The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church has denied allegations that it paid far-right activists to stage election stunts against politicians like Anthony Albanese during a parliamentary inquiry into the 2025 election. Church director Lloyd Grimshaw refuted claims of coordinated support for Liberal candidates and specific financial transactions, stating, “There was not one single cent paid from the church to fund that type of activity.” Despite volunteers being seen at polling booths, Grimshaw maintained that any involvement was not directed by the church and characterized the allegations as unfounded.
In New York City, a proposed "pied-à-terre" tax aims to impose an annual fee on second homes valued over $5 million, affecting nearly one million properties, as revealed by a public list that has drawn criticism from city council members. The city plans to use this tax, projected to generate $500 million in revenue annually, to address socioeconomic inequalities, though concerns have been raised regarding the fairness of targeting homeowners and potential security risks related to the published list. Despite support for the measure from some residents and Governor Kathy Hochul, a lawsuit has been filed by homeowners seeking to remove the list, while city officials have been criticized for their absence at oversight meetings on the topic.
A decade-long study involving 22,000 Britons found that men with cardiovascular disease (CVD) have a higher lifetime cancer risk of 17.3%, compared to 12.8% for women, and 10.2% for men without CVD versus 8.2% for women. The study identified smoking, obesity, and excessive alcohol consumption as major risk factors, with increased cancer incidences in gastric, oesophageal, lung, bowel, and non-melanoma skin cancers, particularly among men. Researchers emphasized the need for better prevention pathways for cancer development in patients with heart disease and highlighted the overlap of risk factors between both conditions.
A new wave of Israeli settlers, consisting of 30 "pioneer families," has returned to the Kadim settlement in the occupied West Bank, which had been closed for two decades until the current Israeli government overturned the ban on settlements in the area. The return of these settlers reflects a broader Israeli governmental policy that has approved more than 100 new settlements in the West Bank since late 2022, with 19 of those in the northern region. Palestinian residents express fear and concern about the resurgence of settlements, citing a history of coexistence that has been overshadowed by displacement and tensions.
Aerial footage of the National Trust's Holnicote estate in Somerset shows that restored wetlands and rivers have remained green during five summer heatwaves, contrasting with the surrounding parched countryside. Over 90% of the UK’s wetlands have been lost in the last century, and the rewilding efforts at Holnicote demonstrate that nature-based solutions can enhance resilience against extreme weather events like wildfires and floods. National Trust officials emphasize the urgent need for government investment in nature-based solutions to address the ongoing impacts of climate change, with predictions of further extreme weather events, including an anticipated El Niño next year.
The body of missing Australian hiker Lily Hooper, 18, was found after an eight-day search involving approximately 1,000 people in the bushland of the Southern Highlands in New South Wales. Initial reports mistakenly claimed she had been located alive with "half a bottle of water," but this was corrected within 30 minutes when officials confirmed her death. Both NSW Premier Chris Minns and police commissioner Mal Lanyon publicly apologized for the miscommunication, which caused her family to briefly believe she was alive.
Russia's Pacific fleet conducted missile drills near the disputed Kuril Islands, firing Bastion surface-to-ship missiles approximately 300km away and involving around 60 surface ships, 30 aircraft, and over 13,000 service members. The tensions escalated following President Putin's visit to Etorofu, leading Japan to protest against the military exercises, which were scheduled to continue until August 29. Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi emphasized that Japan cannot tolerate Russia's military strengthening in the Northern Territories, which have been a territorial dispute since the Soviet Union seized them after World War II.
Between July 30 and mid-August, around 72,000 people attempted to cross from Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, with estimates suggesting that 2,000 to 8,000 remained in Ceuta while many others have returned. Despite the dangers—highlighted by the deaths of approximately 100 individuals during the July crossing—hopeful migrants, like a woman named Malika with her two young children, continue to gather in Fnideq, driven by desperation and the belief that life in Ceuta may offer them a better future. On August 15, Moroccan authorities tightened security along the border, arresting 111 individuals attempting to enter, as many locals express disillusionment with the lack of job opportunities and prospects in Morocco.
An estimated 72,000 people crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta after July 30, 2023, despite around 100 fatalities during the attempt, and most of those who entered have since returned to Morocco, leaving between 2,000 and 8,000 individuals in desperate conditions in Ceuta. In Fnideq, many migrants like Malika and Ahmed express their hopelessness, with Malika struggling to care for her two children while living in the open and Ahmed feeling abandoned by a lack of job opportunities in Morocco. In response to social media calls for new crossing attempts in August, Moroccan authorities increased security around Ceuta and reportedly arrested 111 individuals attempting to enter.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan was returned to prison after being deemed "medically fit" by a team of doctors following his hospital examination, which was ordered by the Supreme Court within 48 hours due to health complaints. Khan, who has faced over 100 charges since his imprisonment in August 2023, including allegations related to leaking state secrets and corruption, has been struggling with severe health issues, including reports of only 15% vision in his right eye. Despite the political turmoil surrounding his imprisonment, Khan continues to have considerable support within Pakistan, with large-scale protests erupting in response to his jailing.
