A South Korean court sentenced Han Hak-ja, leader of the Unification Church, to two years in prison. She was found guilty of giving money and expensive gifts to the former first lady and conservative politicians to get political favors for her church.
Key Facts
Han Hak-ja is the leader of the Unification Church in South Korea.
She was sentenced to two years in jail for bribery.
The bribes included money and luxury gifts.
The gifts were given to South Korea’s former first lady and conservative politicians.
The purpose was to obtain political favors for the Unification Church.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Rescue teams in Nepal are trying to reach over 900 missing workers trapped in tunnels after severe flash floods hit hydropower projects. The floods have killed at least 903 people, and rescuers face challenges like bad weather, damaged bridges, and shifting river paths.
Key Facts
More than 900 workers are missing in the tunnels of 11 hydropower projects in Nepal.
At least 903 people have died in Nepal due to the flash floods; 16 more died in Tibet.
Nearly 5,000 people are missing on both sides of the Nepal-China border.
Floods caused heavy damage, including destruction of over 40 bridges and changes in river paths.
Nepal’s hydropower capacity was reduced by about 700 megawatts, around 10% of the country’s total power.
Rescuers use helicopters and equipment like excavators, plus support from India and China sending bridge materials.
Rescue teams are facing deep mud, debris, and difficult terrain while trying to reach trapped workers.
More than 93,000 people have been affected by the disaster.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A British family is asking French authorities to return the body of Jasmeet Wadhwa, who died while trying to cross the English Channel from France to the UK in April. The family held a protest after French officials kept the body for five months, and the mother of Jasmeet also faces difficulties with her UK immigration application.
Key Facts
Jasmeet Wadhwa, 32, died on 1 April 2026 while trying to cross the Channel by boat from France to the UK.
He was fleeing Taliban persecution in Afghanistan with his mother, Harbans Kaur Wadhwa.
Another man, Nagmeldin Adam from Sudan, also died on the same boat, while eight others were rescued.
The French authorities have held Jasmeet’s body for five months and have not released it to the family.
Relatives of both men protested outside a courthouse in Dunkirk, France, demanding the return of the bodies.
Harbans Kaur Wadhwa applied to the UK Home Office to come legally under a "one in, one out" scheme but was rejected because her identity document was not accepted.
At least 16 people have died trying to cross the Channel from France to the UK in 2026 so far.
The French interior ministry and police have not explained why they have delayed releasing the bodies.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has canceled an exhibit featuring fashion designer John Galliano, which was planned for the 2027 Met Gala. This decision follows controversy due to Galliano’s past behavior, as he was found guilty of antisemitic actions by a French court in 2011.
Key Facts
The Metropolitan Museum of Art planned an exhibit on John Galliano to coincide with the 2027 Met Gala.
The museum announced on August 31, 2026, that they will not proceed with the exhibit.
John Galliano is a fashion designer.
In 2011, a French court found Galliano guilty of antisemitic behavior.
The controversy around Galliano influenced the museum’s decision to cancel the exhibit.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Russian military strikes have destroyed over 10 million books in Ukraine, including millions of school textbooks and books stored in warehouses. Ukrainian officials say these attacks aim to erase Ukrainian culture, while Russia denies targeting civilians and says it focuses on military sites.
Key Facts
Russian attacks destroyed 8 million books in Kharkiv, including about 620,000 school textbooks.
An additional 60,000 books were ruined in attacks on warehouses near Kyiv.
Moscow has conducted at least 21 attacks on Ukraine’s book industry in the past four and a half years.
Some Ukrainian bookshops have closed due to low demand and damaged warehouses.
Ukrainian officials reported that Russian drones and forces continue striking publishing companies and book markets.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister said Russia fears Ukrainian books and is trying to destroy Ukrainian cultural identity.
The destruction of books represents a significant loss, amounting to about a third of Ukraine’s annual book production.
Ukraine and Russia continue exchanging military strikes in border regions and occupied territories.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Rock en Seine 2026 music festival near Paris attracted over 180,000 fans to see 80 live performances by artists such as Tyler, The Creator, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, and The Cure. The festival featured up-and-coming British singer Sekou, known for his smooth baritone voice and notable supporters. This year’s event also enforced a smoking ban to protect public health and prevent wildfires.
Key Facts
Rock en Seine 2026 took place just outside Paris with attendance exceeding 180,000 people.
There were about 80 live music shows at the festival.
