Global Tensions Rise Amid Conflicts and Diplomatic Strains

The French government has summoned US Ambassador to Paris Charles Kushner over his recent allegations that France has failed to tackle a surge in antisemitism. Kushner, who is Jewish and related to US President Donald Trump by marriage, wrote an open letter to French President Emmanuel Macron in the Wall Street Journal, echoing criticism from Israel. The letter outlined examples of antisemitism in France and called on Macron to tone down his criticism of Israel. France's foreign ministry refuted Kushner's allegations as 'unacceptable' and cited the 1961 Vienna Convention, which prohibits ambassadors from interfering in a country's internal affairs. The controversy comes amid heightened tensions related to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.

The article reports on the situation in Donetsk, Ukraine, where residents are fleeing due to ongoing attacks by Russian forces. The region is a key target for Vladimir Putin, who has expressed a desire to control it. The article follows a humanitarian evacuation mission in the town of Dobropillia, where residents are being rescued amidst daily Russian attacks. The situation is dire, with the town already damaged and without water for a week. The article also visits a field hospital where wounded Ukrainian soldiers are being treated, highlighting the human cost of the conflict. The overall tone is somber and critical of Russia's actions, with a sentiment that is predominantly negative towards the war and its impact on civilians and soldiers.

Jerry Adler, a veteran actor and stage manager, has died at the age of 96. Adler began his career in the entertainment industry as a stage manager on Broadway, working on productions such as 'My Fair Lady' and 'Camelot'. He transitioned to acting in his 60s, appearing in films and television shows including 'The Sopranos', 'The Good Wife', and 'Rescue Me'. Adler's career spanned over five decades, with notable roles in both stage and screen.

The Nigerian military has reported killing 35 jihadists in a series of air strikes near its north-eastern border with Cameroon. The strikes were carried out to thwart an attempt by the jihadists to attack ground troops. Nigeria has been battling jihadist groups, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap), for over a decade. The country is also plagued by violent criminal gangs, sectarian conflict, and widespread kidnappings for ransom. A group of prominent Nigerians recently issued a statement raising concern over the high number of casualties and calling for the formation of a Presidential Task Force to end the conflicts. The Nigerian Air Force said it would continue to provide air cover to ground troops dismantling jihadist bases. The conflict has resulted in over 35,000 deaths and two million displaced people, according to the UN.

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a test of two new air defence missiles, according to state media. The test comes amid heightened tensions with South Korea and the US, who have been conducting joint military exercises in the region. The missiles were said to have "superior combat capability" and used "unique technology". The test follows a recent incident where North Korean soldiers crossed the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) and were met with warning shots from South Korea. The region has been experiencing increased tensions, with Kim condemning the joint military drills as "most hostile and confrontational". There are concerns that North Korea may have received Russian missile technology in exchange for sending troops to Ukraine.

Three young sisters drowned in a migrant boat in the Mediterranean while attempting to reach Italy. The boat, carrying around 65 people, departed from Libya and encountered rough seas, resulting in the tragic incident. Rescue efforts were carried out by a German charity, RESQSHIP, and Italy's coastguard, with many survivors suffering from chemical burns and other injuries. The incident highlights the dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean, with over 700 deaths recorded this year.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to deploy National Guard troops to Baltimore to 'clean up' crime, escalating a clash with Maryland Governor Wes Moore. Trump made the comments on social media after Moore invited him to join a "safety walk" in the city. The move is part of Trump's efforts to deploy National Guard troops to Democratic-led cities as part of a crackdown on crime, a strategy that has drawn fierce backlash from Democrats. Governor Moore criticized Trump's comments as "tone deaf and ignorant", saying that Trump has not walked the streets or been in the communities he is talking about. The White House claims that hundreds of arrests have been made since the operation began in Washington DC, but crime figures show that violent crime is actually down 26% this year. The deployment of troops has been met with condemnation from Democratic leaders, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who say it is an "abuse of power". A recent poll found that almost 80% of city residents are opposed to the deployment of federal officers and the National Guard.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed to continue fighting for Ukraine's freedom on its independence day, stating that the country needs a just peace decided by Ukrainians. Russia accused Ukraine of attacking its power and energy facilities, including a nuclear power plant in Kursk, which Ukraine denied. The Ukrainian government and Russia confirmed a prisoner swap involving 146 soldiers on each side. International leaders, including Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (misidentified as Mark Carney in the original article), US envoy Keith Kellogg, and others, showed support for Ukraine. Zelensky thanked the US and Canada for their military aid and expressed hope for a just and lasting peace.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has declared a famine in Gaza City, warning that it is likely to spread to other areas without a ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid. The IPC report states that over half a million people in Gaza are facing catastrophic conditions, with 1.07 million more at risk of starvation. Israel has rejected the report, claiming there is no famine in Gaza and that aid is being delivered. However, aid groups and the UN have accused Israel of obstructing aid deliveries, contributing to the crisis. The situation is expected to worsen, with projections indicating that nearly a third of Gaza's population will face catastrophic conditions by the end of September 2025.

