Experts say the Tower of London could be put on UNESCO's list of World Heritage sites in danger unless the City of London Corporation changes its local plan. Historic England wants limits on tall buildings near the Tower to protect its heritage, while the City argues this could hurt economic growth.
Key Facts
The Tower of London may be listed as a World Heritage Site in danger if current plans continue.
Historic England advises changes to the City of London Corporation's draft City Plan 2040 to limit tall buildings near the Tower.
The City of London Corporation wants more office space and sets a target of adding at least 1.2 million square feet by 2040.
Housing minister Matthew Pennycook paused the plan’s report in June to review the impact on the Tower.
Historic England says their proposed changes would still allow the City to reach its office space goals.
The City of London Corporation says delays and proposed changes harm investor confidence and economic growth.
Local inspectors will write a letter to the Corporation to move the plan forward after further hearings.
Tower Hamlets Council thinks the Corporation’s current safeguards are sufficient, but supports reducing harm to the Tower.
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The Diana Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park has been closed all summer because of a technical problem. A broken pump was fixed, but the software that controls the water system failed, so the fountain remains dry.
Key Facts
The Diana Memorial Fountain opened in 2004 to honor Princess Diana.
It has been closed since early July due to a pump failure and then a software problem.
The pump draws water from a local underground source called a borehole.
Royal Parks, the charity that looks after Hyde Park, said the fountain will likely have water again in a few weeks.
The fountain is a popular spot for visitors to cool off during hot weather.
The fountain shares its water supply with other sites in London’s Royal Parks.
The fountain has had other closures, including soon after opening due to injuries and in 2005 for repairs.
The fountain cost £3.6 million and was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II.
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Eight airports in Indonesia, including the main international airport near Jakarta, stopped operations after the Anak Krakatoa volcano erupted and released ash into the sky. The ash disrupted flights and affected over 22,000 passengers, while authorities warned ships to stay away from the area around the volcano.
Key Facts
Anak Krakatoa volcano erupted on Saturday with lava and loud sounds heard from far away.
Two more eruptions happened on Sunday, and ash spread to nearby airports.
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport near Jakarta stopped flights from early morning until late afternoon Sunday.
Seven other airports in Indonesia also suspended operations due to volcanic ash.
Over 22,000 passengers and 209 flights, including international routes, were affected.
Authorities set up alternative airports for landings in several cities.
Weather modification efforts like cloud-seeding were planned to make rain and clear ash.
Ships must avoid a 3 km area around the volcano for safety because of volcanic activity.
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An investigation by Al Jazeera found that 17 companies connected to Israeli settlements have contracts with the UK government worth 2.1 billion pounds. This happens even though the British government has said it wants to take a stricter stance against illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Key Facts
17 companies tied to Israeli settlements have contracts with the UK public sector.
These contracts are worth a total of 2.1 billion pounds.
Israeli settlements are considered illegal under international law by many countries.
The UK government has stated it plans to be tougher on illegal settlements.
The settlements are located in the occupied West Bank territory.
Al Jazeera conducted the investigation revealing these contract details.
The findings raise questions about the UK’s policy and actions on this issue.
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US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner traveled to Kyiv after having a three-hour talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House called the talks detailed, but people in Ukraine remain doubtful that the meetings will lead to a peace breakthrough.
Key Facts
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Russian President Vladimir Putin for three hours.
After these talks, the envoys went to Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital.
The White House described the discussions as "substantive," meaning detailed and meaningful.
Despite the talks, there is skepticism or doubt in Ukraine about whether these negotiations will solve the conflict.
The article focuses on ongoing diplomatic efforts related to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
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Nigel Farage, leader of the U.K.’s Reform party, says he was not paying attention during a conversation about political donations caught in an undercover investigation. Two senior party aides resigned after they were filmed discussing how to arrange donations, and the party is now investigating the matter.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage is the leader of the U.K.’s Reform party.
An undercover journalist posed as the son of a wealthy American wanting to donate to the party.
