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NATO allies agreed to a new target of spending 3.5% of GDP on defence and 1.5% on related areas like cyber-security and infrastructure at the June summit in The Hague. The decision was met with resistance from Spain, which emerged as the lone holdout. The article discusses the 'dodgy defence maths' behind the 5% target and the implications of this agreement for European defence spending.

The article discusses how France's hard-right National Rally (RN) party, led by Jordan Bardella, is attempting to rebrand itself as a viable alternative to traditional parties by courting the elite and presenting a more palatable image to business leaders. The party's efforts to woo the elite are part of a broader strategy to increase its legitimacy and appeal to a wider audience. The RN's growing popularity is a cause for concern among its opponents, who fear its nationalist and anti-immigrant policies. The article suggests that Europe is watching the rise of the National Rally with interest, as it has implications for the region as a whole.

The article 'How Israel is losing America' discusses the deteriorating relationship between Israel and its strongest ally, the United States. The author argues that public opinion in America is turning against Israel, despite efforts by Israeli leaders like Binyamin Netanyahu to maintain a strong alliance. The article highlights that the alliance is not as strong as it once was, with changing public opinion and perceptions in America.

The article discusses India's potential to become a significant player in the artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, differing from the approaches of America and China. India's large population and appetite for new technology have made it the second-largest market for AI startups like OpenAI and Anthropic. A significant majority of Indians believe AI's benefits outweigh its risks, and 92% of Indian office workers regularly use AI tools, compared to 64% in America. The article suggests that India's unique approach to AI could make it a winner in the global AI landscape.

Alla Pugacheva, Russia's most famous pop star, has publicly called for an end to the war in Ukraine in a highly viewed interview. Pugacheva, who has been a major figure in Russian music for 50 years, left Moscow in 2022 due to her conscience being incompatible with staying silent on the war. The interview garnered nearly 19m views and 150,000 comments, crossing front lines and cutting through official narratives.

The article discusses the rise of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in Germany, particularly in the post-industrial Ruhr area. The city of Gelsenkirchen is used as a case study, where the AfD is gaining popularity due to the city's economic struggles and social issues. Despite not sweeping the country, the AfD is dividing Germany, with its growth being most pronounced in areas where it is already strong. The article highlights the city's problems, including high unemployment, debt, and dilapidated housing, which have contributed to the AfD's rise.

A flotilla of activists, including Greta Thunberg, is attempting to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza, carrying humanitarian aid such as food and medicine. The flotilla, comprising around 50 vessels from dozens of countries, reported being attacked by drones overnight while sailing south of Greece, with at least 13 explosions heard and damage to several boats. The Israeli military did not respond to questions about the attack. Italy condemned the attack and sent a navy frigate for possible rescue operations. The European Union and UN Human Rights Office called for the freedom of navigation to be upheld and for an investigation into the attack.

Bill Gates warns that 2025 could be the first year in decades where child deaths exceed the previous year, reversing 25 years of progress. He announced a $912 million pledge to fight infectious diseases and emphasized the need for sustained funding to continue progress. Gates expressed concern about the Trump administration's reduced funding and uncertain future funding levels. He highlighted the benefits of investing 1% of the US budget in global health, including disease detection and economic stabilization.

UK police arrested a man in his 40s in connection with a cyberattack that disrupted several European airports, including London Heathrow, Berlin, and Brussels. The attack affected the software of Collins Aerospace, causing issues with check-in, boarding passes, and baggage handling. The investigation is ongoing, and the suspect was released on conditional bail. The European Commission stated that aviation safety and air traffic control were not affected. The incident highlights the persistent threat of cybercrime, which continues to cause significant disruption globally.

American comedian Tim Dillon claims he was fired from the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia due to jokes he made about the country's alleged use of forced labor. Dillon was set to perform alongside other high-profile comedians like Bill Burr, Dave Chappelle, and Kevin Hart. The festival is part of a series of major events in Saudi Arabia aimed at improving its image despite human rights concerns. Human Rights Watch criticized the festival as a 'whitewashing' effort and urged Western comedians to speak out against the country's human rights abuses.

