Global Tensions Rise Amid Mass Shootings, Sanctions, and Conflicts

The FBI is investigating a shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis as an anti-Catholic hate crime. Two children, aged 8 and 10, were killed and 17 others injured when a 23-year-old attacker opened fire through the windows of the Annunciation Church. The attacker, later identified as Robin Westman, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The motive behind the attack is still unclear, but authorities have found a note scheduled to be published online at the time of the shooting. The incident has sparked widespread shock and anger, with officials condemning the attack as a 'deliberate act of violence against innocent children.' Pope Leo XIV and other officials have paid tribute to the victims.

Cases of flesh-eating screwworm infestation have risen by 53% in Mexico over four weeks to mid-August, affecting cattle, dogs, horses, sheep, and humans. The parasite, prevalent in Central and South America, has spread north into Mexico. US health authorities recently confirmed the first human case in a patient returning from El Salvador. Health officials warn that while rare, human cases can be fatal, especially for those with pre-existing conditions and the elderly. Prevention measures include keeping wounds clean and covered and using insect repellent. Symptoms to watch for include unexplained skin lesions and feeling larvae move within wounds.

The UK, France, and Germany have initiated the process to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran due to its non-compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal. Iran's foreign ministry has condemned the move, calling it a 'provocative and unnecessary escalation.' The US has welcomed the decision, while Iran remains open to diplomatic efforts. The UN Security Council has 30 days to decide whether to continue sanctions relief or allow it to lapse.

The BBC has analyzed new video footage and found that Israel struck Gaza's Nasser Hospital at least four times during its attack on Monday, killing at least 20 people, including five journalists. The attack has attracted international condemnation and widespread anger. Initial reports suggested two strikes, but further analysis revealed two additional strikes, with experts disagreeing on the type of munition used. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has not acknowledged carrying out more than one strike, and its narrative of the attack has evolved since Monday. The attack may have violated international law, with some experts saying that intentionally carrying out attacks on civilians is prohibited under the Fourth Geneva Convention.

A 23-year-old attacker, identified as Robin Westman, opened fire on a church in Minneapolis where children were praying, killing two children, Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski, and injuring 18 others. The attacker, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, was described as being 'obsessed with the idea of killing children' and had a history of attending the church's school. The attack was characterized as an act of domestic terrorism motivated by hate-filled ideology, with anti-Catholic and anti-religious references found on the attacker's guns and in notes. The incident has sparked calls for stricter gun laws, including a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity ammo magazines.

A shooting occurred at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, where children were celebrating Mass, resulting in the deaths of two children and injuring 17 others. The 23-year-old attacker, Robin Westman, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Witnesses described the terrifying scenes, with one 10-year-old survivor recounting how his friend saved him by lying on top of him but got hit in the back. The FBI is investigating the incident as an anti-Catholic hate crime. The community came together for a vigil, with many expressing shock, sadness, and anger. Authorities found a manifesto that Westman had timed to publish on YouTube during the shooting.

New Zealand police have released CCTV footage showing a man believed to be Tom Phillips, a fugitive who disappeared with his three children over three years ago, breaking into a store with one of his children. The footage was taken in Piopio, a small town in northern New Zealand, and shows the pair in full-body clothing stealing grocery items. Police are hoping the community will report sightings after the release of the footage. Tom Phillips faces various charges including aggravated robbery and illegally possessing a firearm. His family has pleaded for him to return home, and authorities had previously offered a cash reward for information leading to the safe return of the children.

The White House has named Jim O'Neill, deputy to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as the new director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), replacing Susan Monarez who was sacked after just a month in the role. Monarez's lawyers claimed her removal was illegal and that she was targeted for refusing to support unscientific directives. The CDC is facing controversy over vaccine policies and leadership under Kennedy, with several senior officials resigning in protest. The new appointment is seen as part of a broader effort to align the CDC with the Trump administration's agenda.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping is hosting a military parade in Beijing, marking 80 years since Japan's surrender in World War II, and has invited North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian president Vladimir Putin to attend. The event is seen as a diplomatic win for Xi, showcasing China's power on the international stage and its influence over Kim and Putin. The visit comes as US President Donald Trump is considering a meeting with Kim again, and Xi's relationship with both leaders may prove crucial in any deal. The article highlights China's role as a stable trading partner and its potential to persuade Putin to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine.