Farage said he was busy campaigning and did not know all the details during the filmed conversation.
British law permits only U.K.-registered voters or companies to donate legally to political parties.
Two party aides, James Orr and Dan Jukes, resigned and denied any wrongdoing.
The party called the investigation an “entrapment” by climate activists.
The Reform party has launched an internal investigation into the incident.
Farage said the party did not take illegal money and removed the aides after the footage aired.
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The Labour defence committee chair says recent threats from Argentina's president about the Falkland Islands show the UK should increase its military spending to 3% of its economy by 2030. The UK government has faced mixed messages about this target, and President Donald Trump also suggested the US might change its stance on the islands' ownership.
Key Facts
Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, threatened actions regarding the Falkland Islands, claiming "winds of change" favor Argentina’s claim.
Labour MP Tan Dhesi argued the UK should raise defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2030 to protect the islands.
The UK prime minister initially seemed to support this defence funding target but later the government clarified it was not a firm commitment.
The UK has committed instead to NATO’s target of spending 3.5% on defence by 2035.
President Donald Trump suggested the US might reconsider its neutral position on the Falklands due to lack of British support for his conflict with Iran.
Javier Milei said oil companies working near the islands without Argentina’s approval would face sanctions in Argentina.
UK ministers stated the Falkland Islands would remain under British control as long as its residents want that.
The issue reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions and debates over UK defence spending.
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Twin sisters Taraneh and Romina Rahimi were arrested in Iran for joining protests against the government in January. Taraneh has been sentenced to death, and Romina received a 25-year prison term; their family has not seen them since the sentencing.
Key Facts
The twins were 19 years old and still in high school when they were taken from their home by masked men linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.
They joined mass protests in January against the Iranian regime, which involved millions of people.
After being arrested, the twins were reported to have suffered physical abuse, including hair being pulled out and bruises.
Taraneh was reportedly threatened with the rape of her sister Romina if she did not confess.
Taraneh has been sentenced to death by hanging, while Romina has received a 25-year prison sentence.
Iran has executed over 500 people this year, including protesters from the January demonstrations and at least 16 women.
The UK and 30 other countries condemned the executions, calling them efforts to silence opposition.
The twins' family continues to seek information and has faced threats for speaking out against the regime.
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Voters in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt will choose their state government in an election where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party may become the first far-right party to govern a state since World War II. The AfD is leading in polls, but it needs an absolute majority to take power without forming a coalition.
Key Facts
The Saxony-Anhalt state election is scheduled for Sunday, with the AfD polling ahead of other parties.
The AfD is a far-right, anti-immigrant party led by 35-year-old Ulrich Siegmund.
If the AfD wins an absolute majority, it would be the first far-right party to govern a German state since World War II.
The AfD campaigns for deporting migrants, banning LGBTQ pride flags in public schools, and stopping new wind farms.
Germany’s domestic intelligence agency calls the AfD’s Saxony-Anhalt chapter "right-wing extremist" with links to nationalist groups.
The state's election is seen as a test for Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government, whose Christian Democrats (CDU) are the second-largest party in polls.
Germany’s voting system encourages coalition governments, so an AfD majority would be unusual.
If the AfD does not get a majority, a CDU-led coalition under current state leader Sven Schulze is likely.
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Australia’s eastern states are experiencing unusually high temperatures for early spring, with Brisbane expecting its hottest September day since 2019. Fire bans have been issued in parts of Queensland and New South Wales due to the hot and dry conditions, while a cool change is expected to bring relief soon.
Key Facts
Brisbane is forecast to reach 34°C, which would be its hottest September day since 2019.
Ipswich suburb Amberley recorded 35.7°C in early afternoon.
Fire bans are in place for Ipswich, the Lockyer Valley, and greater Sydney due to fire risks.
Eastern Australia had its third-warmest winter on record, with temperatures 1.8°C above average.
A cold front recently brought strong winds, rain, and storms to south-eastern Australia.
Warm early spring temperatures set records in parts of New South Wales.