A young male moose named Emil, who had been roaming across central Europe and gained thousands of fans on social media, was captured in Austria, tranquilized, and released near the Czech Sumava national park with a GPS tag. The moose's journey sparked international headlines and debate about wildlife protection in Austria. Animal welfare organizations criticized the handling of Emil's capture, calling for better wildlife protection regulations.

The US and China are nearing a deal to resolve the future of TikTok in the US, with Oracle playing a crucial role. Oracle has been providing cloud services to TikTok in the US and will continue to do so under the proposed deal. The company will also audit the recreation of a new US version of TikTok's algorithm and oversee its ongoing operation. Oracle will take a small stake in the investor group that will own most of ByteDance's interest in TikTok US. The deal aims to address national security concerns by ensuring that ByteDance has no access to US user data and no involvement in the algorithm.

The article discusses the experiences of people who lived through the India-Pakistan Partition in 1947 and its lasting impact on their lives. The Partition resulted in one of the largest mass migrations in human history, with over 15 million people displaced and at least one million killed. The article highlights the stories of individuals, such as Vikram Kalra and Reena Varma, who were forced to flee their homes and have been unable to return. The Partition continues to affect the lives of people in the region, with ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. The article also notes that the event is remembered differently in India and Pakistan, with survivors in India often expressing nostalgia and remorse, while those in Pakistan view it as a patriotic event.

Malaysia is experiencing a resurgence in train travel, with the national rail operator Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) providing both intercity and local train services across Peninsular Malaysia. The Komuter Utara service has benefited many Malaysians, including workers like Nuhairi Ismail who commute to Penang’s industrial parks. The Jungle Railway, also known as Shuttle Timuran, is a scenic route that journeys through Malaysia’s rugged interior and provides essential connectivity to rural areas. The rail network is set to improve with upcoming developments such as the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) Mutiara line.

A Spanish court has convicted an 18-year-old man for killing a puppy in front of his partner, applying a gender violence law to a case of animal abuse for the first time. The court handed him a suspended sentence of one year and one day in prison and barred him from approaching or contacting the woman for two years and one day. The ruling recognized the killing of the animal as 'vicarious violence against a companion animal' and called for stronger punitive measures. Spain has been a pioneer in the fight against gender-based violence since introducing a law in 2005, and this case marks a significant extension of that law to include animal abuse.

The US Commerce Department has initiated 'Section 232' investigations into imports of personal protective equipment, medical items, robotics, and industrial machinery, potentially leading to higher tariffs on these goods. The probes aim to assess the extent to which domestic production can meet US demand and the role of foreign supply chains, particularly from major exporters like China. The tariffs could cover a wide range of medical and industrial goods, including face masks, syringes, infusion pumps, robotics, and industrial machinery. The investigation also examines the impact of foreign government subsidies and predatory trade practices on US medical needs.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced that rapper Cardi B will voice new public service announcements (PSAs) that will play in subway stations across New York City. The announcement was made through an Instagram post by the MTA. The news is reported by CNN in an article titled 'Cardi B to voice new subway PSAs' and is accompanied by a video. The article is part of a larger CNN page that includes various other news stories and videos.

The White House budget office has directed federal agencies to prepare for mass firings in the event of a government shutdown, targeting programs not legally required to continue and deemed 'not consistent' with President Donald Trump's priorities. This move represents a sharp break from past shutdown scenarios and an escalation by the Trump administration amid a standoff with congressional Democrats over federal funding. Democrats have demanded concessions, including an extension of enhanced federal subsidies for Affordable Care Act coverage, in exchange for keeping the government open. The White House has refused, insisting on a 'clean' extension. The threat of mass job losses is likely to intensify the partisan funding showdown.

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel returned to the air for his second show after a nearly weeklong suspension, addressing further attacks from President Donald Trump and defending his comments about activist Charlie Kirk's suspected killer. Kimmel described Trump as an '80s-movie-style bully' and criticized his threats against ABC, saying 'Only Donald Trump would try to prove he wasn't threatening ABC by threatening ABC.' Kimmel's return show attracted record-breaking ratings, with tens of millions viewing his monologue across various platforms. Despite some affiliates pre-empting his show, Kimmel acknowledged the high viewership while also highlighting the ongoing issue of his show not being aired on several major ABC affiliates.

