Global Conflicts and Politics Dominate News

The Bayeux Tapestry, a nearly 1,000-year-old artwork documenting the Norman invasion of England, is set to be moved from France to the British Museum in London despite opposition from the French art world. Experts fear the delicate tapestry may be damaged during transport. French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer agreed on the loan during a meeting in July. The tapestry will be displayed in London from September next year to July 2027, while treasures from the British Museum, including the 12th Century Lewis chess pieces, will be sent to Normandy. A petition against the move has garnered 60,000 signatures, with many opposing the decision due to concerns over the tapestry's fragility and the lack of consultation with specialists.

Satellite images reveal that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are building an extensive earthen wall around the besieged Sudanese city of el-Fasher, trapping civilians inside. The wall, identified by Yale University's Humanitarian Research Lab, is over 31km long and has been constructed since May. El-Fasher, under siege for over a year, is the last major foothold in Darfur for Sudan's army, which has been battling the RSF since April 2023. The RSF has intensified its offensive, deliberately targeting civilians, killing and injuring many. Humanitarian organisations have been unable to access el-Fasher for months, leaving civilians to endure constant bombardment, food scarcity, and medical care difficulties. The construction of the wall is ongoing, and observers warn that the fall of el-Fasher could lead to the partitioning of the country.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with families of soldiers killed while fighting for Russia in Ukraine, expressing condolences and pledging to honor their memory. The meeting comes as North Korea and Russia deepen their cooperation, with Kim set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in China next week. South Korea estimates that North Korea has sent around 15,000 troops to aid Russia, with Western officials reporting significant casualties among the North Korean forces.

Three people were killed in Indonesia after protesters set fire to a council building in response to the death of a 21-year-old ride-sharing driver, Affan Kurniawan, who was run over by a police vehicle during earlier protests. The demonstrations, which have spread nationwide, are a test for President Prabowo Subianto, who has visited Kurniawan's family and cancelled a trip to China. Protesters are demanding justice for Kurniawan's death, higher wages, lower taxes, and stronger anti-corruption measures. The police have used tear gas to disperse crowds, and seven members of the Mobile Brigade Corps were found to have violated the police professional code of ethics.

The Trump administration is planning to fire almost 500 employees of Voice of America (VOA), a federally funded news organization. The decision is the latest move in President Donald Trump's efforts to strip back the outlet, which the White House has accused of being "radical". The move has been criticized by employees and critics, who say it amounts to an attack on press freedom and will impact America's ability to exercise soft power abroad. The Agency for Global Media (USAGM) announced that 532 positions would be eliminated, leaving VOA with just 108 staff. The decision has been challenged in court, with some employees filing lawsuits to block the terminations. The move is seen as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to exert control over the media and suppress dissenting voices.

A US federal appeals court has ruled that most of Donald Trump's tariffs are an overreach of his emergency powers as president. The court decided that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not grant the president the authority to impose global tariffs. The ruling upholds a lower court's decision and could have significant implications for the US economy and trade relationships. The tariffs will remain in place until mid-October, and the case is likely to be appealed to the US Supreme Court. The decision is a significant setback to Trump's agenda and could impact his political authority and reputation.

The US has blocked Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas from attending a UN General Assembly meeting in New York next month, revoking visas for him and around 80 other Palestinian officials. The decision, announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, cites their alleged undermining of peace efforts and pursuit of unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. The move is seen as a significant diplomatic blow to the Palestinians and has been welcomed by Israel. The Palestinian Authority has condemned the decision, saying it contradicts international law and the UN Headquarters Agreement. The UN has expressed hope that the issue will be resolved, with UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric stating that it is important for all member states to be represented.

The Israeli military has launched an offensive to seize Gaza City, declaring it a 'dangerous combat zone.' The expansion of the war against Hamas comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the recovery of two hostage bodies, including Ilan Weiss, taken during the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack. The move has drawn international condemnation, with countries like France, Britain, Canada, and Australia criticizing Netanyahu's plans and announcing recognition of a Palestinian state. Tens of thousands of Israelis have protested, demanding a deal with Hamas to secure the release of remaining hostages. The war has killed 63,025 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health, and has led to a humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands displaced and facing famine.

A 102-year-old Japanese man, Kokichi Akuzawa, has become the oldest person to climb Mount Fuji, Japan's tallest peak, according to Guinness World Records. Akuzawa previously set the record at 96 years old and broke his own record this time. Despite facing health challenges, including heart failure, a fall, and shingles, Akuzawa trained rigorously and completed the climb over three days and two nights with the support of his 70-year-old daughter. Upon receiving the Guinness World Records certificate, Akuzawa expressed his gratitude and amazement at achieving the feat, but jokingly said he would 'never again' attempt to climb the mountain.

