At least 10 people, including a child and six medical personnel, were injured in a Russian attack on Kyiv, with initial reports erroneously stating one fatality. The assault caused significant damage to a high-rise building and prompted a lengthy air raid alert, amid ongoing sustained attacks on the city for over a week. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he anticipates meetings in Kyiv with U.S. envoys, aiming to revive stalled diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict, which has resulted in extensive casualties since 2022.
Labor plans to shut down the graduate diploma of management (learning) course, which is registered at 452 institutions, due to concerns it is being misused and facilitating an easy entry into Australia. Many students enrolled in the course either never started, did not complete it, or transferred out. The assistant minister Julian Hill criticized the previous Coalition government for leaving the sector in a "shocking mess," leading to unsustainable growth in student numbers in less reputable areas.
Israeli attacks on Gaza have resulted in at least three deaths and multiple injuries, including a drone strike that killed one person in the Rimal neighborhood and gunfire that killed two in Beit Lahia, with one victim being a 13-year-old child. Meanwhile, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced a controversial plan to remove around 1.9 million Palestinians from Gaza over seven years, aiming for an initial 250,000 departures in the first year. Since the conflict escalated in October 2023, Israeli offensives have reportedly claimed at least 73,470 lives in Gaza.
Rescuers in Nepal are using rafts and drones to search for survivors trapped in tunnels along the Trishuli River after devastating flash floods caused by a glacial collapse. The disaster has resulted in at least 1,200 deaths, with thousands more reported missing. The search efforts continue eight days after the floods ravaged roads and villages in the region.
An undercover investigation by Channel 4 News revealed that members of Reform UK, including Nigel Farage's senior adviser, discussed ways to circumvent electoral laws regarding foreign donations, involving a fake American donor who allegedly funded £30,000 of polling. The polling, which influenced local elections in May, was not disclosed as being commissioned by Reform, leading to potential legal and ethical violations, prompting calls for police and Electoral Commission investigations. Reform UK denied any wrongdoing, characterizing the inquiry as a hoax by foreign-funded activists, while major publications like the Telegraph and the Times suspended their articles on the polling after discovering Reform's involvement.
Environment Secretary Angela Eagle stated that the UK government is prepared to reform the water industry and may take Thames Water into public ownership due to its £20 billion debt and a record £122.7 million fine for sewage spills. She acknowledged that the current insolvency laws do not adequately address the aggressive behaviors of hedge funds controlling Thames Water, which is seeking a £10 billion debt renegotiation deal. Eagle emphasized the need for legislative changes to address these issues as the government prioritizes public control over utilities, particularly in light of the country’s fifth drought in three years.
Loraine James has released her new LP titled *It’s Nothing Personal*, which offers a blend of raw, glitchy percussion, deep bass, and engaging vocals, and is available as a free download. The album is described as perfect for breaking in new trainers, featuring a massive sound that pushes the boundaries of live electronic music. This release follows a host of other notable music tech developments, including upgrades to the Audacity audio editor and the introduction of a free DAW called Septabee, which has garnered significant attention from producers after being developed over 20,000 hours.
Malek Ghazi, a Lebanese man held by Israel, was released in a handover facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), marking the first such event in the six months since the latest conflict began, and is the first of five prisoners to be released. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated that the remaining four civilians are expected to be released on Friday, as it was determined they were not affiliated with any terrorist organizations. Moreover, dozens of Lebanese prisoners, including civilians and Hezbollah militants, are still believed to be detained in Israel, as Lebanon continues efforts to secure their release through negotiations and a US-mediated framework deal.
UK citizens are being urged to stock up on several days' worth of food and water due to the potential impact of an unprecedented El Niño that is expected to be the largest in 1,000 years, with ocean temperatures currently at 2.6°C above the 30-year average and projected to peak around 4°C in November. Environment Secretary Angela Eagle emphasized the necessity of being prepared for extreme weather, as the El Niño phenomenon is anticipated to result in drier summers and wetter winters, creating risks of flooding and wildfires globally. The World Food Programme has warned that the intensifying effects could push approximately 50 million people into acute hunger, while the extreme heat linked to climate change has already caused at least 35,000 deaths this summer in Europe.
FIFA has accused UEFA of a "smear campaign" after UEFA requested US judges to compel FIFA to disclose documents related to its abandoned plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to investors, which was revealed in July and subsequently faced backlash, including potential UEFA boycotts. UEFA is pursuing legal action against FIFA President Gianni Infantino for alleged "criminal mismanagement" and has filed requests in three US states to obtain relevant documents, aiming to take further legal steps in Switzerland if successful. FIFA's filings argue that UEFA lacks the legal standing to demand such documents as no criminal proceedings exist and claim that the release of sensitive information would threaten FIFA's interests.
