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The Parole Board is reviewing whether Jon Venables, one of the killers of James Bulger in 1993, can be released from prison. Venables, first jailed for the murder committed as a boy, has been sent back to prison twice for possessing child abuse images. The review will consider his potential risk to the public if released.
Key Facts
Jon Venables, involved in the murder of James Bulger, has been in and out of prison since his initial release.
He was first jailed in 1993 alongside Robert Thompson for the murder of a two-year-old.
Venables was released on licence in 2001 but has been recalled to prison twice for having child abuse images on his computer.
The Parole Board will review whether Venables can be released, focusing on the risk he may pose to the public.
The review process includes examining evidence about Venables' behavior and the impact of his crime.
Robert Thompson, the other person involved in the crime, has not reoffended since his release.
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A large landslide in western Sudan's Darfur region destroyed the village of Tarseen and may have killed up to 1,000 people. The landslide happened after heavy rains in the Jebel Marra area, which has seen many displaced people due to ongoing conflict. The conflict between Sudan's army and paramilitary forces has caused a significant humanitarian crisis, making aid delivery difficult.
Key Facts
Up to 1,000 people died in a landslide in Tarseen, Darfur, Sudan.
The landslide occurred after heavy rain in the Jebel Marra region.
The area is controlled by the Sudan Liberation Movement-Army (SLM-A).
Many victims were displaced by over two years of civil war in Sudan.
The Jebel Marra region had a population surge due to fleeing from conflict.
Refugee camps like Zamzam have suffered from famine and attacks.
The Rapid Support Forces and allied militias control much of Darfur.
Aid workers report severe humanitarian issues, including child starvation.
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A strong earthquake hit eastern Afghanistan, causing over 1,400 deaths and injuring more than 3,000 people. Rough terrain and limited aid make rescue efforts difficult, while international organizations and countries offer support.
Key Facts
An earthquake with a 6.0 magnitude struck eastern Afghanistan, primarily affecting the Kunar province.
More than 1,400 people died, and over 3,000 were injured.
The earthquake damaged houses made of mud bricks and wood, causing them to collapse.
Rough terrain hinders rescue operations; commandos use air drops to evacuate the injured.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported a 5.2 magnitude aftershock.
The United Nations and other countries are providing aid despite concerns about supporting the Taliban.
The U.K. pledged £1 million, and the EU is sending 130 tons of emergency supplies.
Many health facilities have closed or reduced services due to funding cuts, affecting emergency response.
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A Brazilian Supreme Court panel has started the verdict and sentencing phase for former President Jair Bolsonaro. He is accused of planning to stay in power after losing the 2022 election. The trial includes charges of attempting a coup and other serious crimes.
Key Facts
The trial began on Tuesday and is scheduled to include sessions up to September 12.
Bolsonaro is charged with attempting a coup, involvement in a criminal organization, and other crimes.
A guilty verdict on the coup charge could result in a sentence of up to 12 years.
Bolsonaro is currently under house arrest and was not in court due to reported health issues.
Seven of Bolsonaro's associates are also on trial for related charges.
Brazil’s electoral court has already banned him from running in elections until 2030.
The prosecution claims a plan existed to prevent the transition of power and possibly harm new officials.
Digital files and messages have been presented as evidence of a conspiracy to keep Bolsonaro as president.
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In August, 185 people in Gaza died from malnutrition, with an additional 13 deaths in one day, partly due to food shortages linked to the conflict with Israel. The United Nations has declared parts of Gaza are experiencing famine, affecting hundreds of thousands of people. Israel has rejected claims of famine and continues operations in Gaza.
Key Facts
185 people in Gaza died from malnutrition in August, with 13 more deaths occurring in 24 hours.
More than 83 people, including 15 children, have died since the UN declared parts of Gaza are undergoing famine.
43,000 children under five and over 55,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women in Gaza suffer from malnutrition.
Two-thirds of pregnant women in Gaza are experiencing anaemia.