A statue titled 'Best Friends Forever' depicting President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein holding hands was erected on the National Mall but was removed by the National Park Service just a day later. The CNN report by Anderson Cooper includes a video showing the statue's removal.

Asia-Pacific markets mostly rose on Thursday, diverging from Wall Street's decline, as investors continued to sell tech stocks like Nvidia and Oracle for the second consecutive day. Nvidia fell nearly 1% as concerns about the AI industry's potentially circular nature grew. In contrast, Chinese automaker Chery Automobile's $1.2 billion IPO in Hong Kong was well-received, with its shares surging 11%. Xiaomi's shares also gained 1.85% after the company unveiled new devices. China's CSI 300 index advanced 0.76%, while South Korea's Kospi remained flat. South Korean defense stocks continued to rise, with Korea Aerospace and Poongsan increasing 0.66% and 4%, respectively. Taiwan's Taiex declined 0.33%, with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company dropping 1.12%. Japan's Nikkei 225 and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.2% and 0.21%, respectively. U.S. stock futures were steady ahead of the release of weekly jobless claims data, which could impact the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions.

The article discusses the recent pullback in U.S. tech shares amid growing concerns about an AI bubble. It highlights several key events, including Intel's 6.4% jump on reports of seeking investment from Apple, and the decline of major AI names such as Nvidia and Oracle. The article also touches on the Trump administration's potential tariffs on robotics and medical equipment, OpenAI's $100 billion investment from Nvidia, and Xiaomi's plans to expand into Europe. Additionally, it notes the narrowing edge of European markets over the U.S. and the implications of the OpenAI and Nvidia project on the U.S. supply chain.

Xiaomi plans to launch its electric vehicles in Europe in 2027 and is preparing to open showrooms in the region. The company may also manufacture cars locally in the future. Xu Fei, a vice president at Xiaomi, revealed that the company has begun preparations to find showroom locations and is considering local production to meet European demand. Xiaomi entered the EV market last year with its SU7 sedan and YU7 SUV, delivering over 300,000 cars and seeing its shares surge by 170% over the past 12 months. The company's European launch will place it among other Chinese EV players expanding in the region, including Xpeng and Guangzhou Automobile Group.

China's state-backed investors, known as the 'national team', have accumulated a significant stake in the country's stock market, holding US$553 billion worth of stocks as of June. This is more than the total holdings of foreign investors and is second only to mutual-fund firms. The state support is seen as a key factor in the market's recent bull run, with a key benchmark hitting a decade-high last month. Analysts expect the state support to continue, driving stocks higher.

The article discusses the rapid growth of solar energy in Africa, driven largely by the importation of Chinese-made solar panels. According to an Oxford Economics study, African countries imported a record 9,516 megawatts worth of Chinese-made solar panels in the first seven months of this year, a significant increase from 6,625MW in the same period last year. The surge is led by countries such as South Africa, Algeria, and Nigeria, with several other countries seeing imports more than quadruple year-on-year. The growth is attributed to the development of massive energy plants by Chinese firms, such as PowerChina's 342MW De Aar Central Solar Power Plant in South Africa. The increasing adoption of solar energy is driven by the need to connect homes and businesses not served by the main power grid and to combat frequent power blackouts.

The Malaysian government has revealed that owners of over 6,300 luxury vehicles, including Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, and Ferrari, have not paid their road tax, resulting in a loss of US$8.5 million in revenue. Transport Minister Anthony Loke disclosed the information at a press conference, stating that the unrenewed road tax for just five luxury marques amounts to almost 35.7 million ringgit. The revelation has sparked public anger over double standards and elite impunity, with similar sentiments being expressed across Asia in countries such as Nepal, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

Rihanna has given birth to her third child, a daughter named Rocki Irish Mayers, with partner A$AP Rocky. The baby's arrival was announced on Instagram, where Rihanna shared a photo of herself cradling her daughter alongside a picture of miniature pink boxing gloves. The couple, who also share two sons, Riot and RZA, announced Rihanna's pregnancy at this year's Met Gala. Fans have rejoiced at the birth announcement on social media, with the post garnering over 5 million likes in two hours. Rihanna, 37, has been busy with her various business ventures, including her makeup range Fenty Beauty and lingerie company, and has an estimated net worth of over a billion dollars.

