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Two men in Indonesia's Aceh province were publicly caned for violating Islamic law by hugging and kissing, as witnessed by about 100 people. The punishment was carried out by a group of people wearing robes and hoods, with the men receiving 80 lashes each. This incident is the fifth case related to homosexuality since Aceh implemented Shariah law in 2015. Human rights groups have condemned the act as 'state-sanctioned discrimination and cruelty,' while some locals believe it may serve as a deterrent to future violations.

A 16-year-old Syrian national, Mohammad A., was convicted by a German court for supporting a plot to attack Taylor Swift's concerts in Vienna, Austria. The defendant was found to have been in contact with a young man planning the attack and had sent him bomb-building instructions. He was given a suspended 18-month sentence. The plot was foiled when Austrian authorities arrested three suspects, and the concerts were canceled. The suspects had planned to attack outside the stadium with knives or explosives, potentially killing tens of thousands of fans.

A 36-year-old mother in the Dominican Republic killed her three children by poisoning their fruit juice before taking her own life. This incident is part of a recent spate of filicides on the island, where at least four children have been murdered by their parents over the weekend. The mother left a handwritten note at the scene, but its contents have not been disclosed. The Dominican Republic has seen several cases of filicide this month, including a man suffocating his toddler son and a couple accused of causing the death of a 7-year-old girl in their care. Experts note that 90% of filicide cases worldwide involve biological parents.

A Chinese woman, Zhou, was trapped in a locked room for 30 hours while cleaning a guesthouse in Sichuan province. She wrote a message in her own blood on a pillow, '110 625', where '110' is China's emergency services number and '625' was her room number, and threw it out the window. The message was spotted by food delivery driver Zhang Kun, who called the police, leading to her rescue. Zhou was found disheveled and thanked the police after they kicked open the door. Zhang was awarded 3,000 yuan for his role in the rescue.

Two police officers were killed and another seriously wounded in a shooting at a rural property in Porepunkah, Victoria, Australia. The gunman, believed to be 56-year-old Dezi Freeman, a radicalized conspiracy theorist and self-proclaimed 'sovereign citizen,' remains at large. The shooting occurred during a police operation to execute a search warrant, and the suspect fled heavily armed into the surrounding forest. Hundreds of officers are searching for him, and his wife and two children are also being sought. The incident has shocked the community, with the local mayor describing it as a day of 'deep sorrow and shock.'

Denmark's National Museum has unveiled a 10th-century miniature figurine believed to be the first 'portrait' of a Viking. The ivory walrus tusk carving depicts a man with a well-groomed hairstyle and facial hair, suggesting high status and wealth. Curator Peter Pentz believes it may represent King Harald Bluetooth. The figurine was originally found in Norway in 1796 but was forgotten in the museum's archives until Pentz rediscovered it. The detailed carvings and smiling expression make it a unique representation of a Viking, contrasting with other depictions that lack individual details.

Turkey's Transport Minister, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, was fined for speeding after posting a video on social media of himself driving at 140 mph on a highway near Ankara, exceeding the 85 mph speed limit. He admitted to the offense, stating that he had 'essentially reported himself' by posting the video, and promised to be more careful in the future. The video garnered over 5 million views and 1,600 comments.

An American man, identified as Martin D., who worked as a contractor for the U.S. Defense Department at a U.S. military facility in Germany, has been indicted on espionage charges for allegedly offering to supply sensitive U.S. military information to China. Martin D., in his late thirties, worked for a civilian contractor between 2017 and 2023 and was based at a U.S. military facility in Germany from at least 2020. He is accused of contacting Chinese authorities in the summer of 2024 and offering to provide confidential information. The suspect was arrested in Frankfurt in early November 2024. German prosecutors have charged him with declaring his willingness to engage in espionage for a foreign intelligence service. The case has been investigated by the federal prosecutor's office, and the court in Koblenz will now decide whether to send the case to trial. The arrest comes amid growing concerns in Western capitals about espionage and sabotage activities by foreign powers, particularly China and Russia.

