Russian missile and drone strikes hit Kyiv and nearby areas, killing at least 15 people and wounding many others. These attacks are part of a recent increase in long-range assaults amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Key Facts
At least 15 people died and dozens were injured in Russian strikes on Kyiv and its region overnight.
The Russian military targeted logistic hubs and supply centers in Kyiv, claiming they were used for military purposes.
Russian forces also struck three cargo ships near the Black Sea port of Odesa.
Russia has more than doubled its missile use in July compared to previous periods.
Recent attacks include missile strikes in the Moscow region causing casualties.
Ukrainian authorities and responders have been dealing with damage to warehouses and infrastructure.
The conflict involves frequent long-range missile and drone attacks by both sides.
The situation remains tense with ongoing military actions affecting civilians and logistics.
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A special organ in Halberstadt, Germany, is playing a single piece of music by composer John Cage very slowly and continuously since 2001. This performance is planned to last 639 years, ending in 2640, making it one of the longest concerts ever.
Key Facts
The organ plays John Cage’s "ORGAN²/ASLSP (As SLow aS Possible)" composition.
The music started on September 5, 2001, Cage’s 89th birthday.
The piece is scheduled to finish on September 4, 2640.
The composition includes very slow changes, sometimes one month or even years per note.
The performance takes place in the Burchardi Church in Halberstadt, Germany.
The organ uses an electric blower to produce continuous sound.
A recent chord change added a new note, marking about 4% completion of the whole project.
The project also helped restore the church building.
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A UK parliamentary report recommends banning over-the-counter flea treatments for pets because they contain harmful chemicals that damage wildlife and the environment. These chemicals, found in popular spot-on treatments, have been detected in rivers and bird nests, showing they harm ecosystems beyond pets.
Key Facts
Flea treatments for cats and dogs often contain chemicals called imidacloprid and fipronil.
These chemicals are banned in pesticides in the UK and EU due to their toxicity to fish, bees, and other invertebrates.
Research found these chemicals in nearly half of water samples from nine Welsh rivers.
Songbirds use fur contaminated with these chemicals for nests, leading to more unhatched eggs and dead chicks.
The chemicals can break down into even more toxic substances, including harmful “forever chemicals” called PFAS.
The committee suggests banning sales of these treatments in pet shops and online but allowing vets to prescribe them when needed.
There are concerns about the pet medicine industry influencing how these treatments are regulated.
The British Veterinary Association supports the call for tailored advice to pet owners on using flea treatments safely.
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Qadaruddin Shishir, a Bangladeshi journalist and fact-checker, investigates illegal killings and false information after protests that removed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024. He started an independent group to fight fake news and train new fact-checkers during Bangladesh’s political change.
Key Facts
Qadaruddin Shishir is a journalist and fact-checker from Bangladesh.
He studies extrajudicial killings, which are illegal killings without trial.
His work follows student-led protests that ended Sheikh Hasina’s government in 2024.
Bangladesh is undergoing a political transition with new leaders.
Shishir focuses on stopping false information spreading online.
He created an independent organisation for fact-checking.
The organisation also trains young people to check facts and fight misinformation.
His goal is to help protect democracy and rebuild trust in Bangladesh.
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Early Wednesday morning, Russian missiles hit multiple places in Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital. At least one person died, and buildings including a tall building and warehouses were damaged.
Key Facts
The attack involved Russian ballistic missiles.
The strikes happened across more than seven locations in Kyiv.
Damage occurred to a multi-storey building and warehouses.
Civilian infrastructure was also hit.
At least one person was killed in the attack.
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Duane “Keffe D” Davis is going on trial for organizing the 1996 killing of rapper Tupac Shakur, nearly 30 years after the shooting. Davis faces a murder charge related to a gang and has pleaded not guilty. The trial will focus on whether Davis planned the attack, not on who actually fired the shots.
Key Facts
Duane “Keffe D” Davis is accused of organizing Tupac Shakur’s 1996 killing.
Tupac Shakur died after a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas on September 7, 1996.
Shakur was shot while riding in a car with Marion “Suge” Knight, who survived.
Davis faces one charge: murder with a deadly weapon to assist a criminal gang.
Davis has been in jail since late 2023 and denies the charges.