Severe weather warnings included damaging winds that caused accidents with jumping castles in NSW and Victoria.
A cooler, wetter weather pattern is expected to arrive soon, lowering temperatures and bringing rain to some areas.
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A volcanic eruption at Mount Anak Krakatoa caused the suspension of 209 flights at Indonesia’s main airport near Jakarta, affecting over 22,000 passengers. Flights were halted due to volcanic ash in the air, disrupting travel to several international destinations, while no tsunami warning was issued.
Key Facts
Mount Anak Krakatoa erupted late Friday night and continued erupting on Sunday morning.
Volcanic ash in the airspace near Soekarno-Hatta International Airport caused flight suspensions.
A total of 209 flights were canceled, impacting more than 22,000 people.
The flight pause mainly affected routes to Singapore, Doha, Sydney, and Kuala Lumpur.
Authorities extended the flight suspension until 13:30 local time (06:30 GMT).
No tsunami warning was issued following the volcano's recent eruptions.
The health minister advised people in nearby areas to stay indoors and wear masks to avoid ash-related health problems.
Anak Krakatoa is a volcano in the Sunda Strait, between Java and Sumatra, and has been active since it formed after the 1883 Krakatoa eruption.
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Flames came out of the left engine of a Qantas plane soon after it took off from Queenstown, New Zealand. The plane was safely redirected and landed in Christchurch without injuries.
Key Facts
The incident happened on a Qantas flight going from Queenstown to Sydney.
Flames appeared from the plane’s left engine shortly after takeoff.
The plane was diverted to Christchurch, New Zealand.
It landed safely in Christchurch.
No injuries were reported.
Videos of the flames were posted on social media.
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Yemen’s government forces and Houthi rebels have been fighting heavily in the Taiz and Hodeidah provinces. The government said it regained control of the Hais district and captured many Houthi fighters, while fighting has caused civilian deaths and displaced many families.
Key Facts
Yemen’s internationally recognized military recaptured Hais district, linking Hodeidah, Taiz, and Ibb provinces.
Clashes are most intense in Taiz and Hodeidah provinces and along the western Red Sea coast.
The Yemeni government reported capturing dozens of Houthi fighters in al-Jarahi district.
Yemen’s Defence Ministry used drones and new weapons systems in attacks on Houthi positions.
Fighting has killed more than 60 people, including civilians, and displaced nearly 1,800 families in two days.
Houthi shelling killed four civilians and injured nine others on a road between Taiz and Aden.
The head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council warned the Houthis would face consequences for their actions and emphasized government control over Yemen’s territory.
The Yemeni government warned that any Houthi moves toward the Bab al-Mandeb strait would be met with strong resistance.
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The world faces ongoing wars, rising authoritarianism, economic problems, climate change, and humanitarian crises. Conflicts from Ukraine to the Middle East continue, global alliances are strained, and many people suffer from displacement, hunger, and human rights abuses.
Key Facts
Russia’s war in Ukraine has lasted five years with daily violence against civilians.
Conflicts in Sudan, Myanmar, and the Middle East continue without resolution.
Several countries and alliances, including NATO and the US-Europe partnership, are experiencing tensions.
President Trump’s aggressive policies affect relationships with allies and adversaries like China and Venezuela.
Large numbers of people are displaced worldwide due to war, climate disasters, and hunger.
The United Nations’ aid efforts are harmed by cuts from key countries like the US and UK.
In places like the West Bank and Somalia, many people face food insecurity and hardship.
Human rights issues persist, including harsh treatment of activists like Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong.
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Travelers entering the European Union may face longer border lines as temporary relaxed rules for a new entry-exit system called EES end on September 6. Some EU countries, including France and Greece, are delaying full biometric checks like fingerprinting due to technical issues or to avoid long queues.
Key Facts
The EU’s new entry-exit system (EES) requires biometric data, such as fingerprints, from non-EU travelers.
Flexibility to pause biometric checks ended on September 6, but some countries are not fully enforcing the rules yet.
