POLITICS
Politics coverage
Today's coverage is mostly centrist. 1889 stories in the last 48 hours across 9517 outlet reports.
Trump dominates Dallas GOP midterm convention as party grapples with internal doubts
At a two‑day Republican convention in Dallas, Donald Trump delivered the keynote and appeared on badges and T‑shirts. Speakers invoked traditional GOP concerns such as transgender athletes, vaccine mandates and illegal immigration while attacking Democratic leaders. Several Republican candidates skipped the event, and interviews with donors, activists and officials highlighted unease about the party’s electoral prospects and internal divisions. Party officials stressed the need to mobilize low‑propensity voters and discussed redistricting plans and a large cash reserve as factors for the November contests. Polls cited show Trump’s personal approval below 40 percent and a sizable enthusiasm gap among voters.
UK Prime Minister flags AI existential risk after expert warns >10% chance of human extinction
At a Commons briefing, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said artificial intelligence poses a national‑security threat and referred to an estimate from Anthropic safety researcher Evan Hubinger that there is more than a 10% chance AI could cause human extinction within ten years. He noted the recent promotion of AI safety minister Kanishka Narayan to the Cabinet as a sign that the government is taking the issue seriously. The remarks followed reports that Anthropic has not submitted its newest model to the UK AI Safety Institute and that former Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon resigned, warning that the industry’s race toward self‑improving AI is a gamble with humanity’s future.
AfD wins Saxony‑Anhalt election with roughly 44% of the vote
The Alternative for Germany secured about 43.8% of the ballots in Saxony‑Anhalt, while the Christian Democratic Union fell to roughly 17% and lost half its previous support. AfD fell one seat short of an outright majority in the 83‑member Landtag and its candidate Ulrich Siegmund said he will seek coalition partners, including the party that earned 5.3% of the vote. State premier Sven Schulze acknowledged that the AfD now has the right to try to build a governing majority. Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he was deeply shocked by the CDU’s performance and warned of consequences, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán hailed the result as the start of a new era.
Trump promises $5,000 payout to adults if GOP holds Congress, sparking GOP split
At a Republican midterm convention in Dallas, President Donald Trump announced a $5,000 check for every adult American contingent on Republicans holding both the House and Senate after the 2026 elections. The plan, estimated to cost between $1.2 trillion and $1.35 trillion, has been questioned by several GOP lawmakers, including Thomas Massie, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Justin Amash and Chip Roy, who called it economically illiterate. Senator Bernie Moreno said he would work on legislation to enact the dividend and suggested a market‑access fee on foreign imports could help fund it, while other Republicans warned it could fuel inflation. Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa expressed support for the idea of a universal payout but rejected tying it to the election outcome.
Houthis seize Perim Island and Dhubab after capturing Mokha, prompting Saudi plea for U.S. action
Houthi forces aligned with Iran captured the Red Sea port of Mokha and then moved onto the strategic island of Perim (also known as Mayyun) and the coastal town of Dhubab. Yemeni government troops withdrew from the positions as the rebels advanced along the Bab al‑Mandeb coastline. The United States said it would provide intelligence and targeting assistance but would not conduct combat strikes. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman repeatedly urged President Donald Trump to order U.S. military action against the Houthis, a request that was declined. The gains place the Houthis close to the Bab al‑Mandeb chokepoint, a key route for global oil shipments.
Trump declares hypothetical ballot run and promises $5,000 dividend at GOP midterm kickoff
At the GOP midterm convention in Dallas, Donald Trump urged Republicans to picture him on the ballot and pledged a $5,000 payment to every adult American. He told reporters that the war with Iran would end immediately after the November midterm elections and suggested gasoline prices could fall below $2 a gallon thereafter. In a televised interview, Trump said he would repeat his decision to go to war with Iran despite the electoral calendar. Senior White House officials have warned that the conflict could continue well beyond the midterms and possibly through the end of his term. The proposals and statements have drawn criticism from Democrats who call the dividend a political bribe and raise concerns about the war’s timeline.
OpenAI chief says safety concerns could prompt slower AI rollout
In a recent interview, OpenAI’s Sam Altman said the company must treat any non‑trivial chance of existential risk as unacceptable and indicated the firm may temper the speed of its frontier AI projects. He praised Anthropic founder Dario Amodei’s call for the industry to slow the deployment of powerful models and to bring in external auditors, a view echoed by other leaders in the sector. Elon Musk added that regulatory frameworks should be balanced, noting the European Union’s stringent rules. An open letter signed by AI‑industry employees is urging independent oversight across major firms, while the United States and Europe continue to disagree over how to manage AI safety and regulation.
Declassified CIA Briefings Show Bush Warned of Al-Qaeda Plot Weeks Before 9/11
The CIA released 71 presidential briefings that warned President George W. Bush of al-Qaeda’s intent to strike the United States just weeks before the September 11 attacks.
