Australia’s official music charts will exclude "wholly AI-generated" tracks following backlash over a cover of Madonna's "Like a Prayer" that prominently featured AI. The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) announced that AI-generated music will also not be eligible for recognition at the annual ARIA Music Awards, and will distinguish between "AI-Generated" and "AI-Assisted" tracks based on human involvement in the creative process. The controversial cover by Brisbane DJ Josh Fawaz has over 48.5 million listens on Spotify and currently ranks number one on the ARIA Top 20 Australian Dance Singles Chart.
Australia's official music charts will no longer permit tracks that are primarily generated by artificial intelligence, with these new rules enacted on August 31. Recordings that utilize AI in a supportive role, while remaining substantially human-made, will still be eligible for the charts, as outlined by ARIA's new definitions. Violations of these rules could result in removal from the charts, changes to chart positions, and revocation of Awards, reinforcing a commitment to support human artistry in music production.
Indonesian Muslims in South Sumatra gathered for a special prayer for rain as wildfires burned across peatlands, with the province recording 1,429 hot spots, the highest in the country, while nearly 940 square kilometers were burned in July alone. About 3,000 residents participated in the prayer amidst thick smoke that limited visibility, as authorities intensified firefighting efforts and launched cloud-seeding operations with 30 aircraft in Kalimantan and 22 helicopters in Sumatra. Additionally, 72 people were arrested for suspected involvement in starting the fires, with ongoing investigations into four companies for allegedly using fire to clear land.
The UK will assist Ukraine in producing long-range missiles by sharing classified technical information about British components, specifically for the SCALP missile, which has a range of over 250 kilometers (155 miles). However, experts indicate that these missiles will not be operational before next year and are unlikely to meet Ukraine's immediate defense needs against increasing Russian attacks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned that the country is receiving significantly fewer Patriot defense systems, exacerbating their vulnerability during the winter months ahead.
eHarmony misled Australian consumers by utilizing 'subscription traps' that resulted in hundreds of customers being charged amounts totaling up to $598.80 without their knowledge due to automatic renewals, with the court finding the dating site engaged in deceptive conduct in six areas until July 2024. Between November 5, 2019, and June 6, 2024, 1.3 million users registered for a basic membership, of which 258,956 paid for premium memberships, and about 20% of these, approximately 44,856 users, experienced automatic renewals. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) received numerous complaints about eHarmony's practices, underscoring the need for greater transparency in subscription services.
The Trump administration is planning to revoke business and tourism visas for up to 200,000 foreigners who have applied for or are currently seeking asylum in a move that would mark the largest mass visa revocation in U.S. history. The State Department is expected to announce these revocations soon, targeting B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026, and coordination with the Department of Homeland Security is underway. This action follows the revocation of about 175,000 visas in the past 18 months for individuals involved in criminal activities or vocal dissent against U.S. policies.
Australia has implemented a ban on songs created largely or entirely by AI from its music charts, requiring all releases to be "substantially human made." The new code follows controversy over a cover of Madonna's "Like A Prayer" by Australian DJ Josh Fawaz, which garnered over 48 million streams on Spotify and topped the ARIA dance singles chart, and aims to promote human artistry in a competitive market. Under the updated rules, while AI can assist in music production, human writers and performers must be involved, and artists must disclose AI usage in their submissions to the charts.
The Trump administration plans to revoke the business and tourism visas of up to 200,000 foreigners who have applied for or are currently seeking asylum, representing the largest mass visa revocation in US history. The State Department will target B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026, emphasizing that applicants must affirm they will not seek asylum; however, the specific number of affected visa holders remains uncertain. Over the past 18 months, the administration has revoked approximately 175,000 visas for various reasons, including criminal convictions and public criticism of US policies.
France and Saudi Arabia announced a six-billion-euro ($7 billion) amusement park project near Paris, which will include three theme parks and is expected to create approximately 22,000 jobs. The agreements were part of a broader initiative to strengthen economic and defence ties between the two nations, with contracts signed for marine logistics and metro carriages totaling $1.014 billion. Additionally, Macron and MBS addressed regional issues, emphasizing a negotiated end to conflicts involving the US and Iran, as well as support for Palestinian statehood and condemnation of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
In Kalimantan, Indonesia, fires have consumed nearly 94,000 hectares (232,000 acres) of land in July alone, resulting in severe air quality issues that have prompted over 5,000 weekly emergency room visits for respiratory symptoms since July, a significant increase from 500 per week earlier in the year. The haze is affecting neighboring Malaysia and Singapore, with Kuala Lumpur being reported as the most polluted city globally, leading to the closure of almost 600 schools in Sarawak. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has directed authorities to revoke business permits of companies implicated in land clearing, while 72 arrests have been made related to fires, with fear of further devastation during the ongoing "super" El Niño season.