The article reports on the escalating conflict in Gaza, where Israeli strikes have killed at least 33 people, including women and children, as the region faces a severe famine. The UN's declaration of famine in Gaza City has intensified pressure on Israel to halt its 22-month offensive, prompted by Hamas' October 7, 2023, attacks. Aid groups have warned of starvation among civilians due to the war and Israel's restrictions on food aid. Israel has denounced the famine declaration as lies and is preparing to seize Gaza City, while efforts towards a ceasefire are on hold. The situation is dire, with nearly half a million people facing catastrophic hunger and widespread displacement.

Multiple European postal services, including those in Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Italy, France, Austria, and the UK, have suspended shipments of packages to the US due to unclear new import duties imposed by the US government. India's postal service has also temporarily halted deliveries to the US, except for letters, documents, and gift items worth up to $100. The suspensions are a result of the US government's new tariffs on international goods valued under $800, which will be effective from August 29. The postal services are concerned about the ambiguity surrounding the new rules and the lack of time to process their implications.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell discusses the Gaza famine and humanitarian crises in Sudan on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan'. Russell emphasizes the dire situation in Gaza, where 18,000 children have died, and a man-made famine has been declared. She criticizes the Israeli government's response and the limitations on aid distribution. Russell also highlights the crisis in Sudan, where millions of children are displaced, and a cholera outbreak is occurring. She urges the US to take a more active role in addressing these humanitarian crises.

China's stock market has surged to multi-year highs as trade tensions with the U.S. ease, driven primarily by ordinary Chinese households investing their record savings. Total Chinese household savings stand at over 160 trillion yuan ($22 trillion), more than a third of the U.S. stock market's total capitalization. Retail investors, who account for 90% of daily trading in China's onshore markets, are moving their excess deposits into equities due to factors like low deposit rates, fear of missing out (FOMO), and policy stability. Experts predict the rally could continue into 2026, though some warn of potential bubbles and excessive leverage.

Dongfeng Motor Group's shares surged 69% after its parent company announced plans to take the automaker private and spin off its electric-vehicle unit, VOYAH, for listing in Hong Kong. The decision follows China's State Council's indication in March to potentially restructure major state-owned carmakers. Dongfeng Motor Group's revenue rose 6.6% to $7.5 billion in the first half of 2025, despite a 15% decline in vehicle deliveries. The company's electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle sales increased by 33%.

The labor market has shifted from the 'Great Resignation' during the Covid-19 pandemic to the 'Great Stay' in 2025, where workers are staying in their jobs and employers are hesitant to hire or fire. Economic uncertainty has led to low turnover rates, with both employees and employers being cautious. This trend is observed in both the US and the UK, with signs of a cooling jobs market, including slower nonfarm payroll growth and a higher unemployment rate in the US, and a decline in job vacancies in the UK. Economists believe this could lead to a rate cut by the US Federal Reserve and are urging businesses to gain confidence to hire.

The sole survivor of a deadly mushroom poisoning incident in Australia, Ian Wilkinson, testified at the sentencing hearing of Erin Patterson, who was convicted of murdering his wife and two others with toxic mushrooms. Wilkinson described feeling 'half alive' after the loss and expressed forgiveness towards Patterson, praying that she would use her time in jail to become a better person. The hearing continues with several relatives of the victims having read impact statements, and Patterson faces a potential life sentence for each murder count and 25 years for attempted murder.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has shifted his strategy on the Gaza ceasefire, now demanding a comprehensive agreement to release all hostages and end the war, while simultaneously planning a massive military assault on Gaza City. This move has been met with confusion and criticism from mediators, families of hostages, and analysts, who accuse Netanyahu of abandoning previous partial ceasefire deals and prolonging the war. The change in strategy is attributed to US President Donald Trump's public support for Israel's assault on Gaza and his skepticism towards Hamas's willingness to negotiate. Netanyahu's conditions for ending the war, including disarmament of Hamas and Israeli security control over Gaza, are seen as unlikely to be accepted by Hamas, leading to concerns that the conflict will continue.