Headliners included American hip-hop artist Tyler, The Creator, Australian rock band Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, and British band The Cure.
Sekou is a 21-year-old British singer with a voice compared to classic Motown musicians.
Sekou has fans like Quincy Jones, John Legend, Bruno Mars, and Justin Bieber.
The festival banned smoking starting in 2025 due to health concerns and continued in 2026 to reduce wildfire risk.
The event was covered by FRANCE 24 in their Arts24 music show.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Congo’s health authorities report over 6,000 confirmed Ebola cases and nearly 3,000 deaths, making it the fastest-growing outbreak of the virus. Despite difficult conditions like violence and health worker strikes, more than 1,360 people have recovered.
Key Facts
The Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo has reached more than 6,000 confirmed cases.
There have been 2,911 deaths recorded from the virus so far.
Over 1,360 people have survived and recovered from Ebola.
The outbreak is spreading quickly due to insecurity, people moving around, and strikes by health workers.
The virus has moved into two new health zones recently.
The World Health Organization says the outbreak is still out of control.
This outbreak may become worse than the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak, which caused over 11,000 deaths.
The regions most affected during 2014-2016 were Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two passenger jets flew very low over Cape Town Stadium in South Africa before a rugby match between South Africa and New Zealand, thrilling the crowd but raising safety concerns. The jets were operated by Airlink, followed all safety rules, and had senior pilots on board, but some experts questioned the low altitude.
Key Facts
Two Embraer jets flew low over DHL Stadium in Cape Town on August 29, 2026, before a rugby game.
The lead jet passed about 41 to 46 feet (12 to 14 meters) above the stadium roof.
The jets flew at about 150 knots (172 mph) without carrying any passengers.
Airlink, the airline operating the jets and rugby sponsor, said the flyby was carefully planned and followed safety rules.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Traffic Navigation Services approved and supported the flyby.
The flyby formed part of the pregame show for the match between the South African Springboks and New Zealand All Blacks.
Some aviation experts said the low altitude allowed little room for error in case of problems.
Stadium flybys have a tradition in South African rugby, dating back to a Boeing 747 flyover in 1995.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Workers at Kenya’s main airport in Nairobi are on strike, causing delays and cancellations of many flights. The Kenya Airports Authority advised travelers to check with airlines before going to the airport.
Key Facts
The strike is happening at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
The strike has caused flight delays and cancellations, leaving many passengers stranded.
The Kenya Airports Authority warned passengers to confirm flight status with their airlines.
The strike involves workers under the Kenya Aviation Workers Union.
Workers are demanding better pay and improved working conditions.
Kenya Airways and its subsidiary Jambojet reported longer-than-usual flight delays.
A similar strike happened in February, also disrupting travel at the airport.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is a key hub for regional and international flights.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
French President Emmanuel Macron visited Sweden on August 31 to strengthen the partnership between the two countries. Their main focus was improving defense cooperation amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and concerns about Russia. Sweden, as a new NATO member, is interested in joining France’s nuclear defense program.
Key Facts
President Macron traveled to Sweden on August 31, 2026.
The visit aims to enhance the strategic partnership between France and Sweden.
Strengthening defense ties is a key topic during the visit.
The war in Ukraine and the threat from Russia are important reasons for closer cooperation.
Sweden recently joined NATO, the North Atlantic military alliance.
Sweden has expressed interest in France’s nuclear deterrence initiative, which is a defense strategy using nuclear weapons as a warning against attacks.
Both countries want to boost European sovereignty, meaning Europe’s ability to protect and govern itself independently.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has canceled a planned 2027 exhibition featuring designer John Galliano after public backlash. Galliano, known for dramatic fashion, faced criticism due to his past antisemitic and racist comments, which previously led to legal consequences and job loss.
Key Facts
The Met's 2027 exhibition about John Galliano’s work will no longer happen.
Galliano announced the cancellation after discussions and reflection.
The exhibit was to showcase four decades of Galliano’s designs.
Public backlash started because of Galliano’s past antisemitic and racist remarks.
He was fired from Christian Dior in 2011 over these comments.
Galliano was convicted of a hate crime in France.
He apologized for the harm caused to Jewish and Asian communities.
The Met will reveal new plans for the 2027 spring exhibition and Met Gala later.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac has released its long-range weather forecast for September in the United States. The forecast predicts temperature and rainfall trends for different regions, with a mix of cooler than usual temperatures and varying amounts of rain depending on the area.