The Spanish Civil Guard has dismantled an illegal animal trafficking ring in the town of Nules, in the eastern Valencia region of Spain. Two men, aged 30 and 35, were found with over 150 exotic animals, including endangered species such as ring-tailed lemurs, a Bali starling, and Asian otters. The animals were being sold on the internet without the necessary permits. The men are being prosecuted for trafficking protected species and smuggling. The average market value of the seized animals is nearly $81,500. This bust comes four months after a similar operation was dismantled in the Balearic Islands.

Woody Allen faced backlash from Ukraine's Foreign Ministry for participating in a Russian film festival during Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The ministry condemned his appearance, calling it 'a disgrace and an insult' to Ukrainian victims. Allen responded by criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin and the invasion, but advocated for continued cultural exchanges. The incident put Allen at odds with the Hollywood establishment, which has largely supported Ukraine's cause.

The world's first commercial carbon storage facility, operated by the Northern Lights consortium, has begun injecting CO2 into the North Sea seabed. The facility, located off Norway's coast, aims to capture and store CO2 emissions from industrial sources across Europe. The project involves liquifying CO2, transporting it by ship, and injecting it through a pipeline into the seabed for permanent storage. While carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology is seen as a climate tool by the UN's IPCC and the IEA, it is complex, controversial, and costly. Critics, including Stanford University professor Mark Jacobson, argue that CCS is not a viable solution to the climate crisis and that efforts should focus on switching to clean energy sources.

The article discusses the authority of the US President to deploy the National Guard, using historical examples such as the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School in 1957 and recent events like President Donald Trump's federalization of California National Guard units in 2025. The article explains the dual role of the National Guard as both state-controlled militias and federal reservists, and the laws governing their deployment, including the Posse Comitatus Act and the Insurrection Act. The article also highlights the controversy surrounding Trump's deployment, with California's governor objecting to the move.

The article 'Europe is ablaze' discusses the increasing threat of wildfires in Europe due to rising temperatures. Europe is warming at a rate more than double the global land average, leading to devastating wildfires this summer. The article highlights the alarming rate of temperature increase in Europe since the mid-1990s and the dramatic effects observed during the current summer.

The article discusses Ukraine's use of naval drones to counter Russia's Black Sea fleet. The drones are remotely controlled from the shore and are used to attack Russian warships. The article describes a test of one such drone in the Mykolaiv region, where a small boat is controlled from a white van on the beach. The drone is equipped with explosives and can be used to attack Russian targets. The article highlights Ukraine's efforts to counter Russia's naval superiority in the Black Sea.

The article discusses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where hundreds of Palestinians have been killed while trying to collect food aid. Satellite images show the chaotic scenes at aid distribution sites, where crowds have formed and order has broken down. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an American-backed group, has been distributing aid since May 26th, but the process has been marred by violence, including Israeli gunfire and stampedes. The article highlights the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where every resident faces food insecurity and many have gone days without eating. The international community has expressed alarm, with over 240 charities and NGOs calling for the GHF to be shut down, and 31 governments accusing Israel of 'drip-feeding' aid.

The Economist's McWages index compares the affordability of Big Macs across different countries by translating average salaries into the number of Big Macs that can be purchased locally. The index reveals significant disparities in purchasing power, with American workers able to afford more than six times as many Big Macs as Mexican workers. The McWages index provides a unique perspective on salary comparisons and affordability, bypassing the volatility of exchange rates by focusing on the local purchasing power of average wages. This approach offers insights into the relative affordability of a standard basket of goods, in this case, a Big Mac, across various countries.

The article discusses why Turkish football clubs are able to pay more for top talent, despite the country's troubled economy. It highlights the recent transfer of Victor Osimhen to Galatasaray for €75m, a record-breaking deal in Turkish football history. The article suggests that Turkish clubs are able to attract high-profile players from Europe and Saudi Arabia due to their financial capabilities, which are comparable to those of top clubs in England and Spain. This is paradoxical given Turkey's economic challenges.