At Fulton County Jail, individuals have experienced being trapped inside elevators over 100 times. The ongoing issues within the facility highlight safety concerns for both inmates and staff. This situation is part of larger problems the jail faces, which includes overcrowding and insufficient resources.
ICE officer Christian Castro has been indicted for lying to federal investigators about the January shooting of Venezuelan man Julio Sosa-Celis, who was shot in the leg during the Trump administration's "Operation Metro Surge." This operation had resulted in two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, being shot and killed by agents and Sosa-Celis was one of three individuals targeted during the crackdown. Federal prosecutors revealed that initial charges against Sosa-Celis were dropped due to evidence inconsistencies, and reports indicate that efforts to bring civil rights charges against Castro have been blocked by the Justice Department.
Israelis shot and killed two Palestinian teenagers, 16-year-old Khalil Abu Alia and 19-year-old Omar al-Nassan, during a confrontation sparked by settlers attempting to seize sheep from their village, with the military stating they responded to "key instigators" throwing stones. The violent incident follows a pattern of violence, including the deaths of three other students from the same school earlier this year out of its 470-student body. Additionally, Israeli forces demolished homes of 12 Palestinian families in Khirbet al-Taban, displacing all 70 residents, marking the 66th Palestinian community affected since October 2023 and leaving nearly 5,000 people homeless, with almost half being children.
The body of former Bosnian Serb army commander Ratko Mladic, who died at 84 while serving a life sentence for genocide and war crimes, has been returned to Belgrade for burial with military honors. Mladic, convicted in 2017 for his role in the Bosnian War which resulted in over 100,000 deaths and left more than 1 million homeless, is viewed as a hero by many Serbs despite his conviction. Serbian officials predict that "tens of thousands" may attend his funeral, which has drawn criticism given the region's ongoing ethnic divisions and the European Union's stance against glorifying war criminals.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill with a 237-169 vote to penalize universities that boycott Israel or its academic institutions, including those in the occupied West Bank, with 33 Democrats voting in favor and two Republicans opposing. The legislation, which is perceived as a potential infringement on free speech rights under the First Amendment, would require universities to certify cooperation with Israeli universities to receive federal funding, impacting their operations significantly. The timing of the bill comes amid declining public support for Israel, as evidenced by a July Pew Research Center survey indicating that 62% of Americans hold an unfavorable view of the Israeli government.
Former pardon attorney Elizabeth Oyer has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Justice, claiming she was unlawfully fired in March 2025 after refusing to recommend the restoration of Mel Gibson's gun rights due to his prior domestic violence misdemeanor conviction. Oyer alleges that she was pressured to facilitate a political favor for Gibson, a supporter of President Trump, and that her dismissal violated her constitutional due process and First Amendment rights. She served as pardon attorney from April 2022 to March 2025 and is seeking reinstatement, back pay, and an order preventing further adverse personnel actions against her.
Gloria Steinem, the trailblazing journalist and activist who dedicated her life to advancing women's rights, passed away at the age of 92, prompting tributes from numerous notable figures including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who emphasized Steinem's impact on women's opportunities across various fields. Clinton highlighted Steinem's contributions to Title IX and reproductive rights, illustrating her influence by noting how Steinem made pathways open for future generations, such as astronauts and female athletes. In the wake of her death, many younger women, including Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, shared personal anecdotes highlighting Steinem's mentorship, friendship, and activism that resonated deeply within their own lives.
The Office for Students (OfS) has apologized for its mistakes in attempting to impose a £585,000 fine on the University of Sussex, claiming it breached free speech regulations related to former professor Kathleen Stock, a decision that was later overturned by the high court. An internal review by KPMG revealed that the OfS had acted with bias and lacked accountability, resulting in adversarial relationships with higher education providers. The OfS committed to learning from these errors and improving its engagement with universities, although Sussex's vice-chancellor expressed concern that the reforms proposed may not fully address the court's findings or the cultural issues within the regulator.
Nepal's foreign minister has called for compensation from the world's top three polluters—China, the United States, and India—following a devastating flash flood disaster. He emphasized that Nepal's greenhouse gas emissions are minimal compared to these nations, yet it faces severe impacts from climate crises it did not cause. The call for accountability raises questions about the feasibility of such compensation becoming a reality.
A UN-backed investigation revealed that foreign recruitment and support, including up to 2,000 former Colombian military contractors, are enabling the civil war in Sudan, significantly harming civilians and violating human rights. The report documented drone strikes by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) that killed at least 114 and 70 people, respectively, and displaced over 12 million individuals since the conflict escalated in April 2023. The investigation also highlighted the need for states to cease illicit supply networks, reflecting the grave humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where three million refugees have sought safety in neighboring countries.
Gloria Steinem, the iconic feminist writer and activist, died on September 2, 2026, at the age of 92, having dedicated over fifty years to advocating for women and girls. She co-founded Ms. magazine in 1971, the first national publication focused on feminist voices, and played a crucial role in the women's liberation movement by promoting women's rights, including reproductive rights and the fight against violence towards women. Steinem reflected that by the age of 60, she felt liberated from the constraints of gender, akin to the independence she experienced as a young girl.