The United States has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, effective Wednesday, threatening a significant blow to India's overseas trade in its largest export market. The tariffs, initially announced at 25% and later increased by an additional 25% due to India's purchases of Russian oil, are expected to impact $48.2 billion worth of exports. Indian officials warn that the new duties could make shipments to the U.S. commercially unviable, triggering job losses and slower economic growth. Labor-intensive sectors such as textiles, gems and jewelry, leather goods, food, and automobiles are expected to be hit hardest. While some sectors like pharmaceuticals and electronic goods have been exempted from additional tariffs, exporters remain concerned about the impact on small and medium enterprises. The Indian government has begun working on reforms to boost local consumption and insulate the economy, including changing the goods and services tax and discussing financial incentives for exporters.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced that she will ask the US to share the $15 billion it expects to extract from convicted Mexican drug lord Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada with Mexico's poorest people. Zambada, co-founder of the Sinaloa drug cartel, pleaded guilty to murder and drug trafficking charges in a New York court. The Sinaloa cartel is considered the biggest drug-trafficking organization in the world and has been declared a terrorist group by Washington. Zambada's guilty plea follows that of fellow cartel founder Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, who is already serving a life sentence in the US. The US is expected to recover $15 billion from Zambada as part of his plea deal. Sheinbaum's request has sparked speculation about the potential impact on the cartel and the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking between the US and Mexico.

Australian police are searching for 56-year-old Dezi Freeman, a radicalized conspiracy theorist who allegedly killed two officers and wounded a third in Porepunkah, Victoria state. Freeman is believed to be heavily armed and has bush survival skills. Police are searching the rugged terrain and have warned people not to travel to the surrounding alpine area. The incident has raised concerns about gun laws and extremism in Australia.

A massive Russian drone and missile attack hit Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, killing at least 15 people, including four children, and wounding 48 others. The attack was one of the largest since Moscow's full-scale invasion in 2022, with 598 strike drones and decoys and 31 missiles launched across the country. Ukrainian forces shot down most of the weapons, but the attack still caused significant damage and casualties. World leaders, including European Council President Antonio Costa and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, condemned the attack, with Costa expressing horror and Starmer stating that Putin is 'killing children and civilians, and sabotaging hopes of peace.' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for stronger sanctions against Russia, saying 'the Russians understand only strength and pressure.' The attack came as US President Trump pushed for peace efforts, meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska earlier this month. However, Zelenskyy and Western leaders accused Putin of stalling peace efforts and avoiding serious negotiations.

U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack canceled a planned visit to southern Lebanon amid backlash over his remarks criticizing Lebanese journalists. Barrack told journalists to 'act civilized' rather than 'animalistic,' drawing widespread criticism and protests. The Union of Journalists in Lebanon condemned Barrack's remarks as 'unacceptable' and called for a public apology. Barrack's office did not respond to requests for comment.

The S&P 500 reached a fresh high as U.S. second-quarter GDP growth exceeded expectations, rising to an annualized 3.3%. Nvidia's earnings topped expectations, but the stock dipped due to concerns over its dependence on a few large customers. South Korea's former prime minister was indicted, and Orsted shares plummeted 40% in August. The article also discusses the potential for improved ties between China and India despite their uneasy relationship.

Italy's banking sector has seen a wave of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in recent months, but several high-profile deals have fallen through due to shareholder opposition or government intervention. Analysts say the momentum for consolidation in Italy's financial services sector has not been fully lost, with some predicting further M&A activity in the medium term. The EU has been promoting lender consolidation, but its efforts have been hindered by national governments' interventions, such as Italy's use of 'golden power' screening rules. Italian banks have also been looking beyond their borders, with UniCredit increasing its stake in Commerzbank and Alpha Bank.

The article discusses Russia's plans to launch the Soyuz-5 rocket in December 2025, a medium-class launch vehicle that is seen as a reincarnation of the Ukraine-manufactured Zenit-2 rocket. The Soyuz-5 is expected to become fully operational by 2028 and will be equipped with RD-171MV engines. The Russian space agency, Roscosmos, has faced funding shortages since the start of the Ukraine war and has lost 180 billion rubles. Despite this, Roscosmos is pushing forward with the Soyuz-5 launch, which is seen as a key step in Russia's space program. The article also touches on the global space industry, mentioning China's and India's efforts to expand their space capabilities, as well as the challenges faced by the UK's space agency.

Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte has filed a second criminal referral against Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, alleging misrepresentations in her government ethics filings regarding her real estate holdings. The new allegations relate to a condominium in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and two homes in Michigan and Georgia. Cook had earlier sued President Donald Trump to block his effort to fire her from the Fed. Pulte has been acting as an 'attack dog' for Trump against the Fed and its chairman, Jerome Powell. The referral is seen as an attempt to justify Trump's move to fire Cook, which she contests.

China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013, has undergone significant changes over the past decade. Initially touted as a global mega investment and infrastructure project to connect China with the rest of Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, the BRI has faced criticism for luring low-income countries into unsustainable debt and being marred by governance issues, corruption, and environmental concerns. Despite these challenges, China claims the BRI has contributed to social and economic development, created jobs, and alleviated poverty in member countries. Analysts note that China's approach has become more nuanced, focusing on 'small but beautiful projects' and less risky investments. The BRI has seen both successes and failures, with some projects improving connectivity and commercial links, while others have been criticized for poor quality and environmental impact. Italy and Panama have abandoned the BRI, citing unmet expectations and geopolitical concerns.

South Korea's former first lady, Kim Keon Hee, has been indicted on charges of bribery and market manipulation, accused of amassing over 1 billion won in criminal proceeds. Her husband, former President Yoon Suk Yeol, was impeached and removed from office earlier this year after his short-lived martial law bid in December 2024. Kim is alleged to have conspired with Yoon to receive opinion polls data for free and obtained bribes from the Unification Church. Separately, ex-prime minister Han Duck-soo was indicted for abetting Yoon's martial law bid. The charges come as President Lee Jae Myung approved legislation for investigations into Yoon's administration.

The article discusses the 'thoughts and prayers' debate following mass shootings, focusing on Vice President JD Vance's recent comments accusing Democrats of attacking the concept of prayer. The author argues that while Vance mischaracterized Democrats' views, the issue is nuanced and Democrats should be cautious given Americans' belief in prayer. The article examines the comments of various Democrats, including Jen Psaki and Jacob Frey, who argue that 'thoughts and prayers' are insufficient but not necessarily opposed to prayer. It also cites polling data showing that while Americans believe in the power of prayer, they don't see it as a cure-all for mass shootings.

A CNN investigation into the journal of Minneapolis shooter Robin Westman reveals a history of violent obsessions and warning signs that were potentially missed by those around them. Westman's writings detail a deep-seated fascination with mass shooters and a desire to carry out a similar attack. The journal entries, some of which were written in Cyrillic script, show Westman's careful planning of the attack on Annunciation Catholic School, where they killed two children and injured 18 others. Westman's family and former classmates recall instances of disturbing behavior, but it's unclear whether these were taken seriously. The investigation raises questions about whether Westman's actions could have been prevented.

Vietnam is rapidly building up islands in the disputed South China Sea, specifically in the Spratly Islands, using a similar strategy to China's island-building efforts. According to a report by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, Vietnam has been dredging and adding surface area to eight features it controls, likely to soon surpass the area China has reclaimed. The report suggests that Vietnam's actions may have been facilitated by China's preoccupation with tensions with the Philippines. The island-building has raised concerns about the potential for increased tensions in the region, although China's reaction to Vietnam's efforts has been relatively muted so far.

The US is considering recognizing Somaliland as an independent state, a move that could give the country a new military and economic foothold in Africa, counter Chinese and Russian influence, and strike a blow against Islamist terrorists in the region. Somaliland, which broke away from Somalia in 1991, has been a reliable ally to the US and is offering a new air and sea base near the entrance of the Red Sea. Senator Ted Cruz has urged President Trump to recognize Somaliland, citing its strategic location, capable armed forces, and commitment to countering terrorism and Chinese influence. The move is seen as part of a broader shift in US Africa strategy, with the US seeking to counter growing Chinese and Russian influence on the continent.

The article reports on an Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital in Gaza, which killed 22 people, including five journalists. The Palestinian ambassador to the UN condemned the attack as 'premeditated', while the Israeli military claimed it targeted a Hamas observation camera. An investigation by Sky News found evidence that the strike was not justified, as the camera was operated by a Reuters journalist and there was no other camera on the balcony. The article also reveals that a second strike on the same stairwell, eight minutes after the first, killed more people, including rescue workers.