Since October 7, 2023, 361 hunger-related deaths, including 130 children, have been recorded in Gaza.
The IPC announced in August that 514,000 people in Gaza are affected by famine, which might increase to 641,000.
Israel disputes the UN's findings about famine in Gaza despite reported evidence.
Israel's military actions in Gaza have resulted in over 63,557 deaths and 160,660 injuries.
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Colin Smyth, a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP), hosted a group of girl guides at the Scottish Parliament after being arrested on charges of possessing indecent images of children. Smyth, who has been suspended by the Labour Party, is also facing a separate allegation of hiding a secret camera in a toilet at the parliament, which he denies. The parliament has revoked Smyth's pass, and there's an ongoing police investigation.
Key Facts
Colin Smyth is an MSP who has been charged with possessing indecent images of children.
The arrest occurred on August 5, and he hosted the girl guides at the parliament on August 15.
Smyth has been suspended from the Labour Party following the charges.
He is accused of hiding a secret camera in a toilet at the Scottish Parliament, which he denies.
Girlguiding officials assured that no girls were affected during their visit to Holyrood.
Smyth's parliamentary pass has been deactivated, but he can still participate remotely.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar expressed shock over the allegations.
The police investigation is ongoing, and the parliament is cooperating with authorities.
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un traveled to China to attend a military parade with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This parade marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and China's fight against Japan. It is the first time Kim, Xi, and Putin are attending an event together.
Key Facts
Kim Jong Un arrived in Beijing by train for the military parade.
The parade is to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Attendees include leaders from China, Russia, and North Korea.
This is Kim Jong Un's first time at a major international event like this.
North Korea has sent troops to support Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.
South Korea's intelligence suggests Kim is working to improve relations with China.
Kim's daughter, viewed as his likely heir, accompanied him to Beijing.
Kim last visited China in 2019, and this is his fifth visit since 2011.
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More women in 2022 were killed by their sons than by strangers, according to a report by Femicide Census. The report highlights issues with the lack of support available for mothers facing violence from their children. The UK government aims to reduce violence against women by half in the next decade.
Key Facts
In 2022, 12 women were killed by their sons, while 11 were killed by strangers.
The Femicide Census report shows most women were killed by a partner, spouse, or former partner.
A mother from the Midlands described ongoing violence from her son starting when he was 12.
Social services and police were reportedly unhelpful to this mother and her partner.
Their son, who was described as autistic, was eventually taken into care.
The report notes many instances of non-fatal violence against mothers go unrecognized.
The UK government plans to reduce violence against women by 50% in ten years.
Minister Jess Phillips called the scale of the issue a "national emergency."
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Zack Polanski has been elected as the leader of the Green Party of England and Wales. He won by a large margin against Green MPs Adrian Ramsay and Ellie Chowns.
Key Facts
Zack Polanski is now the leader of the Green Party of England and Wales.
He defeated joint candidates Adrian Ramsay and Ellie Chowns.
Polanski received 20,411 votes, while Ramsay and Chowns got 3,705 votes.
Before becoming leader, Polanski served as the party's deputy leader.
Polanski has a background as an actor.
He campaigned with a focus on "eco-populism," which aims to attract widespread public support for environmental issues.
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KSI, a YouTuber, rapper, and boxer, will be a judge on Britain's Got Talent, replacing Bruno Tonioli. Tonioli is leaving because of scheduling conflicts with his work on another TV show. KSI was a guest judge last season and will now join judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, and Alesha Dixon.
Key Facts
KSI is known as a YouTuber, rapper, and boxer.
He will replace Bruno Tonioli as a judge on Britain's Got Talent.
Tonioli is leaving because he has other commitments with the TV show Dancing With The Stars in the U.S.
KSI was a guest judge on the previous season of Britain's Got Talent.
He used the "golden buzzer" last season to send contestant Harry Moulder to the finals.
KSI is part of a YouTube group called Sidemen, which has over 22 million subscribers.
Britain's Got Talent will film this year and air its next season in 2026.