The article discusses President Donald Trump's plans to expand his crime crackdown to other major cities, including Chicago, Baltimore, and Oakland, using federal troops and agents. Democrats are warning that this would be a power grab and threaten state sovereignty. Trump's rhetoric is seen as misleading and an attempt to create a crisis to justify draconian measures. The article highlights the potential consequences of Trump's actions, including legal showdowns and the disruption of community policing initiatives. It also notes that crime rates in some cities, such as Washington and Chicago, are actually decreasing.

Vietnam is bracing for Typhoon Kajiki to make landfall, with thousands evacuated and flights canceled. The typhoon is expected to bring destructive winds and storm surges to the country's northeast. Kajiki is the fifth typhoon to hit Vietnam this year and the most powerful, having sustained wind speeds of 166 kph. The government has activated emergency measures, including evacuating around 587,000 people and mobilizing over 300,000 military personnel for rescue operations. The typhoon is expected to weaken quickly over land, but is still forecast to bring heavy rain and flash flooding to several provinces in Vietnam, as well as Laos and Thailand.

Thousands of people attended the Corgi Race Vilnius event in Lithuania's capital, where 120 teams of corgis and their owners from across Europe participated in various competitions. The event featured races, costume contests, and a "mightiest voice" competition, with corgis dressed in creative costumes. The event was a fun and emotional experience for families, with many participants returning for their second year.

The article discusses the resurgence of England's St. George's Cross and Union Jack flags across the UK, sparking a debate over patriotism and extremism. The 'Operation Raise the Colours' movement, backed by Reform UK and Nigel Farage, has encouraged people to display the flags, with some councils removing them, leading to controversy. The issue is set to intensify ahead of local and national elections, with varying views on the flags' display.

Taiwan is considering restarting its nuclear power capabilities due to concerns over its energy dependence and vulnerability to China. The island nation shut down its last nuclear plant in May, following a pledge to phase out nuclear power by 2025. However, security experts warn that this move has exposed Taiwan to risks, as it relies heavily on energy imports from countries like the US, Australia, and Qatar. Experts argue that nuclear power would provide an additional energy storage solution and complicate China's playbook in the event of a blockade. Taiwan's energy dependence is seen as an Achilles' heel, and the US is urged to help Taiwan diversify its energy needs.

The French government summoned US Ambassador Charles Kushner to express displeasure over his letter to President Emmanuel Macron, accusing France of failing to combat rising anti-Semitism. France rejected Kushner's allegations as 'unacceptable' and a violation of international law. The diplomatic tension comes amid strained French-US relations due to trade wars and disagreements over UN peacekeepers in Lebanon. The US State Department stood by Kushner's comments, while the White House did not immediately respond. The controversy follows Macron's rejection of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's accusations that France's intention to recognize a Palestinian state fuels anti-Semitism.

The family of Virginia Giuffre, a prominent accuser of Jeffrey Epstein, has expressed outrage over the US Department of Justice's release of an interview with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's ex-girlfriend and convicted sex trafficker. The family claims that Maxwell was given a platform to 'rewrite history' and refute previous claims of child sex trafficking and abuse. Maxwell's interview with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche denied several allegations, including introducing Epstein to Prince Andrew and allegations of sexual abuse. Giuffre's family is calling for the DOJ to investigate and hold accountable those who enabled Maxwell and Epstein's crimes. Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2022 for sex trafficking and has since asked the US Supreme Court to overturn her conviction.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) conducted airstrikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, in response to 'repeated attacks' by the Iranian-backed militants. The IDF targeted the Houthi regime's 'military infrastructure', including the presidential palace, power plants, and fuel storage sites. The strikes came after the Houthis fired a ballistic missile towards Israel on Friday. At least two people were killed and 35 others were wounded in the Israeli airstrikes. The Houthis have been attacking vessels in the Red Sea and firing missiles towards Israel since Israel's war in Gaza against Hamas began in October 2023.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a 29-year-old Salvadoran national, was wrongly deported to El Salvador by the Trump administration and later charged with conspiring to transport illegal immigrants into the US. After being released from federal detention, he was threatened with deportation to Uganda. Garcia's lawyers say ICE officials offered him deportation to Costa Rica in exchange for pleading guilty to human smuggling charges. The Trump administration admitted that deporting Garcia was an 'administrative error'. Garcia's lawyers deny the claims against him and are fighting against his deportation to Uganda.