Former Liberal MP Jenny Ware criticized the Coalition for supporting Labor's recent gambling reforms, stating that "vulnerable Australians have been let down" as the parliament failed to fully ban wagering ads. The reforms, described as the strongest ever enacted, allow for a limit of three TV ads per hour during specific times, require online ads to target individuals over 18, and include a national opt-out register for gamblers, although details about its implementation remain unclear. Ware emphasized the need for a national gambling regulator and a full ban on ads, arguing that the legislation "falls far short" of necessary protections for those affected by gambling harm, which she termed a national public health crisis.
A 15ft (4.5-metre), 50kg reticulated python named Jodie Foster, believed to be the first snake in the world to undergo electrochemotherapy, is recovering well after treatment for a malignant jaw tumor. Diagnosed with a fibrosarcoma, she initially had the tumor surgically removed, but it returned and necessitated the groundbreaking cancer treatment, which involves administering a drug combined with electrical pulses to enhance its efficacy. Following a successful 90-minute procedure and ongoing monitoring, Jodie is reported to be back to her normal behavior and remains cancer-free, with plans for further research publication by the involved veterinary team.
The value of banknotes in circulation in the EU is set to rise from €1 billion in 2016 to €1.6 billion by June 2026, driven by increasing anxiety over wars, wildfires, and cyber-attacks. Despite a decline in cash transactions due to the popularity of contactless payments, the total number of banknotes has increased from 24 million before the pandemic in 2019 to over 31 million currently, with the €50 note being the most popular. European countries have recommended households keep €70 to €100 in cash for emergencies, emphasizing the importance of cash for crisis preparedness and financial inclusion.
A Hong Kong court found pro-democracy activists Lee Cheuk-yan, 69, and Chow Hang-tung, 41, guilty of "incitement to subversion" for organizing vigils to commemorate the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown, with sentencing expected later, and they could face up to 10 years in jail. The vigils, attended by tens of thousands annually, were banned in 2020 amid a broader crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong. Chow, who has remained vocal despite her incarceration, described her treatment in detention as inhumane and painful, highlighting the ongoing erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong under Beijing's influence.
Lee Cheuk-yan, 69, and Chow Hang-tung, 41, leaders of the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance, were found guilty of "inciting subversion" under a 2020 national security law, facing a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, with sentencing set for a later date. Their trial lasted 24 days, and they were charged for organizing vigils commemorating the Tiananmen Square crackdown, which have been effectively banned in Hong Kong since the law's enactment following pro-democracy protests in 2019. This case exemplifies the erosion of civil liberties in Hong Kong, with most opposition leaders either detained or having fled, raising concerns over Beijing's control over the region's civil society.
The United States has deported approximately 2,300 Mexicans to Guatemala in 2023, with 2,284 confirmed arrivals as reported by Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo. These deported individuals are being processed in Guatemala as a transit stop before being sent back to Mexico within 24 hours, which has faced opposition from the Mexican government, asserting the right of its citizens to return directly to Mexico. Additionally, reports indicate that some Mexicans have also been deported to Honduras, with official documents showing 82 arrivals in San Pedro Sula last week.
A 32-year-old man was arrested in Brisbane after allegedly raping and assaulting a young woman during a bushwalk around 6:30 am and later returning to the crime scene that evening. He faces six charges, including six counts of rape, stalking, and assault with intent to commit rape, following a public appeal that led police to dashcam footage assisting in identifying his vehicle. The victim, in her 20s, has sustained injuries from the attack and is receiving medical and psychological care while staying with family.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex experienced a brief Hollywood reign after leaving the Royal Family in 2020, securing deals worth up to $25 million with Spotify for a 12-episode podcast and between $60 million and $100 million with Netflix, although they recently parted ways with Spotify and saw a decrease in Netflix's financial support. Harry's memoir, "Spare," became a bestseller with over six million copies sold, making it the fastest-selling non-fiction book on record, and he reportedly received a $20 million advance for it. Despite their celebrity status and initial success, their departure from California has been met with indifference, signaling challenges in sustaining their Hollywood ventures.
Japan has executed Sunao Takami, a 58-year-old man who killed five people in a 2009 pachinko gaming parlour fire, marking the first death sentence enacted in over a year. The execution followed a 2011 sentence where a six-member jury and three judges dismissed claims of Takami's mental illness. Japan, along with the United States, remains one of the only G7 countries that still implements capital punishment, with death-row inmates typically receiving just hours of notice before their execution.
A Hong Kong court convicted pro-democracy activists Lee Cheuk-yan, 69, and Chow Hang-tung, 41, under the national security law for "incitement to subversion" due to their organization of candlelight vigils commemorating the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989. Both were charged in 2021, pleaded not guilty, and face a maximum sentence of 10 years, with sentencing expected later. In response, Germany, France, and Taiwan have called for their immediate release, emphasizing that peaceful advocacy for human rights should not be criminalized.
A Hong Kong court convicted pro-democracy activists Lee Cheuk-yan, 69, and Chow Hang-tung, 41, under the national security law for "incitement to subversion" related to their organization of Tiananmen Square vigil events. Both activists, who pleaded not guilty, face a maximum prison term of 10 years, with sentencing expected later. The charges stem from their alleged incitement of unlawful acts to subvert state power, amidst a broader crackdown on public commemorations of the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown following the law's implementation in 2020.