Australia is rapidly becoming a hub for data centres, with 162 existing and 90 more planned, amounting to over A$155 billion in investment, and significant concerns have arisen about the environmental impact, particularly regarding water supplies and energy consumption. The country is home to approximately 13.6 million AI users monthly, ranking sixth globally, which further fuels the need for these facilities as Australia aims to harness the benefits of AI technology while navigating the challenges associated with it. Experts warn that without the necessary infrastructure, Australia risks becoming merely a consumer of AI technologies rather than a producer, which could have economic and strategic implications.
Billionaire investor Leon Black has filed a lawsuit challenging subpoenas from a US congressional committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein, claiming the subpoenas are "invalid" and lack a legitimate connection to legislative goals. Black, who has not appeared before the committee despite being summoned, previously paid Epstein $158 million for legitimate purposes and has denied any wrongdoing regarding his dealings with Epstein, stating he was unaware of Epstein's crimes until they were publicly revealed. The committee has threatened to hold Black in contempt of Congress, asserting that his testimony is crucial for the investigation, while Black's attorney argues the subpoenas aim to damage his reputation rather than uncover the truth.
Federal prosecutors have charged ICE officer Christian Castro with lying to investigators regarding the shooting of Venezuelan immigrant Julio Sosa-Celis in Minnesota, where Castro allegedly shot Sosa-Celis in the leg during a January encounter as part of Operation Metro Surge. Initially accused of assault, Sosa-Celis had the charges dropped after it was revealed that Castro's claims were contradicted by surveillance footage. This incident is part of broader concerns over ICE behavior, with over two dozen shootings by federal immigration officers reported during the Trump administration, including two recent killings of U.S. citizens.
Israel has released one Lebanese civilian detainee, Malek Ghazi, and pledged to free five more prisoners, marking the first handover since the Israel-Hezbollah war began six months ago. Lebanese authorities have compiled a list of over 30 citizens believed to be held by Israel since the 2024 conflict, with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasizing the need for the release of all prisoners and full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon. The ongoing conflict, intensified since the outbreak of hostilities in 2024, has resulted in over 4,300 deaths in Lebanon, despite a recent ceasefire agreement negotiated by the US.
Fox News has terminated long-time anchor Maria Bartiromo's contract after 12 1/2 years with the network, rebranding her shows including "Mornings with Maria" to feature a rotating cast of anchors. Bartiromo, a supporter of President Trump, played a significant role in promoting unfounded election fraud theories, which contributed to a defamation case against Fox that resulted in a settlement of over $787 million with Dominion Voting Systems. She was the last individual defendant from that case still employed by the network and is also implicated in a second multibillion-dollar defamation lawsuit related to the 2020 election.
Gloria Steinem, a key figure in the women's liberation movement in the US, passed away at the age of 92 at her home in New York City, as announced by her foundation. Co-founder of the Women's Action Alliance and Ms. magazine, Steinem was a prominent advocate for women's rights, including reproductive rights, same-sex marriage, and equal pay, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama in 2013. Tributes poured in following her death, with many expressing gratitude for her influence, including Meghan Markle, who praised Steinem as a friend and mentor.
Far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has proposed a plan to forcibly remove all Palestinians from Gaza, aiming to expel 250,000 individuals in the first year and the remaining population of approximately 2 million over the following six years. The proposal, detailed in a 20-page document titled “National Work Plan for Voluntary Emigration from the Gaza Strip,” has drawn international condemnation due to its coercive nature and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. Israel currently controls 65% of Gaza, exceeding the 53% previously agreed upon under a ceasefire, as Ben-Gvir advocates for a ministry to oversee emigration and the deportation of dissenting individuals.
Over 1,700 people in Indonesia have experienced food poisoning in the last week linked to government-provided free school meals, with at least 725 pupils and 25 teachers affected at a school in Lasem. The outbreaks have been attributed to improper food storage and late delivery of meals, with one lawmaker estimating the total cases may reach as high as 50,000 since the program's inception. President Prabowo Subianto's $12.94 billion initiative, aimed at improving nutrition for millions, has faced criticism over safety, corruption, and effectiveness amid a backdrop of public protests.
Hundreds of protesters gathered in Edinburgh to demand a moratorium on Scotland’s datacentre boom, which includes at least 20 proposed projects, such as one in Fife classified as potentially the second largest in the world. Kat Jones, leading the protest, emphasizes the need for thorough environmental impact analysis and planning guidance for "green" datacentres, as local communities express fierce opposition due to the potential threats these large constructions pose to rural areas. The growing public discontent may risk jeopardizing the UK’s strategy to establish AI growth zones, with the energy demands of such datacentres raising significant concerns.