An Italian master painting looted by Nazis 80 years ago has been spotted in an estate agent's advertisement for a house in Argentina. The painting, 'Portrait of a Lady' by Giuseppe Ghislandi, was stolen from Jewish art dealer Jacques Goudstikker in Amsterdam. It is believed to have been in the possession of Friedrich Kadgien, a senior Nazi official who fled to South America after WWII. The artwork is listed on a database of lost wartime art and is among hundreds looted from Goudstikker's collection. Goudstikker's heir, Marei von Saher, has vowed to reclaim the painting and restore her family's legacy.

The animated film 'Kpop Demon Hunters' has become Netflix's most viewed movie ever, with over 236 million views since its release in June. The film, produced by Sony Pictures Animation, follows a fictional K-pop girl band as they battle demons. The movie's success has been driven by its catchy K-pop songs, which have topped charts on Spotify and Billboard. The film's soundtrack has achieved numerous records, including having four simultaneous Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. Talks of a sequel are reportedly underway.

The skull of King Toera, a Malagasy king killed by French troops during the colonial era, has been returned to Madagascar after being stored in a French museum for over a century. The handover took place at a ceremony in Paris, marking the first use of a new law aimed at expediting the return of human remains from French collections. The skull, along with those of two other members of King Toera's court, was taken to France in the late 19th century after the king was killed and decapitated during a French military campaign to assert colonial control over the Menabé kingdom. Despite a lack of DNA proof, a traditional Sakalava spirit medium confirmed the skull's identity. The return is seen as a significant gesture by Madagascar's Culture Minister, who described the absence of the skulls as an 'open wound' in the heart of the island nation. This return is part of a broader effort to repatriate human remains taken during the colonial era, with an estimated 20,000 remains held at the Museum of Natural History in Paris alone.

South Korea has passed a bill banning the use of mobile phones and smart devices during class hours in schools, becoming the latest country to restrict phone use among children and teens. The law aims to curb smartphone addiction, which is affecting students' academic performance and taking away time they could have spent studying. The ban has its skeptics, including students, who question how it would work and whether it is addressing the root cause of addiction. The law gives teachers the power to stop students from using their phones on school premises and asks schools to educate students about the proper use of smart devices. Some parents are worried about bullying on social media, while others believe the ban doesn't address the real challenge students face - the country's notoriously competitive college entrance exam.

Families of the victims of the Air India crash that killed 241 people are preparing for a court fight to uncover the truth behind the disaster. The crash occurred on June 12 when an Air India flight from Ahmedabad to Gatwick went down just 32 seconds after takeoff, killing everyone on board and 19 people on the ground. The families have hired a US law firm, Beasley Allen, to represent them in American courts and gather evidence on the root cause of the crash. The preliminary investigative report indicated pilot error, but the law firm's principal attorney believes it may be a technological or electrical issue. The families are seeking justice and answers, with many having lost loved ones and suffering emotionally and financially.

A 16-year-old Syrian national, Mohammad A, has been convicted in Germany for supporting a foiled plot to attack Taylor Swift concerts in Austria last year. The teenager was found guilty of preparing a serious act of violence and supporting a terrorist act of violence abroad. He was handed a suspended 18-month sentence after making a comprehensive confession at his trial. The plot was uncovered by authorities, leading to the cancellation of all three of Swift's concerts at Vienna's Ernst Happel Stadium, which were expected to draw large crowds. The main suspect, now 20, had planned to target those outside the stadium and hoped to kill as many people as possible, driven by radicalization towards the Islamic State.