Leah Stewart, a 34-year-old teacher from Sydney, was attacked by a large shark while swimming at Coogee beach on June 13, resulting in the amputation of her arm and critical injuries that left her in a life-threatening condition for over two weeks. During her first media interview since the incident, she expressed her thoughts of her one-year-old daughter, fearing that she would grow up without her mother. Stewart's GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $558,925 to help support her medical expenses and family, and she expressed gratitude for the global support she received while focusing on her remarkable recovery.
Andrei Fedorov, a Kremlin adviser, warned of a potential "semi-military" response against UK drone factories by "unknown sources" due to the UK's shared blueprints for missile components with Ukraine. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to visit the US next month to discuss Ukraine's defense needs while seeking to secure 300 Patriot missiles for Ukraine, as current stockpiles are running low. Recent Russian strikes, including a shopping center attack that killed at least 16 people, have increased urgency for support, with Burnham reaffirming the UK's commitment to Ukraine against ongoing Russian aggression.
Eight costumes worn by Freddie Mercury, including the iconic outfit from Queen's debut album and the catsuit from the "Bohemian Rhapsody" video, will be showcased at the V&A in London from 24 October 2026 to 17 January 2027 to commemorate what would have been his 80th birthday. The display, developed with Mercury's former fiancée Mary Austin, will feature seven pieces lent by her, including a crown and cloak worn during Queen's 1986 Magic Tour. The exhibit is designed as a free trail that highlights Mercury’s love of fashion and self-expression, comprising six unique stops with sets, sound, and lighting that reflect key moments of his career.
NHS England is launching free home testing kits for cervical cancer to address the issue of only two-thirds of eligible women attending in-person screenings, leaving around 4 million women behind. The initiative, aimed at women aged 30 to 65 who have missed their appointments, allows them to collect a vaginal sample at home and send it to the NHS for testing for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), which is responsible for 99.7% of cervical cancers. With current screening rates at 68.8%, below the 80% target, this "gamechanger" program hopes to encourage more women to participate in screening and ultimately help achieve the NHS’s goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2040.
Europe's heatwaves are expected to negatively impact insurers' earnings due to a rise in claims related to heat-related deaths and health issues, particularly among the elderly, with about 9,000 of the 10,650 excess deaths during the late June heatwave occurring in individuals aged 65 and over. The report from S&P highlights that the share of those aged 65 and older in the EU increased from 16.4% to 21.6% from 2004 to 2024, raising concerns about the potential for increased mortality and health complications. As insurers face higher payouts and an increase in demand for medical services, the financial pressures could lead to higher premiums for customers in the future.
At least 35,000 excess deaths have been recorded in Europe due to back-to-back heatwaves this summer, with preliminary figures from major countries like Germany, France, and Spain indicating over 25,000 deaths. Germany reported around 14,000 heat-related deaths from April 6 to August 9 and Spain recorded 4,947 heat-related deaths this summer, making it the worst year for such fatalities in the country. The unprecedented heat in Europe has been linked to human-made global warming, with record temperatures being observed across various nations and a significant increase in mortality rates compared to previous summers.
Gary residents are entering their third week without power, prompting community prayer gatherings and frustration directed at NIPSCO from Mayor Eddie Melton. The power outage has affected thousands in the area, highlighting ongoing challenges with the utility provider's response. In related news, state officials have agreed to pay fired utility commissioner Andy Zay a settlement of $625,000.
Woolworths' Disney Ooshies promotion has significantly impacted competitor Coles, leading to a sales slump for Coles despite an overall market share gain over the past year, with the decline lasting nearly four weeks. The Ooshies campaign, which involved customers spending $30 to collect one of the 40 figurines, saw strong customer interest resulting in Woolworths running out of toys a week early, and nearly two-thirds of parents surveyed reported changing their shopping behavior because of the promotion. Additionally, a dedicated Facebook swap group for Ooshies gained over 2,500 members in one week, bringing its total to more than 45,000 members, while some schools began banning the toys due to distractions and conflicts among students.
Woodside Energy has abandoned its long-term emissions and clean energy targets despite a 27% increase in sales profit to $1.67 billion in the past six months, attributed to rising crude oil prices amid the Iran conflict. The company has also scrapped its commitment to invest $5 billion in new energy products by 2030 and is re-evaluating its ammonia business in the US. Under new CEO Liz Westcott, Woodside is pivoting further towards fossil fuels, retiring its scope 3 emissions targets and focusing its new energy business on customer demand and market conditions.
A New Zealand court sentenced religious sect leader Kaixiao Liu to over 10 years in prison for the manslaughter and kidnapping of 70-year-old Shulai Wang, whose body was found wrapped in rice bags near Auckland in March 2024. Wang had traveled from Hainan island in China to live with Liu and his family in August 2023, where she was reportedly subjected to strict control and servitude, leading to her struggle with compliance and eventual death following an attempted escape. Liu's wife, Lanyue Xiao, received nearly eight years in jail for her role in the crime, while his parents face sentencing for kidnapping and misconduct related to human remains.