Tennis player Jelena Ostapenko has denied being racist after a heated exchange with Taylor Townsend at the US Open. Ostapenko was seen pointing her finger at Townsend during the row, which was caught on camera. Townsend claimed Ostapenko told her she has 'no class' and 'no education' and made comments that were perceived as racist. Ostapenko later shared an Instagram story accusing Townsend of unsporting behaviour and denying being racist. The confrontation comes after a history of competition between the two players, with Townsend having beaten Ostapenko in Canada the previous year.

A shooting occurred at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, USA, resulting in the deaths of two children and injuring 18 others. The attacker, identified as Robin Westman, fired 116 rifle rounds into the church where children were seated. Authorities revealed that Westman 'idolised' mass murderers and wanted to 'watch children suffer'. The incident has sparked calls for a ban on assault weapons, with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey demanding action from state and federal authorities. Hospitals in the area are treating the injured, with some children in critical condition.

The UK, France, and Germany are planning to reimpose UN-backed sanctions on Iran due to concerns over its nuclear program. The three European nations, known as the E3, have triggered the 'snapback' mechanism after diplomatic efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal stalled. Iran has enriched uranium to levels exceeding civil nuclear power requirements, breaching the 2015 agreement. The E3 have notified the UN Security Council, which will meet to discuss the move. Russia and China have drafted a resolution to extend the nuclear deal, but the E3 maintain that Iran's nuclear program is a threat to international peace and security.

Over 500 UN staff members have urged the UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, to describe the Gaza conflict as a genocide, citing the legal criteria for genocide have been met. The staff argue that the scale and nature of the nearly two-year Israel-Hamas war justifies using the term. Israel denies committing genocide, claiming self-defense against Hamas. The conflict has killed almost 63,000 people, and the UN's global hunger monitor has declared Gaza City and surrounding areas to be suffering from famine. The UN human rights chief has repeatedly condemned Israel's actions in Gaza and called for unity among UN staff.

The article analyzes Vladimir Putin's strategy in the ongoing war with Ukraine, suggesting that he is using diplomacy to play for time while continuing to weaken Ukraine's resolve. Despite Ukraine's efforts to hit back at Russia's oil installations, analysts don't expect it to be enough to persuade Putin to end the war. The West is divided in its response, with Europe calling for a ceasefire and more severe sanctions, while Donald Trump appears to sympathize with Russia. The article expresses concern about the potential consequences of Trump's presidency and the escalating drone war, which is expected to worsen by winter.

Alabama Shakes has released their first new song in a decade, 'Another Life', after a nearly decade-long hiatus. The song marks the band's reunion and is accompanied by a tour and new music. Lead singer Brittany Howard discusses the band's evolution, their new sound, and the inspiration behind 'Another Life'. The song is characterized by its '60s British soul rock influence and explores themes of reconciliation and alternate timelines. Howard reflects on the band's past and their growth as artists, highlighting their newfound freedom to experiment and push boundaries.

A US District Judge has ordered a new trial for three former Memphis police officers convicted of federal charges in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols. The officers, Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith, were found guilty of obstruction of justice through witness tampering. The decision comes after defense lawyers argued that the original judge, Mark S. Norris, was biased due to his comments about gang involvement. Norris recused himself from the case before sentencing, and Judge Sheryl H. Lipman took over, ultimately ordering a new trial. The case has drawn significant attention due to the violent nature of the beating, which was captured on video and sparked widespread protests.

The article discusses the recent mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis by a transgender individual, Robin Westman, who was previously known as Robert Westman. The author argues that the issue of transgenderism is being mishandled, with the medical community prioritizing 'gender-affirming care' over addressing underlying mental health issues. The author claims that this approach has led to a social contagion, with an increasing number of children identifying as transgender. The article criticizes the pressure on parents to affirm their child's gender transition, even if it involves potentially harmful treatments, and argues that honesty and compassion should be balanced in addressing the issue.

President Trump has cancelled nearly $5 billion in congressionally approved foreign aid and peacekeeping spending through a rare 'pocket rescission', a maneuver that hasn't been used in 48 years. The move includes $3.2 billion in USAID development assistance, $322 million from the USAID-State Department Democracy Fund, and $521 million in State Department contributions to international organizations. The Trump administration has highlighted allegedly wasteful spending, such as $24.6 million for 'climate resilience' in Honduras and $2.7 million for the South African Democracy Works Foundation. The legality of 'pocket rescissions' is debated, with the Government Accountability Office deeming it illegal and Trump's OMB team arguing otherwise.