A manhunt is underway in a remote area of Victoria, Australia, after two police officers were shot dead and a third was seriously injured during an attempt to execute a search warrant. The suspect, identified as Dezi Freeman, is believed to be heavily armed and dangerous. Hundreds of officers, assisted by sniffer dogs and helicopters, are searching for Freeman, who escaped into the rugged bush. The incident occurred near Porepunkah, a town of around 1,000 people, approximately 300km northeast of Melbourne. The wounded officer was airlifted to hospital and is not in a life-threatening condition. The motive behind the shooting is not yet clear, but it is reported that the suspect may be a 'sovereign citizen', a group that believes the government is illegitimate.

Typhoon Kajiki hit Vietnam's north central coast on Monday, killing three people and injuring at least 13 others. The typhoon damaged nearly 7,000 homes, felled 18,000 trees, and flooded thousands of hectares of rice plantings. The Vietnamese government reported widespread blackouts and flooding in several provinces, with the capital city Hanoi experiencing severe flooding. The storm is expected to continue bringing heavy rain to northern Vietnam, potentially causing flash floods and landslides.

China's Tiangong space station has achieved a new record in space-based materials research by heating a tungsten alloy to temperatures exceeding 3,100 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous record held by the International Space Station (ISS). The experiment was conducted using a container-free laboratory cabinet developed by physicist Hu Liang and his team at Northwestern Polytechnical University. The findings will help scientists design better tungsten alloys and support research into ultra-high-temperature materials for nuclear and aerospace applications. The cabinet has been in operation for four years and has been used to test various advanced materials in orbit.

The article discusses the potential risks of legalizing basketball betting in Hong Kong, particularly for young people. Experts warn that it may lead to increased access to gambling and harm to youth. The story is illustrated with the personal account of Cyrus Chan, a 28-year-old Hongkonger who became addicted to gambling and suffered significant financial losses. The article calls for measures to minimize the risks and harm associated with legalized basketball betting.

A third earthquake in four days hit Malaysia's Johor state on Wednesday morning, with a magnitude of 3.2. The tremors were felt across Johor and southern Pahang, causing panic among residents. The earthquakes have raised concerns about Malaysia's preparedness for seismic activity, with experts warning that the country may not be as earthquake-proof as previously thought. The Malaysian Meteorological Department reported that the epicentre of the latest quake was 18km south of Segamat town. No deaths, injuries, or property damage were reported.

Vietnam's rapid expansion of artificial island construction in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea is on track to surpass China's land reclamation, according to new satellite imagery. The development could deepen strains within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) as member states and rival claimants juggle sovereignty disputes with regional unity. The Spratlys are one of the most widely contested features in the South China Sea, with multiple Asean member states holding competing claims alongside China. Analysts warn that Vietnam's land reclamation could strain Asean unity, but the bloc may remain focused on the issue.

The Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, has proposed a plan to deport 600,000 asylum seekers from Britain to prevent 'civil disorder.' The plan involves withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights, repealing the Human Rights Act, and scrapping international treaties that block forced deportations. The proposal has been met with criticism from the Labour Party and charities, who argue that it would amount to Britain abandoning its human rights commitments. The plan follows weeks of protests over mass migration and crimes committed by some asylum seekers. Britain received a record 108,100 asylum applications in 2024, and polling shows that immigration has become a top concern for voters.

A 45-year-old former software developer with Yandex, Sergei Irin, has been sentenced to 15 years in a maximum-security prison in Russia for donating $500 to a Ukrainian defense fund. Irin was arrested on suspicion of treason and held up a sign in court reading "Putin is a s---head." He admitted to donating to the Come Back Alive charity and feeling negatively towards the Putin regime.

A highly decorated Russian Lieutenant Colonel, Konstantin Frolov, has been accused of masterminding a massive fraud scheme within Russia's elite 83rd Separate Guards Air Assault Brigade. Frolov, nicknamed 'the Executioner,' allegedly fabricated his heroic acts and helped his troops fake injuries to collect nearly $2.5 million in combat injury payouts. At least 35 officers reportedly sat out of combat and collected almost $40,000 each. Frolov admitted to ordering his soldiers to shoot him deliberately to stage injuries. He faces charges of fraud, bribery, and illegal trafficking in weapons and ammunition.