A tornado struck the village of Pomas in southwestern France, injuring around 40 people and damaging approximately 300 homes, with 15 individuals, including a pregnant woman, hospitalized. The storm, which had winds reaching 117 kilometers (73 miles) per hour, led to orange storm alerts, power cuts affecting about 2,800 households, and significant transport disruptions, including train delays and flight cancellations. Over 120 emergency personnel were deployed to assist with recovery efforts, and emergency shelters were established for those displaced.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alleged that Iran attempted to assassinate one of his sons, although he did not specify details about the incident or which son was targeted. This claim came amid declining opinion polls for his coalition ahead of the upcoming general election in October, following a joint US-Israeli strike that resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and four family members. Netanyahu's elder son, Yair, 35, has drawn controversy for the taxpayer cost of his extended protection while being in Miami, as Iran vows to seek revenge for the killings of Khamenei and his family.
President Donald Trump has announced plans to increase tariffs on Canadian automobiles and auto parts from 25% to 50%, effective January 1, following failed trade negotiations between the US and Canada that involved nearly $20 billion in Canadian imports. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized Trump's threat and stated that Canada would respond with reciprocal tariffs, emphasizing the importance of supporting Canadian businesses and diversifying trade away from heavy reliance on the US. In response to the escalating tensions, Carney also revealed a $7.95 billion investment for building six new icebreakers to support Canada's shipping capacity.
A 68-year-old French tourist, Pierre Michel Formosa, died in Death Valley, California, after becoming stranded in 46.6°C (116°F) heat when his car got stuck in mud. He and his travelling companion attempted to walk 1.3 miles across the salt flats for help, but Formosa succumbed to the severe heat before he could reach safety; his companion managed to flag down a passing driver. This incident highlights the dangers of extreme heat, as millions have faced record temperatures across the U.S., contributing to a rise in heat-related deaths, including at least four hikers in the Grand Canyon earlier that summer.
The Trump administration plans to revoke up to 200,000 B1 and B2 visas, which are typically issued for business and tourism, for individuals who have applied for or are seeking asylum in the US. This action marks a significant step in a broader immigration crackdown, with the state department coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security to identify and revoke these visas issued between 2016 and 2026. Previously, the state department has revoked more than 175,000 visas under the Trump administration, which critics argue violates due process and disproportionately affects ethnic minorities.
At least 40 people were killed in an attack by gang members on a displaced persons shelter inside a church near Port-au-Prince, with the UN reporting at least 47 fatalities and more than 22 injured. The attack, which reportedly began around 10:30 p.m., involved executions and abductions of those seeking refuge after fleeing violence earlier this year, highlighting the escalating gang violence in the area. With nearly 1.5 million Haitians currently displaced and over five million facing food insecurity, the situation in Haiti remains dire, exacerbated by deep political instability and a lack of effective law enforcement.
Country music legend Dolly Parton has passed away at the age of 80, according to her family. The City of Dubuque has been awarded a $750,000 grant for Eagle Point Park improvements, while local voters will decide on a proposed $18 million bond for parks and water quality projects on November 3. Additionally, the Iowa State Fair generated an estimated $199 million economic impact on Iowa's GDP, marking record-breaking attendance.
Over the weekend, approximately 1,800 participants pulled the 360-tonne keep of Hirosaki Castle in Aomori prefecture a total of 2.22 meters using a traditional method called hikiya, rotating teams of 80 people heaving on 30-meter ropes. The event saw around 8,000 applications submitted for the available slots, highlighting high interest from both domestic and international participants. Although the keep has been moved closer to its original position, the surrounding renovations will delay public access until an expected reopening in 2033.
The United States is poised to cancel the business and tourism visas of up to 200,000 foreigners who have sought or are applying for asylum, marking the largest mass revocation of visas in the country’s history. The State Department plans to target B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026, with the revocations aimed at individuals who claimed to be short-term visitors but later filed for asylum, although deportations would not be automatic. Under the Trump administration, about 175,000 visas have already been revoked for various reasons, including criminal convictions and dissent against US policies.
Canada, which exports 70% of its goods to the US and is the top customer for 26 US states, plans retaliatory duties on various products including steel and dairy in response to the ongoing trade dispute. Premier Doug Ford suggested an "energy surcharge" could be imposed, potentially affecting 1.5 million homes in states like Michigan and New York, and noted that Canada is a major supplier of critical minerals and potash. In response to US tariffs, Canadian provinces have banned American alcohol, causing a 78% drop in US wine exports to Canada, translating to a loss of $357 million, while Canadians also reduced travel to the US by 800,000 trips in April 2024 compared to the previous year.