Israel says it destroyed Hezbollah tunnel network on Ali Taher ridge
Israel’s army detonated a tunnel network belonging to Hezbollah on the Ali al‑Taher ridge, a strategic high ground in southern Lebanon near the Litani River. Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahou and Defence Minister Israel Katz announced the demolition, describing the tunnels as a long‑standing terror infrastructure built with external support. The tunnels reportedly housed command facilities and living quarters for fighters. Army chief of staff Eyal Zamir pledged swift retaliation against any further threats, while the strike follows earlier claims that Hezbollah fighters had been killed or had fled the tunnels.
ECB raises rates amid Middle East conflict and energy price surge
The European Central Bank increased its three key interest rates by a quarter point, citing ongoing inflationary pressure linked to the Middle East conflict and higher energy costs. The move is expected to push the Euribor above three percent, raising monthly payments for homeowners with variable‑rate mortgages and tightening conditions for new loans. In Cyprus, borrowers with floating‑rate loans will see higher repayments at their next rate review, while fixed‑rate contracts remain unchanged. Officials highlighted that stronger growth forecasts are adding to price pressures, and markets are watching for possible further tightening.
Australia's proposed social‑media algorithm opt‑out faces US pushback and domestic backlash
The Albanese administration has introduced a Digital Duty of Care reform that would require major platforms to offer users a choice between algorithmic timelines and a feed limited to accounts they follow. The bill sets fines of more than $100 million per breach for platforms that fail to comply. The proposal has drawn criticism from right‑wing politicians and sparked debate over its impact on political messaging. A spokesperson for the Trump administration has warned Australia that the measures could affect U.S. tech firms. Researchers caution that platforms may provide a technically compliant but poorly functional non‑algorithmic mode, and tests show algorithmic recommendations can persist even after users opt out.
Six months into U.S.–Iran war, Tehran appoints hard‑line allies as fighting flares and Trump’s victory claims draw criticism
The conflict that began in late February has reached a six‑month milestone, with 18 U.S. servicemen and women killed. Recent U.S. strikes on launchers on Larak Island were followed by Iranian ballistic missile attacks on U.S. installations in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. President Trump has repeatedly proclaimed that the United States has won the war, while lawmakers from both parties have used the anniversary to criticize the administration’s handling of the fight. In Tehran, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei appointed former Guard commander Mohsen Rezaei as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and cleric Hossein Taeb to lead the Basij, alongside other hard‑line officers. Oil markets rose more than 3.5% after the renewed clashes.
Pro-independence leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set to sign breakup pact in Cardiff
Leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will meet in Cardiff on Monday to sign a declaration calling for independence referendums and the dissolution of the United Kingdom.
IAEA board votes to refer Iran to UN Security Council over nuclear non‑compliance
The IAEA Board of Governors voted 23‑3‑8 to refer Iran to the United Nations Security Council for failing to meet its nuclear reporting obligations, with Russia, China and Niger opposing and eight members abstaining. Iran’s deputy foreign minister and its IAEA delegate dismissed the resolution as politically driven and ineffective. The board’s decision calls for the IAEA Director General to appear before the Security Council, while the council’s upcoming debate may be hampered by possible Russian and Chinese vetoes. Parallel discussions at the UN include a vote on extending the expert panel that supports the sanctions committee on Iran.
Ukrainian intelligence says Russian casualties outpace recruitment and morale wanes
Ukraine’s chief of military intelligence said daily Russian losses often exceed the roughly 1,000‑1,200 soldiers Moscow can recruit each day, with some days seeing 1,400‑1,500 casualties. The General Staff put Russian troop casualties since the invasion at about 1.5 million, with daily losses still in the high hundreds. The intelligence chief also noted a sharp decline in morale among Russian soldiers and civilians. The warning follows a daylight drone strike on a shopping mall in Pavlohrad that killed at least five people and injured dozens, including teenagers. Western analysts see the growing gap between Russian losses and recruitment as a possible turning point in the conflict.
Anthropic releases catalogue of malicious Claude AI uses across multiple risk domains
Anthropic published a 154‑page catalogue documenting the most notable malicious activities detected involving its Claude AI model. The report identifies seven risk domains—cyber operations, influence, surveillance, fraud, biological misuse, conventional weapons design, and model distillation—and records incidents spanning from December 2025 through August 2026. Anthropic says each case has been neutralised, with implicated accounts blocked and additional safeguards added to the model. The company chose not to name the nations or organisations involved in the incidents.
Xi urges BRICS members to help broker peace in the Middle East
Chinese President Xi Jinping called on BRICS nations at the New Delhi summit to support peace initiatives in the Middle East, saying the war harms the international community.