The trial is expected to last about a month and aims to prove Davis was the person directing the attack.
Davis’ own statements and a book he wrote helped reopen the cold case.
Tupac’s family hopes the trial will bring truth and justice after many years.
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Duane “Keffe D” Davis will go on trial for organizing the 1996 drive-by shooting of rapper Tupac Shakur in Las Vegas. Tupac, riding in a car with Marion “Suge” Knight, was shot and died a week later; Knight was wounded but survived.
Key Facts
Duane Davis was arrested in 2023 and pleaded not guilty; his trial starts August 10, 2026.
Tupac Shakur was shot on September 7, 1996, while a passenger in a BMW driven by Marion Knight.
A white Cadillac pulled alongside their car before the shooting occurred.
Tupac died a week after being shot at age 25; Knight survived with serious injuries.
The shooting is linked to a rivalry between rival gangs connected to East Coast and West Coast hip-hop scenes.
Davis has admitted to leading a Crips gang in Compton, California, and allegedly planned the attack.
Other people in Davis’s Cadillac with him that night are all deceased and were not charged.
Tupac was a highly influential rapper, actor, and activist with many awards and honors after his death.
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The childhood home of astronaut Neil Armstrong in Wapakoneta, Ohio, is for sale for the first time in almost 40 years. The house played a key role in Armstrong’s early interest in flying and has been preserved by a retired history teacher who has welcomed visits from several astronauts.
Key Facts
Neil Armstrong lived in the house at 601 W. Benton St. as a teenager.
Armstrong started building model airplanes and testing them in the house.
He took flying lessons nearby and made his first solo flight at age 16.
The home has been privately owned by Karen Mikesell since 1988, a retired history teacher.
Mikesell has preserved the house’s original character and Armstrong’s bedroom.
Nine astronauts, including Buzz Aldrin, have visited the home.
Mikesell has received space-related gifts, such as a moon rock and gold foil from Apollo 11.
The house is a notable landmark connected to Armstrong’s space legacy but is not open for regular tours.
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Lloyd Robertson, a well-known Canadian TV news anchor who led CTV National News for 27 years, has died at age 92. He was a trusted journalist who covered many major events and retired in 2011 after a long career in broadcasting.
Key Facts
Lloyd Robertson died at the age of 92.
He was chief anchor of CTV National News from 1984 to 2011.
Robertson worked at CBC before joining CTV in 1976.
He covered important events like elections, wars, and the September 11 attacks.
He was voted Canada’s most trusted TV journalist 11 years in a row by TV Guide Canada readers.
Robertson was honored with the Order of Canada and inducted into several halls of fame.
After retiring as anchor, he continued with CTV as a special correspondent.
He was married in 1956 and had four daughters.
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Heavy rain caused sudden cloudbursts in the Pir Panjal mountains of Indian-administered Kashmir on July 19, triggering deadly floods and landslides. These disasters destroyed homes, killed at least 28 people, and left many missing in remote mountain villages like Murrah.
Key Facts
A cloudburst caused mud, rocks, and water to flood the village of Murrah, trapping eight family members inside one house.
The village lost electricity, roads, and mobile phone connections after the floodwaters damaged infrastructure.
Rescue teams, soldiers, and volunteers searched by hand because heavy machinery could not safely reach the unstable area.
Murrah is a remote village in the Pir Panjal range and is home mostly to the Gujjar community, who rely on farming and livestock.
At least 28 people died in floods and landslides across Jammu and Kashmir caused by several cloudbursts this month.
Scientists link increased heavy rainfall in the western Himalayas to rising temperatures from climate change.
Nearby areas, including Rajouri town and Gurez Valley, also suffered damage from floods and landslides.
The disasters have caused widespread displacement, loss of homes, and destruction of transportation routes.
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Hundreds of people in Rome have been living in tents after a fire forced the evacuation of Spin Time Labs, a building used for housing and social help. The government led by Giorgia Meloni wants to close such squatted buildings, but local authorities and community members are trying to find solutions for the displaced residents.
Key Facts
Spin Time Labs has been occupied since 2013 and provides social services like a food bank and co-working spaces.
A small fire on July 29 led to the evacuation of around 400 residents, including children, elderly, and disabled people.
