti-immigration protesters in The Hague, resulting in 30 arrests and two injured officers. The protesters, demanding stricter migration policies, used violence, setting a police car on fire and smashing windows of the D66 party headquarters. Prime Minister Dick Schoof and right-wing leader Geert Wilders condemned the violence. The protest was organized by a right-wing activist and came amid a political crisis triggered by Wilders' withdrawal from the governing coalition over migration issues. The Netherlands is heading towards a new election on October 29.

British artist Morrissey has cancelled two US shows in Massachusetts and Connecticut after receiving a death threat ahead of a concert in Ottawa, Canada. A 26-year-old Ottawa man was released on bail after allegedly uttering a threat to kill Morrissey. The threat was made ahead of Morrissey's performance at a music festival in Ottawa last week, which went ahead as planned. Morrissey, known for being outspoken on issues such as animal welfare and politics, has a history of controversy, including refusing to tour in Canada in 2006 in protest at the annual seal hunt. The cancelled shows were scheduled to take place in Boston and Connecticut.

The Pentagon has introduced new restrictions on journalists accessing the building, requiring them to agree not to disclose unauthorized information. The change follows a series of leaks in recent months and aims to limit the movement of journalists within the facility. Pete Hegseth, the newly titled Secretary of War, stated that reporters should follow the rules or 'go home'. The department claims the new restrictions are necessary to protect sensitive information and national security. The move has been framed as a common-sense measure to maintain accountability and public trust.

A 22-year-old man, Umar Hayat, has been charged with the murder of 17-year-old TikTok star Sana Yousaf in Pakistan. Yousaf was killed in June after she repeatedly rejected Hayat's advances. The case has sparked a debate about women on social media in Pakistan, where TikTok is extremely popular, especially among women who use it as a means to earn a living. Hayat confessed to the crime but pleaded not guilty in court, claiming the allegations were 'baseless and false'. Yousaf had a significant following on social media, with over half a million fans on Instagram and over two million on TikTok after her death.

US Senator Ted Cruz has criticized the head of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Brendan Carr, for acting like a "mafioso" in the suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Kimmel was suspended after making comments about the killing of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, which Carr deemed "sick" and threatened to take action against. Cruz, a Republican, stated that Carr's actions were "dangerous as hell" and likened them to a mobster's tactics. Other Republicans have been divided in their response, with some supporting Cruz's criticism and others defending Carr. The incident has sparked a debate about free speech and the role of the FCC in regulating broadcast content.

Vietnamese singer Duc Phuc has won Russia's Intervision song contest, held in Moscow. The contest was revived by President Vladimir Putin three years after Russia was banned from Eurovision due to its invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine's foreign ministry criticized the event as 'an instrument of hostile propaganda' and a means to 'whitewash the aggressive policy of the Russian Federation.' The contest featured 23 participating countries, including China and India, while the US representative, Australian-born singer Vassy, withdrew at the last minute due to 'unprecedented political pressure from the Government of Australia.' Putin expressed confidence that Intervision would become a recognizable and beloved event globally.

The White House has announced a deal with China that would give US companies control of TikTok's algorithm and allow Americans to hold six of seven board seats for the app's US operations. The deal, which could be signed in the coming days, aims to address national security concerns surrounding TikTok's Chinese parent company ByteDance. Oracle, a tech giant chaired by Larry Ellison, will lead data and privacy for the app in the US. The deal has been met with unclear responses from China, with the Commerce Ministry stating that the Chinese government respects the wishes of the enterprise and welcomes commercial negotiations.

The article discusses the disparity in international attention given to ferry accidents in Africa compared to similar incidents in Western countries. It highlights a recent ferry accident in northern Nigeria that killed at least 60 people, which received less attention than a funicular derailment in Lisbon, Portugal that killed 16 people. The article argues that better rules and enforcement are needed to improve ferry safety in Africa.

