French President Emmanuel Macron expressed confidence that the United States would support security efforts in Ukraine after 26 countries pledged to send troops to help. The meeting in Paris, attended by various leaders and followed by a call to U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed to secure a stronger commitment from Washington. European countries, alongside Canada, Australia, and Japan, promised to enhance support for Ukraine's army without deploying troops directly to the front lines.
Key Facts
Emmanuel Macron stated there is no doubt the U.S. will aid in Ukraine's security efforts.
26 countries, mainly European, pledged to support Ukraine by possibly sending troops after the conflict ends.
The U.S. role is crucial for providing intelligence and air support for European operations.
The coalition of the willing includes contributions from countries like Canada, Australia, and Japan.
The Paris summit sought to reinforce Europe's independence in security matters.
European troops are designated as a “reassurance force” and will not operate on the front line.
The meeting included various global leaders, with a focus on pressuring Russia toward a peace settlement.
During a visit to Ecuador, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled two Ecuadorian gangs as "foreign terrorist organizations." The designation is part of the U.S.'s strategy to combat organized crime in Latin America by treating these gangs like terrorist groups. Rubio's visit led to new security agreements and increased cooperation between the U.S. and Ecuador.
Key Facts
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Ecuador and called two gangs, Los Lobos and Los Choneros, “foreign terrorist organizations.”
The U.S. is categorizing Latin American gangs as terrorist groups as part of its approach to combat organized crime.
This classification aims to target the financial assets of the gangs and enhance intelligence-sharing.
Rubio announced new U.S. security funding for Ecuador, including $13 million for general security and $6 million for naval drones.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa and Rubio discussed increasing military cooperation, including potentially re-establishing a U.S. military base.
There were discussions on improving migration and trade ties between the U.S. and Ecuador.
A recent U.S. military action against a gang-linked boat from Venezuela was noted, but Rubio indicated military strikes would not occur in "cooperating countries" like Ecuador.
A recent large-scale hacking effort linked to China has targeted various figures and potentially the general public by accessing personal data. This hacking campaign, known as Salt Typhoon, reflects a shift as Chinese hackers gather extensive amounts of personal information. U.S. security services and their Western counterparts have issued warnings to alert the public and organizations about these activities.
Key Facts
Chinese hackers have targeted a mix of high-profile figures and ordinary people in a large-scale operation called Salt Typhoon.
The FBI and other security agencies have warned that the campaign affects 600 companies across 80 countries.
Salt Typhoon represents a change in tactics, focusing more on collecting personal data rather than solely targeting government or infrastructure.
Around two dozen Western security agencies have issued an advisory on these hacking activities.
In past operations, Chinese hackers targeted U.S. government offices and infrastructure but are now aiming at personal data.
The hackers' exact motivations for collecting this personal information are unclear but could involve future cyber operations or technological advancements.
China’s efforts involve not just government units but also private contractor firms, complicating international responses.
Other countries, like Russia and North Korea, also engage in cyber espionage and hacking operations.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health Secretary, faced tough questions from lawmakers about his vaccine policies and recent changes in health agencies during a three-hour hearing. The discussion included accusations from Democrats and some Republicans, questioning the impact of his leadership on vaccine access and agency management changes. The hearing happened shortly after he made significant staffing changes at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and related departments.
Key Facts
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the U.S. Health Secretary.
He was questioned by lawmakers about his vaccine policies during a three-hour hearing.
Kennedy has made several agency changes since becoming Health Secretary, including firing the CDC leader.
A panel of independent vaccine experts was replaced by new members under his leadership, raising concerns from public health experts.
Kennedy denied accusations that he restricted vaccine access and defended his agency decisions.
A former CDC head claimed she was fired for not supporting Kennedy's vaccine policies.
Kennedy faced bipartisan criticism but also received some support from Republicans during the hearings.
The U.S. FDA, under his leadership, approved Covid booster shots for limited groups, sparking additional questions from lawmakers.