Heidi Gardner, a comedian and cast member on "Saturday Night Live" (SNL), is leaving the show after eight years. She was the longest-tenured current female cast member and had been promoted to the main cast in 2019. Gardner has appeared in various other projects, including "Shrinking" and "Hustle." Her departure is part of a larger cast shakeup, with several other comedians also exiting the show. The news follows comments from SNL creator Lorne Michaels about plans to "shake things up" with a new cast.

The article discusses President Donald Trump's executive order to end 'cashless bail' by withholding $5 billion in federal grants to states that use the funds to support pretrial release programs. The author argues that 'cashless bail' is a failed social justice experiment that has led to increased crime and victimization. The order is seen as a turning point in holding states accountable for their justice systems and promoting public safety. The article highlights the misuse of federal funds by states like New York to bankroll 'catch and release' policies and the need for secured bail to ensure defendants return to court.

The article argues that New York's plan to tax the rich, led by Zohran Mamdani, is unworkable as the state's share of wealthy taxpayers is already declining. From 2010 to 2022, New York's share of taxpayers with over $1 million in income shrunk by almost a third. The article suggests that raising taxes will lead to more wealthy individuals fleeing the state, resulting in a significant loss of tax revenue. The Citizens Budget Committee warns that hiking taxes risks perpetuating or accelerating the decline. The article concludes that instead of raising taxes, New York should lower them to retain its tax base.

A couple, Fernanda Fabian and her boyfriend Michael, have an open relationship where Fabian dates other people while Michael stays at home. They revealed that they agreed on this arrangement early in their relationship, and although it took time to adjust, it works for them. Fabian expressed that she feels guilty if she compromises her relationship with Michael, but she makes sure to show her love and gratitude for him. The couple has boundaries, such as not discussing her dates with others unless she needs his support. Fabian hopes that Michael will eventually want to have similar experiences, but acknowledges that she might feel jealous. The article also mentions another couple, Jem Jones and her partner Daz, who believe that becoming swingers saved their relationship.

The article discusses NYC Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's ties to the Democrat Socialists of America (DSA) and his attempts to distance himself from the organization's radical agenda. Mamdani has previously bragged about his DSA affiliation but now claims his platform is separate. The DSA's agenda includes decriminalizing all drugs, letting illegal immigrants vote, and defunding the police. Mamdani refuses to explicitly reject these positions, leading to concerns about his true intentions. The article argues that Mamdani is trying to hide his radical views to win the election.

The US government has closed a tariff loophole known as the de minimis exemption, which allowed American shoppers to buy inexpensive foreign items without paying tariffs and completing complicated customs paperwork. The exemption was ended for goods from mainland China and Hong Kong in May, and for the rest of the world on August 29. The change is expected to increase costs for consumers and businesses, with tariffs ranging from 10% to 30% or more on affected shipments. The move is seen as a way to protect American businesses and prevent smuggling and counterfeiting. However, it has caused disruptions to supply chains and may harm small businesses that rely on international trade.

The article discusses how Paris transforms in August as locals take their annual vacations, leaving the city deserted and quiet. The typically bustling streets and markets are empty, and many businesses are closed. While some locals miss the vibrancy of the city, others enjoy the peacefulness and tranquility that comes with the absence of tourists and the usual crowds. The article highlights the cultural significance of August vacations in France, which dates back to the 1930s, and how it has become an ingrained tradition. The author notes that while the city's emptiness is temporary, it allows those who remain to appreciate the city's beauty and joys in a new way.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.) is facing a growing sense of despair among its employees due to recent events, including a shooting at its headquarters, the firing of its new director Susan Monarez after less than a month, and her subsequent refusal to leave. Three senior officials resigned in protest over Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s vaccine policies, which they felt were unscientific and dangerous. The mood inside the agency is bleak, with employees feeling scared, shocked, and in tears. The C.D.C. has already weathered a downsizing in April and is now facing rumors of further job losses.

The Texas House of Representatives has advanced a bill aimed at curtailing the distribution of mail-order abortion medications from other states, allowing individuals to sue doctors, distributors, and manufacturers across the country and collect cash awards. The legislation, which is expected to be signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott, is part of a broader strategy by abortion opponents to limit medication abortion and expand restrictions on the procedure into states that protect abortion rights. The bill allows ordinary people to sue manufacturers and providers of abortion medications and collect a minimum of $100,000 in damages. Proponents hope it will serve as a model for other states and undermine 'shield laws' in Democrat-led states that protect abortion providers from liability.