The article discusses the phenomenon of 'Dalifornication' in China, where low-income individuals are increasingly visiting Dali, a laid-back south-western city nicknamed 'Dalifornia', for leisure. The city's tourist areas were busier than ever this summer, with visitors often staying for months on a shoestring budget. However, some locals complain that many visitors come only to 'bai piao', or freeload. The article explores this emerging trend of low-income leisure culture in China.

The article discusses the rise of Chinese comedian Director Fang, whose real name is not publicly known, to fame after appearing on a popular comedy show. She has become one of China's most popular comedians, known for her stand-up routines that often focus on women's issues and her difficult marriage. Her shows have been selling out quickly in cities like Beijing and Linyi, her hometown in the eastern province of Shandong. Director Fang's comedy style, which involves mocking societal prejudices, has resonated with many women in China.

The article discusses the return of Ebola to the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting the ongoing health challenges faced by the country.

The article discusses Morocco's control over Western Sahara, describing it as a form of colonialism. The city of Dakhla in Western Sahara is experiencing a boom, attracting kite-surfers due to its favorable conditions. However, the UN considers Dakhla occupied and contested territory. Morocco is enriching Western Sahara in an effort to maintain control. The article highlights the complexities of the situation, drawing parallels with other regional issues and conflicts.

The article discusses the crisis of absent fathers among black South African children, with less than one-third living with their biological fathers. It highlights the efforts of community workers and NGOs like Father A Nation to promote positive masculinity and encourage absent dads to take responsibility. The issue is linked to broader social problems, with Victor Pike, a community worker, stating that the absence of fathers is a reason why the nation is 'broken'.

The article discusses the changing nature of protests in China, highlighting a recent incident where a 42-year-old electrician, Qi Hong, remotely projected slogans calling for the fall of the Communist Party onto a tower block in Chongqing. The article explores how demonstrations occur and why they seem to be changing, citing Qi's actions as an example of the growing dissent among Chinese citizens who are increasingly exposed to information outside of China's firewall through VPNs. The article suggests that the discrepancy between nationalist propaganda and the reality of state repression is driving this dissent.

The article discusses how supporters of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who was recently assassinated, are defending his legacy against false claims and conspiracy theories spread on social media. Kirk was known for his strong support of Israel, and Israeli leaders and Jewish organizations have praised him as a 'friend of Israel.' The article highlights Kirk's statements and actions in support of Israel, including his criticism of Hamas and his defense of Israel's actions in the conflict. It also quotes various individuals, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Rabbi Pesach Wolicki, and Josh Nass, who knew Kirk and are now defending his legacy.

An elderly British couple, Barbie and Peter Reynolds, have been released by the Taliban after eight months in captivity in Afghanistan. The couple, who are Afghan citizens and have lived in Afghanistan for 18 years, were taken into custody in February. They were released on Friday and arrived in Qatar, where they were met by their family. The release followed months of negotiations between Qatar, the Taliban, and Britain. The couple's family had accused the Taliban of mistreating them and had urged the government to explain why they were detained. The Taliban claimed that the couple had broken Afghan laws, but did not provide further details. The British government thanked Qatar for their role in securing the couple's release.

Former US President Donald Trump stated that the US is attempting to regain control of Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan from the Taliban. Trump criticized the handling of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan under President Joe Biden and claimed that the base is strategically important, being close to where China produces nuclear weapons. The White House did not immediately respond to Trump's claims. The article also mentions previous interactions between US officials and Taliban representatives, including a meeting between White House hostage envoy Adam Boehler and Taliban officials.

The article reports on a recent military strike ordered by former US President Donald Trump on a vessel allegedly linked to a designated terrorist organization and trafficking illicit narcotics in international waters. The strike, carried out by the US military, resulted in the deaths of three narco-terrorists. Trump announced the strike on his Truth Social platform, stating that the vessel was confirmed to be trafficking narcotics and was en route to poison Americans. The announcement comes as part of the Trump administration's continued crackdown on Venezuelan cartels, with previous strikes carried out earlier this month and in February, when several drug cartel groups were designated as foreign terrorist organizations.