The US government has revoked the visa of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas ahead of his scheduled appearance at the United Nations General Assembly and an international conference on creating a Palestinian state. The decision, made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has been denounced by the Palestinian Authority as a violation of US commitments as the host country of the UN. The move is seen as part of a series of steps taken by the Trump administration to target Palestinians with visa restrictions. The Palestinian Authority has urged other countries to pressure the US to reverse the decision, with EU countries and Spain expressing their support for Abbas.

A newly discovered dinosaur species, Spicomellus, has been found to have an elaborate armory of long bony spikes and a tail weapon. The 165-million-year-old herbivorous dinosaur is considered one of the strangest ever found and is the world's oldest ankylosaur. The discovery has led scientists to re-assess theories on how ankylosaurs evolved, as the findings contradict previous assumptions about the development of their armor.

US Senator Roger Wicker visited Taiwan and called it a 'free country' with the 'right to remain free' amid rising tensions with China. Wicker, the head of the US Senate Armed Services Committee, met with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te and emphasized the US commitment to Taiwan's defense. China has threatened to use force to annex Taiwan, which it claims as its territory. The visit comes as the US and China are engaged in trade negotiations, and Taiwan is seeking to finalize a tariff deal with the US.

President Trump expressed doubt about arranging a one-on-one meeting between Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, despite initially stating he would facilitate such talks. Zelenskyy has expressed frustration with Russia's lack of constructive engagement in negotiations, while Russia continues its assault on Ukrainian cities. The conflict remains ongoing, with Russia making gains on the battlefield.

The UK government has barred Israeli officials from attending the Defense Security and Equipment International (DSEI) conference in London due to the escalation of the war in Gaza. The decision was made amid widespread criticism over Israel's military operation in Gaza. Israeli defense industry members and UK subsidiaries of Israeli defense companies are still allowed to attend. The UK's decision is seen as a response to Israel's actions in Gaza, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer having previously criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the conflict.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin, China, marking Modi's first visit to China in seven years. The meeting comes as both countries face stiff US tariffs and Western scrutiny over their relationships with Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Xi emphasized the importance of friendship and cooperation between the two nations, while Modi expressed commitment to improving bilateral relations based on mutual trust and respect. The meeting is seen as a significant step in easing tensions between the two countries, which have been strained since a deadly skirmish along their disputed Himalayan border in 2020.

Three Scottish brothers, Ewan, Jamie, and Lachlan Maclean, have completed a record-breaking row across the Pacific Ocean, arriving in Cairns, Australia after 139 days at sea. They rowed 9,000 miles from Peru to Australia, becoming the first team to successfully row across from South America. The brothers faced numerous challenges, including seasickness, dwindling food supplies, and tropical storms. Their journey was part of a mission to raise £1m for clean water projects in Madagascar through their non-profit organization, The Maclean Foundation. The brothers overcame extreme difficulties, including a terrifying man-overboard incident, and were motivated by their familial bond and the positive impact they aimed to have on others.

Israel has confirmed it carried out a second airstrike on Houthi targets in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, within a week. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the Houthis, backed by Iran, were operating to harm Israel and its allies, undermining regional stability and global freedom of navigation. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned the Houthis, saying, 'Whoever raises a hand against Israel, their hand will be cut off.' The strikes occurred after Israel intercepted two drones from Yemen during a speech by Houthi leader Abdul-Malik Badreddin al-Houthi. This latest attack follows a previous strike on Sunday, which killed six people and wounded 86 others. The conflict between Israel and the Houthis has been ongoing for nearly two years, with the Houthis continuing to launch missiles and drones at Israel in support of Palestinians in Gaza.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted an airstrike in Yemen, killing Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed Al-Rahawi and several other senior officials. The strike was in response to Houthi attacks on Israel and was made possible by intelligence gathered by the IDF. The conflict between Israel and the Houthis has been ongoing for nearly two years, with the Houthis operating under Iran's direction to harm Israel and its allies. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned the Houthis, stating that whoever raises a hand against Israel will have their hand cut off. The strike was Israel's second against the Houthis in Yemen in a week, following a previous attack that killed six people and wounded 86 others.

The Israeli government has rejected a UN-backed report claiming that famine is occurring in Gaza, calling it "grossly forged" and manipulated for political purposes. The report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) stated that famine is already taking place in the Gaza Governorate and is likely to spread to other areas by the end of September. Israel's Foreign Ministry demanded the report's withdrawal and threatened to lobby donor countries to cut funding to the IPC if it is not retracted. The IPC defended its report, stating that its standards for famine classification have not changed and that its analysis is based on robust, scientific, and technical data. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, also defended the report, describing the situation in Gaza as a "present-day catastrophe."