Air Canada flight attendants are voting on a new contract after a strike was declared illegal and they were ordered back to work. The tentative deal includes wage increases, but many workers are unhappy with the negotiation process. Voting on the agreement ends soon, and results will follow.
Key Facts
Air Canada flight attendants went on a three-day strike starting August 16.
The Canadian government declared the strike illegal and required workers to return to their jobs.
A tentative agreement was reached on August 19 and is now up for a union vote.
The agreement proposes a 12% wage increase for new hires and 8% for senior workers in the first year.
The strike reportedly cost Air Canada about 300 million Canadian dollars.
This was the first time a union defied Canada's "industrial peace" clause.
Some flight attendants believe the deal was made under pressure due to threats of jail time and fines.
If the agreement is rejected, only the wage terms will go to arbitration, meaning an independent decision-maker will settle them.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced tough questions from senators during a hearing about his vaccine policies. He defended his recent firings at the CDC and was criticized by some senators who are worried about the impact of his actions on public health.
Key Facts
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the Health Secretary dealing with issues related to COVID-19 vaccines.
Kennedy recently fired the CDC Director and 17 panel members, causing concern.
He claims these actions are to remove bias, while others see it as politically motivated.
Some senators, like John Barrasso, are worried his policies threaten public safety by affecting vaccine availability.
There is tension between Kennedy's vaccine stance and President Trump's previous efforts with Operation Warp Speed.
Sen. Bill Cassidy raised concerns about the cancellation of grants for new vaccines and its impact on vaccine access.
Kennedy did not provide clear answers about future vaccine recommendations from the CDC.
A funicular crash in Lisbon, Portugal resulted in 16 deaths and over 20 injuries, including a young German boy who survived with his mother while his father was killed. Lisbon's public transport operator has closed all funiculars for safety inspections as police and prosecutors investigate the cause of the incident. The crash involved several foreign nationals, and communities are trying to cope with the tragedy.
Key Facts
A funicular crash in Lisbon killed 16 people and injured more than 20 others.
A three-year-old German boy survived the crash; his father died, and his mother was injured.
The crash included victims from several countries, including Portugal, Canada, Germany, Ukraine, South Korea, and Switzerland.
Lisbon's public transport operator, Carris, has closed all funiculars for inspections.
Police and prosecutors are investigating the cause of the crash.
A local charity confirmed that four of its workers died in the accident.
Residents and tourists are expressing shock and sadness over the incident.
The Gloria line funicular will remain closed until a new carriage is installed.
U.S. Senators questioned Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr during a hearing about vaccine access and the COVID-19 pandemic response. Kennedy criticized CDC policies, especially about masks and school closures, and faced strong opposition for his views against the scientific consensus on vaccines. The hearing highlighted disagreements on public health policy between lawmakers and Kennedy, who has been a controversial figure due to his anti-vaccine stance.
Key Facts
The hearing focused on the Trump administration’s plan to reduce vaccine access.
Kennedy criticized CDC policies related to masks and school closures during the pandemic.
Senators, both Democrats and some Republicans, criticized Kennedy's stance.
Kennedy wants changes at the CDC and has fired officials like Sue Monarez.
Kennedy has faced backlash for promoting ideas that conflict with established science.
Kennedy is a known anti-vaccine activist, which aligns with his controversial policies.
The hearing came shortly after the CDC director, Sue Monarez, was removed from her position.
Nadine Dorries, a former minister and member of the UK Conservative Party, has joined Reform UK. Dorries, who once worked closely with Boris Johnson, expressed her belief that the Conservative Party is no longer effective.
Key Facts
Nadine Dorries left the Conservative Party to join Reform UK.
She formerly held positions as culture secretary and health minister in the UK government.
Dorries described the Conservative Party as "dead" in an interview.
She is one of several former Conservative members to join Reform UK recently.
Other politicians who switched to Reform UK include David Jones and Sir Jake Berry.
Jacob Bethell hit four consecutive boundaries in one over during a cricket match between England and South Africa. Bethell and Joe Root are playing for England, who are chasing a target of 331 runs in the second One Day International (ODI) match at Lord's.