The Meloni government views squatted buildings as places linked to crime and seeks to shut them down.
The building is under two legal seizures: one by the private owner and one connected to the fire.
The Italian interior ministry was ordered to carry out an eviction in 2020 but delayed action due to concerns about leaving vulnerable people homeless.
Rome’s city council and volunteers are providing tents, food, and medical help to those displaced.
Local officials have offered to buy the building to maintain community services.
The residents come from many countries and backgrounds, living together as a community despite the difficulties.
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Hundreds of people have gathered in Fnideq, Morocco, near the Spanish border town of Ceuta, looking for missing family members after a large group crossed into Ceuta last week. At least 99 people have died during the crossing, and many others are missing or still in Ceuta, including hundreds of unaccompanied children.
Key Facts
Around 72,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta last week.
At least 88 people died in Ceuta and 11 died in Morocco during the crossing.
Most people who crossed into Ceuta have been returned to Morocco within 48 hours through cooperation between Spain and Morocco.
Some returnees say they came back voluntarily due to hunger and lack of jobs, while others say they were forced by police.
NGOs have raised concerns that some eligible for asylum were sent back without chance to request protection.
About 2,000 people remain in Ceuta, including 862 registered unaccompanied children.
Families in Morocco wait anxiously, showing photos of missing loved ones trying to find them.
Spanish police set up an office in Ceuta to collect reports of missing people.
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Bolivia has sent over 200 police and military officers to patrol its border with Brazil. This action comes after fighting between Brazilian criminal gangs, which has caused at least nine people to die.
Key Facts
Bolivia deployed more than 200 police and military personnel to the border with Brazil.
The deployment is a response to violence between Brazilian criminal gangs.
These gangs are fighting to control drug trafficking routes.
At least nine people have died due to this gang violence.
The border area has become unsafe because of these clashes.
Bolivia aims to stop the violence from spreading into its territory.
The situation highlights ongoing problems with drug-related crime in the region.
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Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, warned that North Korea will consider new military actions after Japan test-fired a U.S.-made Tomahawk missile. She accused Japan of shifting from defense to becoming a military power and blamed the U.S. for supporting Japan’s increased military activities.
Key Facts
Japan recently test-fired a U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missile from the destroyer Chokai in the Pacific Ocean.
North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong said Japan is moving away from defense toward preemptive attack capabilities.
Kim accused the United States of helping Japan’s military growth by supplying missiles and supporting tests.
North Korea warns it will take "additional military options" in response to Japan’s actions.
The statement reflects ongoing criticism by North Korea of security ties between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan.
North Korea sees Japan’s military activities as a direct threat to its security and a reason to develop its own weapons.
Analysts suggest North Korea might use this message to justify future military demonstrations or missile tests.
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New Zealand experienced an Antarctic cold snap causing rare snowfall in Wellington, the capital, for the first time in 11 years and heavy snow in southern cities. The cold weather led to icy roads, some highway closures, and unusual activities like skiing down steep streets in Dunedin.
Key Facts
A cold front brought freezing temperatures, snow, hail, and strong winds across New Zealand starting Tuesday.
Wellington saw snow and sleet at sea level for the first time in 11 years, surprising many residents.
Dunedin, a southern city, was covered in snow, causing schools to close and inspiring people to snowboard and ski down streets.
Baldwin Street in Dunedin is known as the world’s steepest street, where a skier was seen going down during the snowfall.
Christchurch experienced snow dusting on the beach and a plane had to abort landing due to bad weather.
Police warned people to avoid travel because of icy roads and several cars slid off roads.
Temperatures were expected to rise on Wednesday but then drop again by Thursday morning, potentially the coldest of the year.
New Zealand’s electricity use reached a record high during Wednesday’s morning peak, raising concerns about energy shortages on Friday.
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Israel has approved 113 million shekels ($37 million) to take control of over 70 historical sites in the occupied West Bank. This funding adds to previous investments aimed at expanding Israeli control over archaeological and heritage sites in the area.
Key Facts
The Israeli government approved 113 million shekels to control more than 70 sites in the West Bank.
This is part of a larger plan, including a 250 million shekel ($83 million) program from May.