Key Facts
The Almanac uses solar science, climate history, and current solar activity to predict weather patterns.
The Northeast is expected to have cooler temperatures and more rain than usual.
The Atlantic Corridor will see scattered thunderstorms early, then cooler and drier conditions.
The Appalachians will experience cooler temperatures with below-average rainfall.
The Southeast will be mostly mild and sunny with less rain than average.
Florida will have varying rain amounts, with thunderstorms mainly in the south.
The Lower Great Lakes will start sunny, then see periods of rain and cooler weather becoming milder.
Temperatures across most regions are forecast to be slightly below normal for September.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Severe floods in Nepal have caused hundreds of deaths and left some American citizens missing. Virginia Representative Suhas Subramanyam reported that some of his constituents are still unaccounted for following the disaster.
Key Facts
Nepal experienced deadly floods that have killed hundreds of people.
Several Americans are reported missing after the floods.
Virginia Democratic Representative Suhas Subramanyam is following the situation closely.
The missing Americans include some of Subramanyam’s constituents.
Relief and rescue efforts are ongoing in the affected areas.
The floods have caused widespread damage and disruption in Nepal.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. military carried out airstrikes on rocket launcher sites on Larak Island, Iran, which were reportedly prepared to deploy naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Iran sent drones toward the United Arab Emirates, a U.S. ally. This escalation caused oil prices to rise.
Key Facts
The U.S. struck rocket launchers on Larak Island, Iran.
These launchers were believed ready to place mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
The United Arab Emirates reported that Iran retaliated by sending drones toward its territory.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important passage for global oil shipments.
Oil prices increased following the renewed military actions.
The U.S. Central Command provided information about the target and strike.
This military activity happened as the U.S. House of Representatives returned to consider a government shutdown bill.
The situation reflects increasing tensions in the region.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Nepal experienced deadly floods after a glacier collapsed, causing water levels to rise in the Bhotekoshi River. At least 900 people have died, and more than 4,000 are missing in Nepal and Tibet. Rescue efforts are ongoing as communities cope with the destruction.
Key Facts
The floods were triggered by a glacier collapse.
Water levels rose in the Bhotekoshi River, causing flooding.
At least 900 people have died due to the floods.
More than 4,000 people are missing in Nepal and Tibet.
Rescue teams are actively searching for survivors.
Many affected areas are difficult to reach.
Communities have suffered widespread damage and loss.
Authorities warn of possible new flooding due to rising water levels.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he will ask G20 leaders to take a harder look at their trade ties with China. He expressed concern about China having a large trade surplus and a weak economy that relies on exporting goods.
Key Facts
Scott Bessent is the Treasury Secretary.
He spoke about trade with China at a meeting involving G20 finance leaders.
He wants the G20 countries to review and possibly change how they trade with China.
China currently has a $1.2 trillion trade surplus, meaning it exports much more than it imports.
China’s economy is weak and depends heavily on exporting goods to grow.
Bessent believes the current trade imbalance with China is a problem for the world economy.
The G20 includes major economies from around the world that discuss global financial issues.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two passenger jets flew very low over a rugby stadium in Cape Town, South Africa, during a match between South Africa and New Zealand. The planes passed about 50 feet above the stadium, creating a memorable moment for the crowd and raising questions about the safety of such low flyovers.
Key Facts
The flyover took place at DHL Stadium in Cape Town during a rugby test match on August 29, 2026.
More than 56,000 spectators watched as two passenger jets flew one after the other very low over the stadium.
Flight data estimates the jets passed about 50 feet above the stadium roof.
Airline captain Laura Einsetler said this is very low and risky for large passenger planes compared to fighter jets.
Airlink airline said the flyover was carefully planned and approved by South African aviation authorities.
The pilots were experienced and followed official altitude and speed limits.
Low flyovers have a history in South Africa, including a famous one in 1995 during the Rugby World Cup final.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Traffic Navigation Services supported the operation to keep it safe.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump announced a deal to gain majority control of over 60 billion barrels of proven oil reserves in Venezuela. This agreement involves significant access to Venezuela's large oil resources.
Key Facts
President Trump announced the deal publicly.
The deal gives majority control of Venezuela’s oil reserves.
The reserves involved are more than 60 billion barrels.
Venezuela has one of the world’s largest proven oil reserves.
The announcement was covered by CBS News.
Amy Jaffe, an expert in energy and sustainability, discussed the deal on CBS News.
The deal could influence global energy markets and politics.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