Key Facts
Jacob Bethell hit four boundaries in a row off Keshav Maharaj's bowling.
This took place during the second ODI match between England and South Africa.
The match is held at Lord's, a famous cricket ground.
England is chasing a target of 331 runs to win.
Joe Root is also playing for England in this match.
The broadcast was only available to viewers in the UK.
Stephen Miran, nominated by President Trump to join the Federal Reserve, stated he will not resign from his current White House job if confirmed. During his confirmation hearing, Miran emphasized his commitment to acting independently and not being influenced by the president. Democrats voiced concerns about his potential political bias, but Republicans largely supported his nomination.
Key Facts
Stephen Miran is President Trump's nominee for a Federal Reserve vacancy.
Miran currently works at the White House as part of the Council of Economic Advisers.
He plans to take a leave of absence from the White House if confirmed to the Fed role.
Democrats are worried about Miran's independence and potential political influence by Trump.
Miran insists he values the Federal Reserve's independence and has not promised policy changes to the White House.
His nomination is likely to move forward in the Senate, where Republicans have a majority.
Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized the potential impact on the Fed's independence.
Miran stated he would resign from his White House job if offered a long-term position at the Fed.
The higher education regulator in England, the Office for Students, has suggested linking university fees to teaching quality. Currently, all universities charge the same fee for undergraduate degrees, but this proposal aims to incentivize better teaching. The government will decide on any fee changes, and further plans will be discussed in an upcoming white paper.
Key Facts
The Office for Students (OfS) suggests that tuition fees could be connected to the quality of teaching at universities.
All universities in England and Wales currently charge a tuition fee of £9,535 for undergraduate degrees.
The OfS ranks universities into four categories: gold, silver, bronze, and "requires improvement."
Any changes to university fees are to be decided by the government.
A government white paper on higher education will be published in the autumn.
More than 40% of universities in England expected a financial deficit by summer.
"Differential fee levels" are meant to provide incentives for teaching improvement.
The specifics of how fees would change based on teaching quality are not yet clear.
A landslide in the Marrah Mountains of Darfur, Sudan, has resulted in the recovery of 370 bodies, with possibly up to 1,000 people killed. The landslide was triggered by heavy rain, and many people are still trapped or missing. The international community is being called to provide support as the area faces a humanitarian crisis.
Key Facts
A landslide occurred in the village of Tarasin in Darfur, Sudan, after heavy rainfall.
Authorities have recovered and buried 370 bodies so far.
Up to 1,000 people might have been killed in the landslide, according to officials.
Many people remain trapped under debris or missing after floodwaters.
The Marrah Mountains, where the landslide happened, are remote and difficult to reach.
The United Nations is involved in efforts to aid the affected area.
The event adds to the ongoing challenges in Sudan, which includes civil war and famine.
The conflict in Sudan since April 2023 has caused widespread displacement and hardship.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Health Secretary, was questioned about his stance on COVID-19 deaths and vaccines during a heated Senate hearing. He expressed uncertainty about the exact number of COVID deaths in the U.S. Recently, CDC leadership saw changes following the dismissal of its director, Susan Monarez.
Key Facts
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attended a Senate hearing about COVID-19.
He was questioned about the number of COVID-19 deaths in the U.S.
Kennedy stated he was unsure of the exact death toll.
There have been recent changes in leadership at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Susan Monarez, the former CDC director, was recently dismissed.
Other CDC leaders resigned following Monarez’s dismissal.
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has asked its factory workers to stay home after a cyber attack disrupted its computer systems. The attack stopped production at several JLR sites and affected car sales. The company is working to restore its systems while also dealing with supply chain issues.
Key Facts
Jaguar Land Rover told factory workers to stay at home until at least Tuesday due to a cyber attack.
The cyber attack forced JLR to shut down important IT systems over the weekend.
Car production stopped at three JLR locations in England: Halewood, Solihull, and Wolverhampton.