President Donald Trump attended a state dinner at Windsor Castle with King Charles III, where he praised the 'special relationship' between the US and the UK. Trump highlighted the historical ties between the two nations, citing their shared values of law, liberty, and free speech. However, his comments on free speech were potentially sensitive given recent controversies surrounding UK online safety laws and criticisms of the UK government's handling of free speech issues. The visit marked the second state visit of Trump's presidency and was attended by First Lady Melania Trump and other members of the royal family.

A watchdog group, UN Watch, released a report accusing Hamas of hijacking UNRWA schools in Gaza and Lebanon, turning them into 'incubators of hate.' The report claims Hamas has controlled UNRWA's education system, preventing de-radicalization and promoting antisemitism. The US State Department has determined UNRWA is 'irredeemably compromised' and seeks its dismantlement. UNRWA dismissed the report as a 'disinformation campaign.'

The US has designated four Iran-backed militias in Iraq as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, escalating pressure on Tehran. The groups, previously sanctioned by the Treasury Department, 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 campaign against Iran-backed militias and is expected to further strain US-Iran relations.

China's micro-drama industry is booming, with a market size exceeding 50.5 billion yuan in 2024 and projected to reach 85.6 billion yuan by 2027. The industry is repurposing stalled commercial and residential properties into film sets, bringing new life to vacant buildings. However, industry insiders say the broader impact remains limited. The trend is driven by the popularity of urban romance dramas set in luxurious locations, which has generated new demand for high-end shooting locations. This has benefited stalled real estate projects, such as those by Evergrande, which are being used as film sets despite remaining unfinished.

A team of Chinese scientists has discovered active landslides on the moon, primarily triggered by moonquakes. The findings, published in the National Science Review, were based on an analysis of 562 pairs of before and after images of 74 sites on the moon. The discovery will help inform the choice of sites for future lunar bases, including China's planned research station in the lunar south pole region by 2035. The researchers detected 41 new landslides on the moon formed since 2009, challenging the conventional geological wisdom that lunar endogenic activity had ceased. The study's findings will aid in assessing geological hazards associated with lunar seismicity and selecting more stable sites for future lunar bases.

DeepSeek, a Hangzhou-based AI start-up, has warned about the risks associated with its open-source AI models, particularly the risk of being 'jailbroken' by malicious actors. The company published a peer-reviewed article in the academic journal Nature, detailing its evaluation of the models using industry benchmarks and its own tests. The article revealed that Chinese companies, unlike their American counterparts, were less outspoken about the risks associated with their AI models. DeepSeek's evaluation included 'red-team' tests based on a framework introduced by Anthropic, where testers attempt to get AI models to produce harmful speech.

Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has rejected the idea of introducing a suspension mechanism for the city's labour importation scheme, despite calls from a construction workers' union and a lawmaker to do so in order to mitigate rising unemployment in certain sectors. Lee stated that the city is undergoing an economic transformation and that locals must consider new employment opportunities. He emphasized the need to maintain flexibility in the labour importation policy, while assuring the public that the government would dynamically adjust regulations when necessary. The labour import rules were recently tightened for two catering roles: waiters and junior cooks. Lee's remarks came days after he delivered his fourth policy address, in which he outlined measures to support businesses and workers during the economic transformation.

A new Chinese film titled '731' about Japan's war crimes during World War II has topped the box office in China, raising concerns that it may further deteriorate already strained China-Japan relations. The film focuses on Japan's Unit 731, which conducted biological warfare in northeastern China, killing civilians under the guise of disease prevention research. The movie's release coincides with the 80th anniversary of Japan's defeat in the war and the anniversary of the Mukden Incident, marking the beginning of Japan's invasion of China. Some fear that the film will exacerbate negative mutual perceptions between the two countries.