A Swiss tourist, Luzian Andrin Zgraggen, was sentenced to one year in prison for insulting the Hindu holiday of Nyepi in Bali by filming himself walking on an empty beach and referring to it as "crazy" during the sacred observance, which took place on March 19 this year. His actions sparked significant outrage among the local Balinese community, leading to his arrest in March for violating the strict Nyepi restrictions that require silence and confinement for everyone on the island, including tourists. Bali's tourism is recovering, hosting a record seven million international visitors last year, but authorities are increasingly cracking down on misbehavior among tourists, with past incidents resulting in deportations or penalties.
Dallas McInerney, the chief executive of Catholic Schools NSW, was sacked after testifying at an Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) inquiry investigating allegations of illegal political donations linked to the Liberal party. The inquiry examines claims that McInerney arranged payments totaling $265,900 over four years under the guise of consulting services, which he insists were legitimate. Following his suspension from the Liberal party and the termination of his role, McInerney denied attempts to destroy evidence related to the inquiry, maintaining that his actions were precautionary due to a compromised bank account.
Egypt's approach to Ethiopia's new Nile dam plans is focused on diplomacy and collaboration with Sudan, as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has highlighted Cairo's limited influence over Ethiopia's river management. Ethiopia recently announced plans for three new Blue Nile hydropower projects—Karadobi, Mandaya, and Beko Abo—with a combined generating potential of around 5,700 megawatts, moving forward after the inauguration of the nearly $5 billion GERD, which has a capacity of 5,150 megawatts. Egypt's primary concern revolves around the management of water resources, as the Nile is its main freshwater source, prompting calls for binding agreements on water flow and drought management.
The US has imposed new sanctions on nine Cuban state-owned firms and officials affiliated with the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), aiming to counteract efforts to promote Cuban regime ties globally, particularly around Fidel Castro's 100th birthday. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused these entities of supporting the regime's efforts to "export Marxism" and stated that these actions reflect the Trump administration's stance against funding repression in Cuba. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez condemned the sanctions, highlighting their detrimental impact on the economy and the government's ability to provide basic services amid an ongoing oil blockade.
Brazil will invest approximately 2.3 billion reais ($444.2 million) to enhance its artificial intelligence ecosystem, focusing on partnerships with both US and Chinese technology firms. Of this investment, 1.3 billion reais ($251 million) will support a supercomputing infrastructure project with Huawei and iFlytek in Rio de Janeiro, while an additional 1 billion reais ($193.1 million) will be used for a supercomputer expected to rank among the world's top 10, set to be installed in Rio Grande do Norte. The initiative aims to strengthen Brazil’s data sovereignty and diversify its technological partnerships, with operations for the supercomputer expected to begin by the end of 2027.
A court has permanently stayed the case against two senior constables, Andrew David Couchman, 54, and Ulrich Weiss, 45, charged over their use of excessive force on a vulnerable 23-year-old First Nations man with schizophrenia during an incident at the Mareeba watch house in January 2024. The judgment revealed that while the events leading to the accusations were not disputed, the investigation contained a “false” statement regarding consent from the alleged victim, leading to concerns about a fair trial. Judge Dean Morzone emphasized the need for accountability in such serious allegations, stating that vulnerable individuals in custody should be protected by the law, yet ultimately ruled that a fair trial could not be guaranteed.
The Panama Canal will begin limiting traffic in early September, allowing only 34 vessels per day starting September 4, and reducing that to 32 vessels on September 15, to address anticipated lower water levels due to the El Nino weather phenomenon. The canal, which usually accommodates about 40 vessels daily and handles approximately 5% of global maritime trade, had already seen a daily average of 35 transits since June. A severe drought in 2023 had previously reduced traffic through the canal by about 36%, with expectations of a particularly strong El Nino potentially leading to more extreme weather events.
Michael Cohen, once an outspoken critic of Donald Trump, gave an excessively deferential interview on 77 WABC, referring to Trump as "boss" and "sir" while allowing his falsehoods to go unchallenged, a stark contrast to the derogatory comments he made about Trump in 2019. During the interview, Cohen claimed that both he and Trump are among the most unjustly treated individuals by the justice system, comparing their situation to historical figures Andrew Jackson and Aaron Burr, and ended the discussion with a nostalgic remark, "Reunited and it feels so good!" This shift in Cohen's demeanor reflects a broader pattern among former Trump critics, such as Steve Bannon and Ted Cruz, who have also returned to support Trump, often driven by motives of power or wealth.
Hundreds of protesters in Tunisia's capital are demanding the ousting of President Kais Saied and the restoration of democracy, rejecting "one-man rule" and calling for the release of jailed opposition figures amid rising discontent. The protests come as the country faces economic woes, with an inflation rate of 5.2 percent and deteriorating public services, following Saied's rule by decree since 2021 and the dissolution of parliament in 2022. Rights groups allege that Saied has overseen a crackdown on opposition, while protests over basic needs like water and power are signaling broader public anger beyond political issues.