Russia has blamed the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 under President Donald Trump for Tehran's subsequent violations of the agreement. Russia's UN Ambassador, Dmitry Polyanskiy, argued that the US decision to abandon the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) led to the deterioration of the situation. The UK, France, and Germany (E3) have triggered the snapback mechanism to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran within 30 days due to its non-compliance with the JCPOA. Russia and China have introduced a draft UN Security Council resolution to extend the timeline of the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement by six months.

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 China's influence, and strike a blow against Islamist terrorists. Somaliland, which broke away from Somalia in 1991, has offered the US a new air and sea base near the Red Sea, and has been a reliable ally to the US. The move is being pushed by Senator Ted Cruz, who believes it could be a key part of the US's new Africa strategy. The recognition is seen as a way to counter China's growing influence in the region and to address the threat posed by Islamist terrorists.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg has rejected accusations of antisemitism as she embarks on a second flotilla to Gaza. The 22-year-old and other activists are setting sail on the largest flotilla to Gaza on Sunday, despite being detained by Israeli forces and deported when they approached on a British-flagged yacht in June. Thunberg stated that it is not antisemitic to want freedom for everyone and that the Israeli blockade on Gaza is violating international law. The flotilla aims to deliver humanitarian aid and break the naval blockade imposed by Israel since 2007.

A group of Afghan female footballers who fled their country after the Taliban regained power are now trying out for a refugee team established by FIFA. The players, who are currently living in various countries including the UK and Australia, are hoping to be selected for the team and to eventually be recognized as the official Afghan women's national team. They face numerous challenges, including discrimination and the loss of their loved ones, but remain determined to continue playing and to be a voice for the women and girls left behind in Afghanistan.

The number of Palestinians killed in Gaza has reached 63,000, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, as Israel continues its military campaign in the region. Israel has declared Gaza City a combat zone and is pushing ahead with its plan to militarily occupy the Gaza Strip, starting with Gaza City, with the goal of destroying Hamas and returning the remaining Israeli hostages. The conflict has been ongoing for nearly 23 months, and the number of casualties is likely to rise as the Israeli military continues its assault. The head of the Red Cross has warned that a mass evacuation of Gaza City would be impossible and incomprehensible under the present circumstances, citing the lack of access to shelter, safety, and nutrition for civilians. The conflict began with a Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which saw around 1,200 people killed and about 250 people taken hostage.

Andriy Parubiy, a pro-Western Ukrainian politician and former speaker of the Ukrainian parliament, has been shot dead in Lviv. A manhunt has been launched for the attacker, who fled the scene after firing several shots at Parubiy. The motive behind the murder is unclear, but officials have not ruled out a link to Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. Parubiy was a key figure in the 2013-14 Euromaidan protests, which led to the ousting of pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych. Ukrainian leaders, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former president Petro Poroshenko, have condemned the killing and praised Parubiy's contribution to Ukraine's fight for sovereignty.

A 24-year-old woman, Tasneem al Iwini, shares her daily life in Gaza through a series of audio diary entries with Sky News. She describes the constant presence of Israeli drones, the struggle to access food and basic necessities, and the psychological toll of living under siege. Tasneem's entries detail her daily routines, the high prices of food, and the impact of the conflict on her family and community. She expresses frustration, fear, and hopelessness, questioning how many more must die before the world intervenes.

Actress Dyan Cannon was denied entry to the White House due to an age discrepancy on her passport. Cannon, 88, admitted to lying about her age on her passport documents. The incident was captured on video by her friends, including actresses Kym Douglas and Tracey Bregman, and TV personality Christine Avanti-Fischer, who were traveling with her. The group hosts a podcast called 'God's Table.' Cannon has had a long career in entertainment, including marrying Cary Grant and being nominated for three Oscars. She has taken the incident lightly, reposting the video on her Instagram and joking about it.

The article discusses Fed Governor Lisa Cook's lawsuit against Donald Trump for attempting to fire her from her position, allegedly due to a mortgage fraud scandal. The author questions Cook's claim of standing up for the Fed's independence, pointing out that the Fed has become increasingly politicized and 'woke.' The article highlights Cook's background, including her appointment by Joe Biden and her research focus on social justice issues rather than monetary policy. The author suggests that Trump's actions may be seen as righting the ship, and that the markets are unfazed because they believe Trump will appoint seasoned professionals to replace Cook and Fed Chair Jerome Powell. The article also criticizes Cook's handling of a controversy involving a fellow academic, Harald Uhlig, and her views on free speech.

The article discusses the transformation of Paris into 'Greater Paris' by incorporating 130 surrounding districts, tripling its population to over seven million. The once neglected suburbs, particularly in Seine-Saint-Denis, have become vibrant areas with the development of new infrastructure, cultural institutions, and housing. The Ourcq Canal in Pantin, a formerly industrial area, has been revitalized into a desirable destination with biking trails, restaurants, and art galleries. The Paris Philharmonic, opened a decade ago, has become a cultural hub, attracting 1.5 million visitors annually. The article highlights the shift in the city's center of gravity, with the suburbs now driving innovation and creativity. While social problems persist, the atmosphere in the suburbs has become more hopeful, with young residents expressing optimism about their future.