The Trump administration has taken steps to fire or remove the leaders of several key American institutions, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Federal Reserve. Critics argue that this move undermines the independence and credibility of these agencies, which have long been respected for their nonpartisan and data-driven approaches. The administration's actions are seen as part of a broader effort to centralize executive power and eliminate 'islands of independence' within the government. Trump officials, however, claim that the president is within his rights to fire officials who do not share his agenda, citing the need to check 'runaway government power and spending.' The move has sparked concerns about the potential consequences for the nation's health and economic policies, as well as the stability of the world economy.

The US Department of Education has threatened to pull federal funding from Denver Public Schools due to their policy of allowing transgender students to use bathrooms that align with their gender identity and providing gender-neutral bathroom facilities. The department has given the school district 10 days to change their policy, or face enforcement action. This move is part of the Trump administration's efforts to restrict the rights of transgender people and undermine the legitimacy of transgender identities. The administration has also withheld funding from the school district earlier this year and has demanded confidential data from doctors and hospitals on children seeking transgender care. The move has been seen as a fulfillment of President Trump's campaign promise to pull funding from schools that recognize or provide protections for transgender students.

The US government's decision to end duty exemptions for low-value imports has caused postal services worldwide to suspend mail shipments to the US, affecting individuals and businesses. People in Thailand, the UK, Canada, and the Philippines are struggling to send packages and letters due to the suspension. The change, aimed at curbing Chinese retailers' use of a loophole, has caused confusion and headaches for those who rely on international shipping.

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.

A 34-year-old gastroenterologist, Zhi Alan Cheng, was sentenced to 24 years in prison for drugging and sexually assaulting patients and personal acquaintances, videotaping many of the attacks. Cheng pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree rape and three counts of first-degree sexual abuse. The abuse came to light after an acquaintance found videos of him assaulting her and other women, leading to his arrest in December 2022. Cheng was accused of taking advantage of hospital patients in his care, including filming himself groping an unconscious 37-year-old patient and sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman after giving her an unnecessary rectal exam and injecting her with an unknown substance.

Israel is preparing to launch a major offensive in Gaza City, but its plans are being complicated by the exhaustion and disillusionment of its reserve soldiers. Tens of thousands of reservists are being called up, but many are not showing up for duty, citing exhaustion, strained marriages, and disillusionment with the war. The Israeli military relies heavily on reservists, and the shortfall is worrying some military planners. The war has been ongoing for nearly two years, and Israeli forces are also fighting on other fronts in Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to take control of Gaza City and rout Hamas is being threatened by the rising discontent in the ranks.

The article discusses the persistence of scam hubs in South-east Asia, particularly in Myanmar, despite a crackdown in February that removed over 9,000 workers. The scam hubs, known as 'fraud farms,' continue to operate, with some using alternative power sources like solar panels and generators. Experts say that the scam industry is worth tens of billions of dollars and is driven by Chinese organized crime groups. The article highlights the human trafficking and exploitation involved in the scam industry, with many people being lured by fake job ads and forced to work in scam compounds.

US officials are investigating the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting that occurred on August 27, 2025, resulting in the deaths of two children and injuring 15 others. The suspect, 23-year-old Robin Westman, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators are analyzing the suspect's online presence, which revealed a complex mix of grievances, violent obsessions, and anti-Semitic and racist language. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, with police considering various possibilities, including a potential 'triggering event.' The incident has caused widespread trauma, with the city already reeling from recent gun violence and the assassination of a state senator in June.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting China for the first time in seven years, meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a regional security summit. The visit comes as India-US relations have soured due to the US doubling tariffs on Indian exports to 50%. India is diversifying its trade and strengthening ties with non-Western countries, including China and Russia. Modi's trip is seen as a signal to Washington that India is willing to explore alternative partnerships. The US has criticized India's continued purchase of Russian oil, while India defends it as necessary for energy security. The visit is also expected to focus on trade and investment between India and China.

New Zealand police have released CCTV footage showing fugitive Tom Phillips and one of his children breaking into a convenience store in the North Island. The footage is the first confirmed sighting of Phillips in a year, nearly four years after he disappeared with his three children. Phillips is wanted for various charges, including aggravated robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm. The police believe the family has been living in the Waikato's King Country bush and has been receiving outside help. The children's welfare remains the police's primary concern, and they are appealing for information on the family's whereabouts.