A woman found dead in Spain over 20 years ago has been identified as Liudmila Zavada, a 31-year-old Russian citizen, through an international police campaign called Operation Identify Me. The operation was launched by Interpol in 2023 to identify women who have been murdered or died under suspicious circumstances in Europe. Zavada's body was discovered in 2005 in the province of Barcelona, and despite initial investigations, her identity remained unknown until Turkish police matched her fingerprints to a national database, leading to a DNA match with a relative in Russia. This is the third successful identification through Operation Identify Me, following the identification of a British woman murdered in Belgium and a Paraguayan woman found dead in Spain. Interpol continues to investigate Zavada's death and is still trying to identify 44 other women found dead in various European countries.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul was booed multiple times during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage State Park on Long Island. Despite attempts by talk show host Carson Daly to quell the jeers, the crowd continued to boo Hochul as she left the stage. The incident has sparked a reaction from Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, who is eyeing a challenge against Hochul next year. Hochul's office responded by highlighting her commitment to bringing elite golf tournaments to New York.

William Shatner, 94, was hospitalized after experiencing a medical emergency at his Los Angeles home due to a blood sugar issue. He was taken to a local hospital and was reported to be doing 'good' and 'resting comfortably.' Shatner has been open about his health issues, including his diagnosis and treatment for stage 4 melanoma in 2024 and his permanent tinnitus from a 1967 'Star Trek' filming incident. Despite his age and health concerns, Shatner remains active, having flown into space in 2021 and planning to attend a 'Space 2 Sea' convention in the Galapagos Islands in November.

Indian authorities have imposed security restrictions in the Ladakh region after deadly clashes between police and protesters demanding greater autonomy from the Indian government. Four people were killed and dozens injured in the clashes, prompting officials to ban assembly of more than five people in Leh and Kargil districts. Hundreds of police and paramilitary soldiers patrolled the streets, and shops and businesses remained shut due to the restrictions. The move is seen as an attempt to quell the protests and maintain order in the region.

A top South Korean official revealed that North Korea operates four uranium enrichment facilities, bolstering concerns about its nuclear weapons program. The disclosure aligns with outside assessments that North Korea has multiple covert atomic plants beyond the known site near Pyongyang. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed to rapidly expand the country's nuclear capabilities and has stated that these weapons will not be used as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the US, despite overtures from President Donald Trump.

A German shop owner in Flensburg posted a sign banning Jews from his store, sparking outrage among state officials in Schleswig-Holstein. The owner, Hans-Velten Reisch, defended the sign, citing Israel's actions in Gaza. State officials, including Minister of Culture Dorit Stenke and antisemitism commissioner Gerhard Ulrich, condemned the sign as antisemitic and filed criminal complaints against Reisch. The incident highlights the growing antisemitism in the region, with 588 antisemitic incidents documented in 2024, a 390% increase from 2023.

Aalborg Airport in Denmark was forced to close after drones were spotted in its airspace, halting incoming and departing flights. The police are investigating, but it's unclear if the drones are related to those that affected Copenhagen Airport earlier in the week. Denmark's national police said the drones followed a similar pattern to those seen at Copenhagen Airport, and the Danish Armed Forces were also affected as they use Aalborg Airport as a military base. The incident has raised concerns about the security of airports and the potential involvement of Russia, with Denmark's prime minister stating she 'cannot deny' that the drones seen over Copenhagen Airport were flown by Russia. The police have reported drone sightings near other airports in Denmark, including Esbjerg, Sonderborg, and Skrydstrup.

The article is a compilation of reviews and discussions about various movies and TV shows from the Pop Culture Happy Hour segment on NPR. The content includes reviews of 'Showgirls' at 30, 'One Battle After Another', 'Task', 'Haunted Hotel', 'Him', and 'The Summer I Turned Pretty', among others. The article also touches on the 2025 Emmy Awards and the Toronto International Film Festival. The discussions are generally positive and enthusiastic, with a focus on the cultural significance and entertainment value of the featured titles.