The article reports on the aftermath of a shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, where two children were killed and 18 others injured during a back-to-school service. The community came together for a Mass on Saturday, where they grieved and healed together. The pastor, Father Dennis Zehren, and Archbishop Bernard Hebda stressed the importance of providing a space for the community to come together and pray. The article highlights the resilience and unity of the community, with many parishioners sharing their experiences and emotions. The shooting has shaken the community, but signs of healing were apparent, with therapy dogs and messages of support outside the church.

China's shopping mall sector is facing a crisis due to years of overbuilding, fueled by debt and a tax system that favors mall construction. Many malls are struggling, with some closing stores, while others are thriving. The sector is being impacted by the rise of e-commerce and changing consumer behavior. Apple's recent closure of a store in the InTime City mall in Dalian highlights the challenges faced by retailers. The article examines the reasons behind China's mall construction boom and the consequences of overbuilding, including the impact on retailers and the broader economy.

Israeli strikes in Gaza City killed at least 17 people on Saturday, a day after Israel ended its daily pauses for aid delivery. The strikes targeted a 'key' Hamas figure, Abu Obeida, and hit a bakery, killing 12 people. Israel is gearing up for another offensive in Gaza City, aiming to take over the city, despite warnings from aid officials that a large-scale evacuation could lead to more malnutrition and humanitarian crises. The conflict has killed over 60,000 people in Gaza since the war began after the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

President Trump announced on Truth Social that he plans to issue an executive order requiring voter identification for all U.S. elections, continuing his efforts to overhaul the nation's election laws. Trump has long attacked the current election laws, falsely blaming them for his 2020 election loss. The announcement is likely to face legal challenges as the Constitution gives states the power to decide election rules and Congress the ability to override state laws. Trump has also reiterated his intention to restrict mail-in voting and has opposed voting machines. This move is part of a wider effort by Trump and his allies to gain an advantage ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. A similar executive order signed by Trump in March was blocked by a federal judge in June, who ruled that it exceeded Trump's authority and risked disenfranchising some voters.

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, job prospects are uncertain, and home ownership is out of reach. The article highlights the differing views of young supporters of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, with Harris leading among young voters according to opinion polls. The youth are more fired up than in the past, with a larger proportion of young Democrats saying they will definitely vote in the coming election. The article also touches on the economic policies of the two candidates, with Harris proposing grants for first-time home buyers and Trump advocating for tariffs on Chinese imports.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit is taking place in Tianjin, China, with 10 member states in attendance. Despite being the world's largest regional organisation by population, the SCO has garnered little attention in Europe, with the exception of the interactions between Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. European leaders are closely watching the summit for signs of closer cooperation between India, China, and Russia, particularly in response to US President Donald Trump's trade policies. The SCO's ability to address regional security concerns and its potential to become an alternative to Western-dominated global institutions are also being scrutinized. Historically, the SCO was formed in 2001 to manage competition between Russia and China in Central Asia, but its significance grew after the 9/11 attacks and the US intervention in Afghanistan. However, the organisation's efforts to expand its influence have been hindered by the intensifying confrontation between Russia and the West, and its growing size has become a challenge. European security specialists are monitoring the summit for developments related to Iran's nuclear programme and potential arms purchases from Russia or China.

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 crime syndicates using alternative power sources and trafficking people into the area. South-east Asia has become a major breeding ground for transnational criminal networks, with the scam industry generating an estimated US$50-75 billion annually. Experts warn that corruption and graft in some governments and local militia have contributed to the growth of the scam industry.

The Trump administration is planning to rename the Department of Defence as the Department of War, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. The proposal, which was first suggested by President Donald Trump, would likely require congressional action but the White House is exploring alternative methods to implement the change. The move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to promote a more aggressive image of the military and to prioritize 'war fighters' over diversity and inclusion initiatives. The change is also seen as a reflection of Trump's emphasis on the US military's offensive capabilities. The proposal has some Republican support in Congress, with Representative Greg Steube filing an amendment to the annual defence policy Bill to change the name of the department. However, the move is also likely to face opposition from civil rights activists who have criticized the administration's policies on transgender individuals in the military.

Eight people, including an Irish aid worker and seven Haitians, were kidnapped from a Haitian orphanage on August 3 and released nearly a month later. The kidnapping was carried out by armed attackers, possibly affiliated with the Viv Ansanm criminal coalition. The release was met with relief from the victims' families and Irish officials, who praised the resilience of the Heraty family and the humanitarian work of Gena Heraty. The kidnapping highlights the dire security situation in Haiti, where gang violence and kidnappings are rampant. Ireland's government has advised its citizens not to visit Haiti due to the 'extremely volatile' security situation.