A 3,000-year-old golden bracelet belonging to Pharaoh Amenemope was stolen from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo by a restoration specialist. The thief sold it to a silver shop owner for $3,800, who then sold it to a gold workshop owner for $4,000. The bracelet was subsequently melted down and lost forever. Four suspects were arrested in connection with the theft and destruction of the artifact. The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Ministry of Interior investigated the case, revealing that the theft was not part of a larger smuggling operation but rather a simple theft by someone with access to the museum's restoration laboratory.

The article discusses the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral's iconic towers in Paris, France, after a devastating fire in 2019. French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated the restored towers, marking a major milestone in the reconstruction process. The towers are now open to the public, offering a 45-minute tour with spectacular views of Paris. The reconstruction, which cost nearly $1 billion, involved stabilizing the 12th-century monument, using modern tools like drones and computer animation, and installing safety measures to prevent future fires. While the opening of the towers is a significant step, there is still more work to be done, including the renovation of the apse at the eastern end of the cathedral.

The US Senate confirmed Mike Waltz as the next US ambassador to the United Nations on Friday, after months of delays. Waltz, a former national security adviser to President Trump, was confirmed with a vote of 47-43. The role had been vacant for eight months, and Waltz's confirmation comes as the US seeks to manage tensions with China and Iran, and negotiate an end to the war in Gaza. During his confirmation hearing, Waltz stated that the UN needs 'major' reform but also has 'good and meaningful work to be done.' He committed to countering China's growing influence and combating antisemitism in the UN.

South African police discovered a $20 million methamphetamine lab on a farm in Mpumalanga province and arrested five North American citizens who were in the country illegally. The police received a tip about suspicious activities and found precursor chemicals, manufacturing equipment, and crystal meth packed in buckets and lunchboxes. The suspects face drug and immigration-related charges. Two other suspects fled into nearby bushes and avoided capture. The operation is seen as a step in the right direction to rid the province of drugs.

At least 70 people were killed in a drone attack on a mosque in Sudan's North Darfur region. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is blamed for the attack, which occurred during Friday prayers in the besieged city of Al Fasher. The Sudanese army and aid workers reported that the mosque was completely destroyed, and the number of deaths is likely to rise as bodies remain buried under the rubble. The attack is the latest in a series of heavy clashes between the RSF and the Sudanese army, which has been ongoing since April 2023, resulting in 150,000 deaths and 12 million displaced people. The international community has been unable to secure a humanitarian access mechanism or achieve any lulls in fighting.

An elderly British couple, Barbie and Peter Reynolds, who were detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan since February, have been released and arrived back in the UK. They were held in a maximum-security prison without charge and faced harsh conditions. The couple, who have dual citizenship and have lived in Afghanistan for decades, were reunited with their daughter in Qatar before returning to the UK. Their son described them as 'delighted to be free' and excited to see their family. The Taliban claimed they 'violated Afghan law', but did not specify the law. The couple runs an organisation providing education and training programmes in Afghanistan and expressed a desire to return.

Dublin Airport's Terminal 2 was evacuated due to a security incident involving an 'item of airline luggage of concern'. The Irish police requested assistance from the Defence Forces' Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team, and the luggage was later deemed safe. The terminal has since reopened, with flights resuming around 2:30 pm. The incident is not believed to be linked to a recent cyber attack affecting European airports, although the airport is experiencing minor impacts from the issue. Passengers are advised to check with their airline for travel updates.

A shooting occurred at the Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua, New Hampshire, where a wedding was being hosted, resulting in one death and multiple injuries. A suspect was detained by police, who reported that a single male entered the club and fired several shots. The incident has shocked the community, with local leaders expressing condolences and monitoring the situation.

India's government pledged to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) by 2025, but the goal is now considered unachievable due to a national healthcare crisis. TB remains a major public health issue, with India accounting for 27% of global cases. The disease thrives in impoverished areas with poor access to medical care. Despite some progress, with a 17.7% reduction in cases since 2015, the healthcare system's shortcomings, including underinvestment and outdated diagnostic methods, hinder efforts to combat TB. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the situation.