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Israel is calling up tens of thousands of reservists as it expands its military actions in Gaza City, targeting areas believed to be strongholds of Hamas. The ongoing conflict has led to significant casualties and destruction, with warnings to civilians to evacuate intensified by the Israeli military.
Key Facts
Israel has mobilized tens of thousands of reservists for its offensive in Gaza City.
Israeli forces are targeting areas in northern and central Gaza, including Zeitoun and Shijaiyah neighborhoods.
Gaza City is an important location for Hamas, with tunnels and military strongholds.
At least 47 people have been killed in Gaza since Tuesday, with significant casualties in Israeli strikes.
Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 2,300 aid seekers have died amid the conflict.
Civilians are warned to evacuate as Israeli military operations are expected to widen.
Israeli actions face domestic opposition and international condemnation.
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The article examines the potential consequences if the United States stopped supporting Israel. U.S. backing has been crucial for Israel's military efforts in Gaza, providing weapons and diplomatic support. Experts suggest that without U.S. assistance, Israel might face international and regional challenges, but not immediate financial collapse.
Key Facts
The U.S. has been a strong supporter of Israel, providing military and diplomatic aid.
Israel relies on the U.S. for weapons used in conflicts, like the one in Gaza.
The U.S. uses its UN Security Council veto power to block calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Human rights groups have called for the U.S. to stop supporting Israel, citing accusations of genocide.
Experts believe that without U.S. support, Western allies may not back Israel as strongly.
Regionally, the absence of U.S. support may not lead to immediate military attacks on Israel.
Financially, Israel depends heavily on U.S. aid, especially in its high-tech weapons sector.
The loss of U.S. support could cause financial difficulties for Israel, but not a collapse.
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Epping Forest District Council is seeking to take a hotel-related legal case to the Supreme Court. The case concerns 138 asylum seekers housed at The Bell Hotel in Epping, where the council argues the site owner breached planning rules. An earlier court ruling to remove the asylum seekers was overturned, and protests have taken place outside the hotel.
Key Facts
Epping Forest District Council wants to take its case against The Bell Hotel to the Supreme Court.
The hotel currently houses 138 asylum seekers.
The council previously obtained an injunction from the High Court to remove the asylum seekers, but the Court of Appeal overturned it.
Protests have occurred outside the hotel involving thousands of people over the past two months.
The council claims the hotel owner, Somani Hotels, breached planning rules by not notifying the local authority of its plans.
A Court of Appeal judge criticized the injunction, saying it ignored the larger impact on the system and risked promoting lawlessness.
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A landslide in Sudan's Darfur region has killed over 1,000 people after destroying a village called Tarasin in the Marrah Mountains. Heavy rainfall led to the landslide, and only one person survived. Local and international organizations are being urged to help.
Key Facts
A landslide in Darfur, Sudan, killed over 1,000 people in the village of Tarasin.
The disaster happened after days of heavy rain in the Marrah Mountains.
The village was completely destroyed, with only one known survivor.
The Sudan Liberation Movement-Army is asking for international help.
The Marrah Mountains are remote and mostly accessible by foot.
The landslide is one of the deadliest natural disasters in Sudan's recent history.
The region is challenging for aid to reach due to ongoing conflict and restrictions.
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Three scientists discovered they have a gene variant that greatly raises their risk of getting Alzheimer's disease. They are now taking steps to protect their brain health and are involved in research and advocacy for Alzheimer's treatments. One of them, June, is participating in a University of California study and is promoting lifestyle changes and federal funding for Alzheimer's research.
Key Facts
People with two copies of the APOE4 gene variant have a 60% chance of developing Alzheimer's by age 85.
About 2-3% of people in the U.S. have this high-risk genetic profile, but most do not know it.
One scientist, June, learned of her genetic risk through a 23andMe test when she was 57.
June engaged with online communities for support and information about her condition.
The Mediterranean diet, regular exercise, good sleep, and stress reduction are lifestyle changes that may help brain health.