Ten FBI whistleblowers who reported instances of 'political weaponization' within the bureau and faced retaliation from the Biden administration have reached settlements with the Justice Department. The whistleblowers were subjected to demotions, security clearance revocation, and indefinite unpaid administrative leave, collectively amounting to 'over 12 years' worth of inappropriate suspension time.' They will receive lump sum payments for damages as part of the settlement agreements. The whistleblowers were represented by Empower Oversight, a legal nonprofit. Some of the whistleblowers, including FBI Special Agents Stephen Friend, Garret O'Boyle, and Zachery Schoffstall, faced severe repercussions for reporting misconduct, including prosecutorial misconduct, gross mismanagement, and potentially 'illegal' changes to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.

Travis Kelce's ex-girlfriend, Kayla Nicole, made an announcement about her sister Layla playing basketball at Langston University on the same day Kelce announced his engagement to Taylor Swift. Nicole shared the news on her Instagram story and encouraged followers to donate to support the women's basketball team. The article discusses Nicole's reaction to Kelce's engagement and her past relationship with him, as well as the backlash she faced from Swifties.

The University of Cincinnati, Travis Kelce's alma mater, is celebrating his engagement to Taylor Swift with a ticket promotion for upcoming Bearcats football games. The promotion includes discounted tickets and season tickets, with numbers that match Kelce's jersey number (87) and Swift's 'lucky number' (13). The engagement was announced 13 days after Swift appeared on Kelce's 'New Heights' podcast. Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna was the first to publicly comment on the engagement, expressing his happiness for the couple.

Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed on Wednesday as investors assessed China's industrial profits data and reacted to the imposition of steep U.S. tariffs on India. China's industrial profits slipped 1.5% year-over-year in July, a notable recovery from previous months. Japan's Nikkei 225 was marginally higher, led by Nikon Corporation's 20% surge. South Korea's Kospi declined, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 added 0.15%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index and mainland China's CSI 300 rose 0.27% and 0.4%, respectively. The CSI 300 has surged over 13% this year, with some economists warning of 'irrational exuberance.' Overnight, U.S. markets ended higher, with the S&P 500 rising 0.41%.

The article profiles Lucy Guo, a 30-year-old billionaire and serial entrepreneur who is known for her frugal lifestyle despite her wealth. Guo's net worth soared to $1.3 billion in April due to the success of her first startup, Scale AI, and her current venture, Passes. She is known for finding deals and being mindful of her spending, often opting for cheaper alternatives. However, she also enjoys spending on luxury items such as a private jet and a Ferrari. Guo describes herself as a 'minimalist' and leans towards the quiet luxury trend. The article also touches on a class-action lawsuit filed against Guo and Passes, which the company denies.

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.

The article discusses Chongqing, a municipality in China known for its complex and multi-layered landscape due to its mountainous terrain. The city's unique architecture and urban planning have created a 'maze-like' environment, with buildings constructed on steep slopes and multiple entrances and exits. Chongqing has become a model for megacity governance, with lessons in adapting to geographical constraints. The city is also an industrial powerhouse and a social media sensation, attracting tourists and content creators. However, its rapid development has also raised concerns about heavy infrastructure investment and rising local government debt.

SpaceX successfully launched its Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket booster on its 10th test flight after three attempts. The mission was initially grounded twice before the successful launch. Although the rocket booster landed in the Gulf waters near SpaceX's launch facilities, the company did not expect to recover it during this mission.

Over 180 current and former FEMA employees signed a letter criticizing recent staff and program cuts, warning that the agency's ability to respond to major disasters is compromised. At least two employees who signed the letter were put on administrative leave with pay, sparking concerns about retribution. FEMA did not immediately respond to questions about the leave. The letter criticized policies such as requiring Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to approve contracts over $100,000 and reassigning FEMA employees to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.