Israeli airstrikes on Kfar Rumman kill civilians including children
Airstrikes by Israeli forces hit the southern Lebanese village of Kfar Rumman, resulting in civilian deaths that include children, women and rescue workers. Reports give casualty figures ranging from nine to twelve killed and dozens injured. Israel said the operation was aimed at Hezbollah infrastructure and a weapons transport. The attacks came after Israel announced control of the strategic Ali al‑Taher ridge, a claim Hezbollah has not addressed. Lebanese health officials reported the numbers and noted the loss of an 18‑year‑old rescuer linked to a civil‑defence group.
Russia's nuclear chief alleges Ukrainian strike on diesel trucks endangers Zaporizhzhia plant
Russia's state nuclear corporation head Alexei Likhachev says Ukrainian forces attacked diesel fuel trucks near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, killing two Russian servicemen and injuring many others.
Eurozone inflation rises to 3.3% in August as US CPI holds at 3.4%
The Eurozone’s harmonised consumer price index increased to 3.3% in August, up from 2.9% in July, driven primarily by a 14.3% year‑over‑year jump in energy prices linked to the war in Iran; stripping out energy, underlying inflation was 2.2%. In the United States, the consumer price index for August remained at a 3.4% annual increase, matching July, while core CPI eased to 2.4%, still above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. Fed officials are expected to decide on interest‑rate policy at their September meeting, with a rate hike under discussion. Market expectations for a September hike have been reported at about 67%.
Turkish police detain dozens in nationwide raids on LGBTQ+ groups
Turkish authorities have arrested at least 47 people after raids on LGBTQ+ association offices across 12 provinces, seizing drugs, digital gear and a firearm.
EU proposes new rules to let cities restrict short‑term rentals and second‑home purchases
The European Commission has unveiled a housing regulation draft that would give national and municipal authorities clearer powers to limit short‑term holiday rentals and the acquisition of second homes in areas where housing pressure is evident. The text focuses on commercial operators running multiple properties while preserving the right of owners to let out their primary residence for brief periods. EU housing commissioner Dan Jørgensen warned that short‑term rentals have contributed to sharp rent increases in cities such as Lisbon, Berlin and Madrid, and said the proposal would apply only where data show acute affordability problems. Portugal’s Association of Local Accommodation criticised the draft for lacking detail on how restrictions should be justified, measured or proportionate, while a separate provision would allow municipalities to tax vacant homes in stressed markets. Local authorities, such as Budapest’s 13th District, are already preparing their own regulatory options in anticipation of the EU measures.
Houthis seize Bab al-Mandab strait and islands, tightening grip on Red Sea trade route
The Iran-backed Houthis captured the Yemeni side of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, Mayyun Island and the Hanish islands, consolidating control over the vital Red Sea corridor.
Poland says Russia likely to hit its Ukraine border crossings after averted attack
Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that coordinated Polish and Ukrainian services averted a direct danger at one of the Poland‑Ukraine border checkpoints following a press briefing after the V4 summit in Bratislava. He did not give details about the type of threat or the exact location. Tusk warned that Russia might aim at additional border crossings to hamper Ukrainian commerce, recalling a recent drone strike on a Moldova‑Ukraine crossing that killed two people. He added that the United States' CIA provided a precise report on likely scenarios in the coming months, urging Poland and Europe to remain vigilant. Ukrainian border guards have reported several recent attacks on crossings in Moldova and Romania.
Ukraine and Canada sign 100‑year partnership to deepen defence and energy ties
President Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister Mark Carney formalised a declaration establishing a 100‑year partnership between Ukraine and Canada. The agreement includes a separate joint declaration on defence and security cooperation, with priority given to the defence industry. Energy ministers also issued a statement on expanding cooperation to improve Ukraine’s energy security. Zelensky’s visit focused on protecting Ukrainian skies, preparing for the winter season and bolstering overall resilience.
Finland's defence minister warns Russia's expansion aims extend beyond Ukraine
Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen said Russia's imperial goals will continue past Ukraine and urged Finland to boost its defence now.
BRICS adopts Delhi Declaration on West Asia restraint, energy security and UN reforms; Modi and Xi hold bilateral talks
Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the 2026 BRICS summit in New Delhi and led the adoption of the Delhi Declaration, which urged maximum restraint in the West Asia conflict, protection of civilian infrastructure and uninterrupted global energy supplies. The declaration highlighted the importance of stable energy markets, acknowledged the continued role of fossil fuels for emerging economies and condemned attacks on nuclear facilities. Modi used the summit to call for immediate reform of the United Nations Security Council and adjustments to voting power in global financial institutions, proposing a continuity and implementation mechanism to follow up summit outcomes. On the sidelines, Modi and President Xi Jinping met to discuss border de‑escalation and trade imbalances between India and China, while Xi urged the bloc to play an active role in fostering peace in West Asia.