June joined a study at the University of California, San Diego, which examines the effects of mental and physical exercise on brain health.
She advocates for more government funding for Alzheimer's research and drug development that targets people with APOE4-4.
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Republicans are worried about how inflation might affect their performance in the 2026 midterm elections. There is pressure on former President Trump to address rising costs, particularly with issues like drug and food prices potentially rising due to his tariffs. Many see inflation as the most crucial issue currently, even more than government corruption.
Key Facts
Republicans are concerned about the effect of inflation on the 2026 elections.
Trump's tariffs might raise prices and cause shortages, adding to inflation problems.
A conservative group found 25% of voters consider inflation the main issue for the country.
Internal polls show voters think Republicans are not focused enough on rising costs.
Only 34% of voters approve of Trump's handling of inflation.
Trump's approval rating on inflation is declining, opening opportunities for Democratic criticism.
Sen. Thom Tillis emphasized the need to address inflation to avoid election troubles.
Inflation has slightly decreased from 3% to 2.7% but remains above the Federal Reserve's target.
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Over 85 scientists have disputed a recent U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) climate report, stating it contains errors and misrepresents climate science. The report led by Energy Secretary Chris Wright is criticized for including only viewpoints that question the mainstream scientific understanding of climate change, potentially influencing policy decisions.
Key Facts
More than 85 scientists challenged the DOE climate report, citing errors.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright led the creation of this DOE report on climate science.
The report is accused of using viewpoints from climate change skeptics.
Critics say the report claims rising carbon dioxide might benefit agriculture, ignoring negative impacts.
The report suggests no evidence exists for more intense droughts, but many studies show otherwise.
The cited report facilitates attempts to ease climate regulation in the U.S.
The scientists submitted their findings to the Federal Register during a 30-day comment period.
This controversy highlights differences between the DOE report and broader scientific consensus, like that from the United Nations.
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Indonesian police used tear gas to disperse protesters near two universities as demonstrations continued across the country. The protests focus on government spending and police actions, especially after a motorcycle taxi driver died after being hit by a police vehicle. At least eight people have died in these protests.
Key Facts
Police used tear gas near the Islamic University of Bandung and Pasundan University.
The protests began after a motorcycle taxi driver was hit and killed by a police car.
Muhammad Ilham, a student, said a rubber bullet hit another student during the protest.
At least eight people have died in the protests, according to a government official.
Authorities did not enter the university campuses but attempted to disperse crowds.
The UNISBA campus was used to provide medical help to protesters.
Twenty protesters have been reported missing since the protests started last week.
The protests have spurred social media campaigns with hashtags and colored profile pictures.
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Russia, China, and India are strengthening their ties through trade in oil. The leaders of these countries met at a regional summit to discuss economic cooperation, especially after Western countries reduced trade with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
Key Facts
Russia, China, and India's leaders met at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.
Western countries reduced trade with Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
China and India are buying more oil from Russia since it became cheaper.
The U.S. imposed tariffs and sanctions affecting Russia, China, and India.
China and India are key buyers of Russian energy and are helping support Russia's economy.
Russia relies heavily on oil and gas exports for its budget revenues.
India’s oil imports from Russia have significantly increased since the Ukraine war.
India and the U.S. have had trade tensions, partly due to India buying Russian oil.
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European countries are working on a plan to send a peacekeeping force to Ukraine after a ceasefire. The United States has agreed to participate but will not send troops, instead providing support like surveillance and air defense. However, there is disagreement between Europe and the US over additional sanctions against Russia.
Key Facts
European allies are planning a peacekeeping force for Ukraine if a ceasefire is reached.
Estonia and Lithuania are ready to contribute troops; Turkiye is considering it.
Romania will support by providing airfields for patrols, not troops.
The US will not send troops but will provide intelligence and air defense support.
Europe wants more sanctions against Russia, but the US disagrees.
Trump has agreed to participate in the peacekeeping effort but prioritizes a ceasefire.
NATO's Article 5 outlines mutual defense agreements, yet specific commitments are still being discussed.
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