The Settlements Ministry is receiving 157 million shekels ($52 million) in direct funding plus another 142 million ($47 million) in commitments.
The Knesset Finance Committee separately approved nearly 300 million shekels ($99 million) for settlement-related funding.
Israel labels these sites as Jewish heritage to strengthen state control over Palestinian land.
Palestinian media report the plan includes taking over Solomon’s Pools near Bethlehem.
Since 2022, there have been about 104 settlements and 160 outposts approved in the West Bank.
Israeli settlements in the West Bank are considered illegal under international law.
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UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is considering holding a public inquiry into the UK activities of Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. The government will also review allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed, former owner of Harrods, and possibly others, as part of a wider investigation into abuse by powerful men.
Key Facts
Victims minister Alex Davies-Jones said Burnham is "looking into" a public inquiry about Epstein’s UK activities.
Burnham agreed to meet with Epstein’s victims to hear their concerns directly.
Alleged behavior of Mohamed Al Fayed, the former Harrods owner, is also under review for possible inclusion in the inquiry.
Davies-Jones resigned from the previous Labour government over its handling of Epstein survivors but was reappointed when Burnham took office.
Labour campaigners asked for a full inquiry into Epstein, Al Fayed, and West Ham co-owner David Sullivan, who denies allegations against him.
The inquiry would explore how Epstein used UK military bases and borders to travel with trafficked women.
Survivors emphasize that they want meaningful action, not just promises or publicity.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown previously raised concerns about Epstein’s unusual access to UK military facilities.
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The U.S., Iran, and Oman are close to making a temporary agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for safe ship passage. This deal would last 60 days, aiming to reduce conflict and restart talks on a nuclear agreement, with an announcement expected soon.
Key Facts
The deal involves a 60-day temporary plan for managing ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
Inbound ships would use a northern lane in Iranian waters; outbound ships would use a southern lane in Omani waters.
No fees or tolls would be charged for ship passage during this period.
Both countries will work to clear naval mines from the middle lane of the strait within 30 days.
After clearing mines, the middle lane would be used for ship traffic under a permanent arrangement to be negotiated later.
The U.S. delayed military strikes to allow diplomacy more time to work.
The White House and multiple regional countries, including Qatar, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, helped mediate the talks.
Iran’s Supreme Leader and top security council approved the agreement recently.
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The US government under President Trump canceled the visa of Brazil’s ambassador to the US, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, as a response to Brazil rejecting Trump’s nominee for US ambassador in Brasília and denying visas to two US diplomats. The US says the visa may be restored if Brazil approves the US ambassador appointment, while Brazil sees this as an attempt to interfere in its upcoming election.
Key Facts
The US canceled the visa of Brazil’s ambassador, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, amid a diplomatic dispute.
Brazil refused to approve Daniel Perez, Trump’s chosen US ambassador to Brazil.
Brazil also denied visas to two US diplomats planning to visit before Brazil’s October election.
The US warns it may take further diplomatic actions if Brazil continues blocking the ambassador approval.
Brazil says these US actions are politically motivated and intended to influence their election.
Brazil argues it did not allow a decision about the US ambassador until after the first election round on October 4.
The US claims the president has the right to pick ambassadors without foreign interference.
The dispute relates to broader political tensions between President Trump and Brazil’s President Lula.
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Nearly 400 Australian bird and mammal species face a high risk from the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus, according to a government study. This virus threatens animals like penguins, dolphins, seals, and the Tasmanian devil, potentially causing severe population declines or even extinction.
Key Facts
A federal government assessment found almost 400 native Australian species at high or worse risk from H5N1 bird flu.
Some species at extreme risk are unlikely to survive if the virus reaches them.
Species affected include penguins, fur seals, quolls, dolphins, Tasmanian devils, and over 300 bird species.
More than 80 endangered species face a high risk of infection, pushing them closer to extinction.
The study involved over 2,000 native species and was done with Charles Darwin University and BirdLife Australia.
Australian sea lions have declined by 60% in 40 years and are at very high risk of the virus.
Experts warn the disease will have major negative impacts on Australia’s wildlife diversity.
Conservation groups urge the government to invest $200 million to protect wildlife and control invasive species.
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