The UK has witnessed angry confrontations between opponents and supporters of migrants during demonstrations held over a holiday weekend. The protests were sparked by a court order to evict asylum-seekers from a hotel in a London suburb, which has created a headache for the government. The government has struggled to curb unauthorized migration and fulfill its responsibility to accommodate those seeking refuge. In response, the government announced plans to speed up asylum appeals, potentially leading to more deportations, and clear a backlog of cases. The issue has become a political flashpoint, with politicians like Nigel Farage linking various national problems to migrant arrivals. The government is exploring options to decrease dangerous channel crossings and process asylum claims more efficiently.

Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe is sitting out his second consecutive game due to a slump, with manager Aaron Boone citing his recent struggles at the plate and the presence of José Caballero as an alternative at shortstop. Volpe has been on a 1-for-28 stretch since August 15 and has taken steps back on both offense and defense this season. Despite his frustrations, Volpe remains committed to his work and is expected to return to the lineup on Tuesday. The article also includes analysis from scouts and Boone, who discuss Volpe's defensive concerns and his ability to handle the pressure of playing in New York.

Benjamin Bonzi pulled off a stunning upset against Daniil Medvedev in a five-set US Open thriller. The match was marked by controversy when a photographer interrupted play, causing a delay that ultimately benefited Bonzi. Medvedev was furious with the umpire's decision to grant Bonzi a second serve, and his anger boiled over as he argued with the umpire and smashed his rackets. Despite Medvedev's strong comeback, Bonzi held on to win the match 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (5), 0-6, 6-4.

The article discusses the recent summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump in Alaska, where Putin gave Trump hope for a peace deal on the Ukraine war. However, subsequent statements from Putin's foreign secretary, Sergey Lavrov, have dashed those hopes, with Lavrov insisting that Ukraine must agree to several conditions before any meeting with Zelensky can take place. The article argues that Putin is 'trolling' Trump by making false promises and that Trump will eventually retaliate. The author suggests that Putin's actions are a deliberate attempt to humiliate Trump and that it won't end well for Putin.

Bryan Kohberger, the suspect in the Idaho student murders, panicked when he saw a news article about a white Hyundai Elantra being identified as a suspect vehicle. Forensic analysis of his phone revealed that he searched for terms like 'wiretap' and 'psychopaths paranoid', visited the Moscow Police Department website, and looked up an auto detailing shop before shopping online for another car. He was arrested at his parents' house and later pleaded guilty to the murders of four students. The investigation involved the FBI and used state-of-the-art genetic genealogy techniques.

The article discusses the mortgage fraud allegations against several high-profile Democrats, including Senator Adam Schiff, Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, and New York Attorney General Letitia James. The allegations involve falsifying documents to claim primary residences for tax and mortgage purposes, which could lead to jail terms of up to 30 years. The article argues that these allegations are serious and could have significant implications for the financial system. It also suggests that the allegations against Cook, in particular, could be used by President Trump to gain leverage over the Federal Reserve and appoint a new governor, potentially shifting the balance of power in his favor. The article criticizes the Democrats for being hypocritical in their response to the allegations, given their history of pursuing Trump with various investigations and lawsuits.

A 22-year-old Brazilian law graduate, Leticia Paul, died after suffering an anaphylactic shock during a routine CT scan at Alto Vale Regional Hospital in Rio do Sul. The contrast dye used in the scan triggered a severe allergic reaction, leading to her death less than 24 hours after the procedure. Paul was undergoing a checkup for kidney stones when the incident occurred. The hospital released a statement expressing solidarity with the family and emphasizing its commitment to patient safety.

The article discusses the '6-6-6' walking routine that has gone viral on TikTok, a simple exercise method that involves a 6-minute warm-up, a 60-minute brisk walk, and a 6-minute cooldown. Celebrity personal trainer Kollins Ezekh explains that this routine is a sustainable, lower-intensity exercise that burns fat without punishing the body. The article highlights the benefits of walking as a form of exercise, including its ability to improve cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, and manage cholesterol. Experts emphasize that while walking is a great foundation, it should be supplemented with strength training, mobility, and variety for overall fitness.

The article discusses the rise of American women's tennis, highlighting the success of players like Coco Gauff, Madison Keys, and Jessica Pegula. It attributes their success to a culture that encourages girls to play sports, government support for equality in scholastic sports, and the country's diverse backgrounds and opportunities. The article also notes that while the US has a strong tennis culture, it is not perfect, and there are still issues with equality in pay and opportunities.