The US Justice Department has closed an investigation into Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, who was recorded accepting a bag containing $50,000 in cash from undercover FBI agents in September 2024. The investigation, which began under the Biden administration, was shut down after Trump began his second term due to doubts that prosecutors could prove Homan had agreed to a specific act in exchange for the cash. Homan, a career law enforcement officer and former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was investigated for potential bribery and other crimes after agreeing to help undercover agents secure government contracts in a second Trump administration. The Justice Department stated that there was 'no credible evidence of any criminal wrongdoing' and that the investigation was 'baseless.' The White House spokesperson called the investigation 'blatantly political' and an example of the Biden DOJ targeting Trump's allies.

President Donald Trump called on Attorney General Pam Bondi to use the Justice Department more aggressively to bring charges against his political foes, including former FBI Director James Comey, Sen. Adam Schiff, and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Despite initial criticism, Trump later expressed support for Bondi, describing her as 'very careful.' Trump announced plans to appoint his lawyer, Lindsey Halligan, to replace outgoing US Attorney Erik Siebert in the Eastern District of Virginia. Trump expressed impatience with the legal process, stating that he wants people to 'act fast.'

An armed man, Joshua Runkles, was arrested at State Farm Stadium in Arizona where conservative activist Charlie Kirk's funeral is to be held. Runkles was conducting a security sweep for a known guest and was not deemed a threat. He was carrying a knife, a gun, and expired law enforcement credentials. The funeral is expected to draw over 100,000 attendees, including VIPs like President Trump. Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10.

President Donald Trump has demanded that Afghanistan return Bagram Air Base, which was taken over by the Taliban after the US withdrawal in 2021. Trump threatened that 'BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN' if the base is not returned to the US. He stated that the base is strategically important, particularly due to its proximity to China's nuclear weapons facilities. Trump first mentioned retaking the base while standing beside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying that the US needs to get it back because 'they need things from us.' The Taliban denied Trump's claims that China is controlling the base. The base was a major US operations center during the War in Afghanistan and featured amenities like Burger King and Pizza Hut.

Malaysia is experiencing a resurgence in train travel, with improved rail services and infrastructure drawing commuters, adventurers, and nostalgia seekers. The Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) train service, Malaysia's national rail operator, has seen a significant increase in ridership, with intercity rail service more than doubling in the past decade. The Komuter Utara service, launched in 2015, has benefited many Malaysians, including workers like Nuhairi Ismail who commute from rural areas to industrial parks. The Jungle Railway, a scenic route through Malaysia's rugged interior, is a popular tourist attraction and provides essential connectivity to rural towns and villages. Infrastructure developments, such as the East Coast Rail Link and Penang Light Rail Transit, are set to further enhance the transport grid and boost economic growth.

US President Donald Trump has publicly urged the Justice Department to charge his enemies, including California Senator Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James, both Democrats. Trump fired the federal prosecutor overseeing the probe into James, citing insufficient evidence to charge her with mortgage fraud. Critics say Trump's moves have shattered the agency's independence. Trump has clashed with Schiff and James in prior years, leading investigations that he alleges were political witch hunts. Trump has been convicted of 34 felonies related to hush money payments to a porn star and has faced other investigations and lawsuits. The Justice Department's independence has been a concern as Trump continues to pressure the agency to take action against his enemies.

The article discusses the experiences of Afro-descendants in Bolivia, particularly in the town of Tocaña, where a significant portion of the country's Afro-descendant community resides. Cielo Torres, a 25-year-old woman, shares her story of moving to Tocaña at 17 and feeling a sense of belonging among others who share her background. The article highlights the struggles of Afro-Bolivians in finding their place and identity within the country.

Guinea is holding a referendum on a new constitution that could allow the leader of the country's military junta to run for president, marking a crucial step in the country's transition from military rule to civilian rule. The referendum is being closely watched in the region, which has experienced several coups in recent years. Citizens are voting on a draft constitution that would pave the way for elections in December.