France is facing technical problems with EES software, delaying biometric checks for travelers crossing from the UK.
Eurotunnel, Port of Dover, and Eurostar have fingerprinting kiosks that are not operational yet.
Some border officials, especially in popular tourist countries like Greece, are unofficially exempting UK travelers from checks to prevent long delays.
Airlines and travel groups want the EU to extend the pause on full EES enforcement to avoid flight disruptions.
The European Commission is working with member states to fix issues but has not extended the flexibility period officially.
Airlines say that delays caused by EES problems hurt passengers and damage Europe’s travel reputation.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied claims that his government has close ties with Qatar, calling these claims false. He also appeared to justify Qatar’s financial support to Gaza, even though Israel criticized Qatar during peace talks with Hamas about a year ago.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Netanyahu said allegations of Israel’s close relationship with Qatar are untrue.
Netanyahu referred to these claims as “one big bluff.”
Qatar provides funding to Gaza, a Palestinian area governed by Hamas.
Nearly a year ago, Israel criticized Qatar during ceasefire discussions with Hamas.
Netanyahu’s recent comments suggest some acceptance of Qatar’s financial role in Gaza despite past conflicts.
The issue arises within the context of ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas.
Qatar is viewed by Netanyahu as a hostile state, despite current financial involvement in Gaza.
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President Donald Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss plans to end the war in Ukraine. After more than three hours of talks, they planned to travel to Kyiv to continue discussions, while both Russia and Ukraine agreed to pause strikes on each other’s capitals during the talks.
Key Facts
Steve Witkoff, a business partner of President Trump, and Jared Kushner, his son-in-law, met with President Putin.
The talks lasted over three hours and were described as useful and constructive by Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov.
No immediate agreements or breakthroughs were announced after the meeting.
The White House said the envoys discussed "substantive plans" for the next steps to end the Ukraine war.
Witkoff and Kushner planned to continue talks in Kyiv with Ukrainian leaders.
Russia and Ukraine paused attacks on each other’s capitals during the talks.
The negotiations aim to reduce and eventually end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
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Sudan’s ongoing war has caused frequent power outages, making it hard for many residents to get electricity. Some people are using solar panels to get power, but the high cost stops many from being able to buy them.
Key Facts
Fighting between Sudan’s military and paramilitary groups has damaged the country’s electricity system since April 2023.
The conflict has killed at least 59,000 people and displaced about 13 million.
The United Nations estimates the electricity grid damage at $3 billion.
Solar panels are becoming more popular in Sudan to cope with power shortages.
A typical home solar system costs about $5,000, which is too expensive for many Sudanese families.
Some people, like a diabetic woman who needs refrigeration for insulin, suffer serious health risks from power cuts.
Many children cannot study when schools have no electricity.
Hot weather is making power outages even harder to bear for the population.
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The early Emmy Awards ceremony will be held eight days before the main event. Top shows like “The Pitt,” “Hacks,” “Pluribus,” and “Widow’s Bay” have many nominations and could win several awards at this early event.
Key Facts
The early Emmy ceremony honors over 100 awards, mainly for behind-the-scenes work.
It takes place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and covers two nights.
The early ceremony is called the first two nights of the 78th Emmy Awards, replacing the old “Creative Arts Emmys” name.
The shows “The Pitt” (25 nominations) and “Hacks” (24 nominations) lead in nominations.
“Widow’s Bay” and “Pluribus” could each win up to 10 awards.
The early show will air on FXX on September 12 and stream on Hulu the next day.
The main Emmy ceremony will happen on September 14 and air live on NBC and Peacock.
Some acting categories, including guest acting, have been moved to the early ceremony and include well-known actors.
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A fire broke out at a wedding party in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, killing 22 people. Authorities are investigating to find out what caused the fire.
Key Facts
The fire happened at a wedding party in Kinshasa, DR Congo.
At least 22 people died in the fire.
The fire destroyed a popular venue where the party was held.
Witnesses recorded the fire as it spread.
Officials have started an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
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