The National Guard troops deployed in Washington D.C. as part of President Trump's crackdown on crime began carrying weapons on Sunday evening. The decision to arm the troops was made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Major Michael A. Maxwell stated that they would operate under established rules for the use of force, employing it 'only as a last resort and solely in response to an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm.' Over 2,200 Guard troops were deployed in Washington, including members from several states. The mission of the troops remains vague, with some critics calling it a 'manufactured crisis.' Protesters were seen jeering the armed Guard members outside Union Station, with some expressing disappointment and fear about the presence of armed troops.

North Korea is imitating Western consumer brands to create a modern appearance and attract tourists, despite international sanctions. The country has opened a new resort, Wonsan Kalma beach complex, and is allowing foreign tourists to visit. The tourists have reported a luxurious experience, with access to foreign beers and Western-style amenities. However, the regime is also cracking down on outside cultural influence, and tourism poses a risk to the totalitarian control of information.

President Trump threatened to investigate former Governor Chris Christie over the 2013 'Bridgegate' scandal after Christie criticized Trump's use of the Justice Department for personal score-settling. Christie, a Republican and former federal prosecutor, had appeared on ABC News discussing Trump's connection to recent FBI raids on John R. Bolton's home and office. Trump claimed Christie lied about the bridge closures and should be investigated. The scandal previously damaged Christie's reputation and 2016 presidential campaign. Christie and Trump have a complicated history, having once worked together before souring over Trump's refusal to concede the 2020 election.

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 and home ownership is out of reach. The choice between Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris is stark, with Harris leading among young voters. The article highlights the concerns and views of young voters, including their perceptions of the candidates' economic policies. Harris' campaign themes focus on providing grants for first-time home buyers and tax cuts for new families, resonating with young voters. In contrast, Trump's proposal for tariffs on foreign goods is met with criticism from some young voters, who see it as a lack of understanding of the economy.

The scam hub in Shwe Kokko, Myanmar, continues to operate despite a crackdown in February that removed over 9,000 workers. The town's entertainment venues and scam compounds remain open, with syndicates using alternative power sources and trying to stay under the radar. South-east Asia has become a major breeding ground for transnational criminal networks, with the region hosting over 300 known scam compounds. Experts estimate that regional scam networks generate between US$50 billion and US$75 billion annually, making transnational fraud a dominant economic activity in the Mekong sub-region.

SpaceX's Starship megarocket launch was called off due to technical issues, marking another setback for the company. The rocket's upper stage has exploded in all three previous test flights in 2025, raising doubts about its ability to take humans back to the Moon or colonize Mars. Despite the setbacks, SpaceX is pressing ahead with the launch, with a potential new attempt scheduled for August 25.

US National Guard troops in Washington D.C. will begin carrying weapons as part of President Donald Trump's crackdown on crime. The decision was made after Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth authorised the troops to carry weapons. Hundreds of unarmed National Guard troops have been patrolling the streets of Washington for two weeks following Trump's declaration of a crime emergency. The troops will carry either M17 pistols or M4 rifles and will use force only as a last resort. Trump has also suggested expanding his crime crackdown to other cities governed by Democrats, including Chicago and Baltimore, which has raised concerns among Democratic leaders. The potential deployment of National Guard troops to these cities is being planned by the Pentagon, but senior officials have not been briefed on the plans. Democratic leaders, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have criticised Trump's actions, stating that he does not have the authority to deploy troops to these cities.

Indonesia and the United States have commenced annual joint military exercises, known as Super Garuda Shield, with participation from a dozen other countries. The drills aim to strengthen regional ties and deter potential threats from China in the Indo-Pacific region. The expanded participation, which includes countries like Australia, Japan, and South Korea, has raised concerns from China, which views the exercise as an attempt to limit its growing military and diplomatic influence. Indonesia, while maintaining positive ties with China, has expressed concerns over Chinese encroachment in its exclusive economic zone. The exercises will conclude on September 4 with a combined live-fire drill.

Tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh marked the eighth anniversary of their mass exodus from Myanmar, demanding safe return to their previous home in Rakhine state. The refugees gathered in a camp in Kutupalong, Cox's Bazar district, carrying banners and festoons reading 'No more refugee life' and 'Repatriation the ultimate solution.' A separate three-day conference began in Cox's Bazar, with international dignitaries, UN representatives, and Bangladesh's interim government discussing ways to support refugees and speed up repatriation. The situation in Myanmar remains volatile, and Rohingya refugees face challenges including aid cuts by donors. Bangladesh has attempted to send back refugees twice since 2017 and has urged the international community to pressure Myanmar's government to establish a peaceful environment for repatriation.