The situation affects car production and sales, with significant disruptions reported.
JLR is owned by Tata Motors, an Indian company.
A hacker group, possibly teenagers, claimed responsibility for the attack but did not confirm stealing any data.
JLR is investigating the cyber attack and has not found evidence that customer data was stolen.
In 2023, JLR partnered with Tata Consultancy Services for cybersecurity and IT services in a five-year, £800 million deal.
Chelsea has agreed to sign USA forward Alyssa Thompson from Angel City in a deal just under £1 million. Thompson, 20 years old, will join Chelsea on a five-year contract to help strengthen their attack. This transfer surpasses Chelsea's previous record but does not break the Women’s Super League record.
Key Facts
Chelsea will pay just under £1 million to sign Alyssa Thompson.
Thompson is currently a 20-year-old forward from the USA.
She has played 22 times for the USA national team and scored three goals.
The transfer fee sets a new record for Chelsea but not for the Women’s Super League.
The current WSL record is £1 million paid by Arsenal for Olivia Smith.
Thompson is expected to help Chelsea's attack after injuries to key players.
Chelsea will play Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Friday night.
A mass stabbing took place in a First Nations community in Manitoba, Canada, resulting in one death and at least six injuries. The suspect in the attack has also died, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are leading the investigation.
Key Facts
One person was killed, and at least six people were injured in the stabbing.
The attack happened in Hollow Water First Nation, Manitoba, 200 km north of Winnipeg.
The suspect involved in the stabbing has died.
Eight people were taken to hospitals by air or ambulance for treatment.
The incident occurred on Thursday morning, prompting warnings of a heavy police presence.
The RCMP states there is no ongoing risk to public safety.
The RCMP major crimes unit is investigating the incident.
A man named Hadush Kebatu has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman in Epping, Essex. His actions led to protests outside the hotel where he stayed as an asylum seeker. Kebatu will be sentenced on September 23.
Key Facts
Hadush Kebatu, an asylum seeker from Ethiopia, was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman.
Kebatu’s actions took place on July 7 and 8 in Epping, Essex.
His arrest led to protests outside The Bell Hotel, where he was staying.
The court heard that Kebatu attempted to kiss the girl and placed his hand on her thigh.
A woman intervened during the incident and later called the police.
During the trial, Kebatu denied the accusations, claiming he could not commit such acts.
Kebatu arrived in the UK by boat and claimed he paid €2,500 for the journey.
Judge Williams warned that Kebatu faces a prison sentence when he returns to court.
Demand for second-hand school uniforms has increased as parents face high costs at the start of the school year. Charities and community groups in Somerset, like Barnardo's and the Chard Community Hub, are providing affordable options by offering pre-loved uniforms. Many families are turning to social media and local charities due to the impact of the rising cost of living.
Key Facts
The demand for second-hand school uniforms is growing in Somerset.
Barnardo's in Frome is asking for more uniform donations because of high demand.
The Chard Community Hub has a shop offering uniforms on a "pay-as-you-can" basis.
The uniform shop in Chard started in 2022 to help the community afford uniforms.
Online platforms like Facebook are used for school uniform exchanges.
Parents are finding it hard to buy new uniforms due to living costs.
A typical uniform set for Frome College can cost about £100.
The release of the video game Hollow Knight: Silksong caused major online game stores to crash due to high demand. Many gamers faced difficulties buying the game, but despite the issues, it quickly became popular with over 100,000 players within half an hour of its launch.
Key Facts
Hollow Knight: Silksong is a sequel to a popular game from 2017.
Online stores like Steam, Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox had issues handling the high demand for the game.
Errors and outages were reported until about 17:30, causing frustration among gamers.
The first Hollow Knight game sold more than 15 million copies worldwide.
Download error reports peaked at 3,750 on release day according to Downdetector.
Christopher Larkin, a composer for the game, joked about the situation on social media.
Despite the purchase difficulties, Steam noted over 100,000 people were playing the game shortly after launch.