Israeli attacks kill multiple civilians in Gaza, including a family of four and a child
Israeli forces fired from military vehicles and a drone on the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, killing at least four Palestinians and wounding several others. In the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahiya, a residence was hit, killing a husband, his wife and their two daughters. An Israeli strike on a vehicle in western Gaza City killed a father and his school‑age daughter, while injuring six others. The incidents occur after a United States‑backed ceasefire was announced in October 2025, but both Israeli and Hamas officials accuse the other side of violating the truce.
Russia unveils modular shield as drone attacks heighten civilian strain
Russia’s defence firms have introduced a modular metal structure called “Web” to protect oil storage, electrical substations and other critical sites from unmanned aerial assaults. At the same time, Russian drone raids on Kyiv have intensified, disrupting public transport, damaging apartments and prompting residents to consider leaving the city. Russian air‑defence units have reported shooting down Ukrainian drones over multiple regions. The combined pressure of aerial attacks and infrastructure protection measures is deepening civilian hardship as winter approaches.
UK set to announce trade ban on Israeli settlement products as West Bank violence spikes
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is expected to announce a ban on trade and investment linked to Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, a move said to align with the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion. UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese described the ban as a tentative but important step and urged additional measures such as limiting humanitarian assistance to Gaza and ending certain cooperation. Violence in the West Bank has intensified, with settlers raiding near Hajja while Israeli troops also opened fire, killing a 19‑year‑old Palestinian and wounding three others, and a separate stabbing incident near Qusra ending with the attacker shot dead. The radical settler faction Hilltop Youth has injured at least 57 Palestinians and destroyed homes, farms and vehicles since mid‑July. US ambassador Mike Huckabee rebuked the UK move, claiming it was driven by anti‑Jewish sentiment.
U.S. automakers push Congress to bar Chinese car sales and technology
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation asked lawmakers to enact a permanent ban on Chinese vehicles, hardware and software in the United States, citing unfair trade practices and data-security concerns.
Ceuta migrant surge fuels political clash over Morocco, protests and EU debate
In late July, tens of thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, overwhelming local services and prompting a humanitarian emergency. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said no concrete proof links the Moroccan state to the crossing and denied responsibility, while a police report described Moroccan border police as unusually sparse and granting migrants “total permission.” The influx has sparked large protests demanding Sánchez’s resignation and has been used by right‑wing parties across Europe to rally support, coinciding with a rise in poll shares for far‑right groups. The European Parliament is set to debate the crisis, with right‑wing groups accusing Sánchez of inaction and the Socialists urging solidarity, while authorities have identified 2,000 unaccompanied minors and plan to prioritize their deportation.
Trump calls Irish reunification "fantastic" during Dublin meeting and slams European policies
During a two-day visit to Ireland, Donald Trump said he would like to see the island unified and criticized European allies over trade, energy and immigration.
UK bans West Bank settlement imports as Israel shuts British consulate and bars officials
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced that the United Kingdom will prohibit imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, joining a coordinated trade restriction announced by France, Canada and other nations. The ban is part of a broader package announced alongside eleven other countries. Israel responded by closing its consulate in Jerusalem and refusing entry to British officials. The measures have heightened diplomatic tension between the United Kingdom and Israel.
AfD Wins Plurality in Saxony-Anhalt; BSW Alone Accepts Dialogue as Others Reject
The Alternative for Germany emerged as the largest party in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, securing 39 of the 83 parliamentary seats but falling short of a governing majority. The left‑populist BSW, holding five seats, said it would discuss policy issues with the AfD, while the Greens, SPD, Left and CDU all declined any cooperation, labeling the AfD extremist. In Berlin, Chancellor Friedrich Merz cancelled a scheduled call with Donald Trump after the former U.S. president posted a celebratory message about the Saxony-Anhalt result, accusing the German establishment of failing on migration. The unfolding negotiations determine whether the AfD can form a workable administration in the state.
DHS proposes ending 60‑day grace period for H‑1B and other work visas
The Department of Homeland Security announced a rulemaking that would end the discretionary 60‑day grace period allowing certain temporary work visa holders to stay in the United States after a job loss. The proposal was published in the Federal Register and would require affected workers to leave the country when their employment ends unless a new employer files a petition on their behalf. It would affect H‑1B visas and other employment‑based visas. DHS estimates that roughly 3,795 workers each year, almost all on H‑1B visas, rely on the grace period, and more than 208,000 spouses and children could be impacted. The change is part of a broader effort to curb legal migration that has also included higher visa fees and a pause on immigrant visa appointments at U.S. missions worldwide.
Ben Delo gives Reform UK a record £36 million boost amid funding probe
Crypto founder Ben Delo has donated £36 million to Reform UK, the largest party contribution on record, as police investigate alleged illegal foreign funding.
Trump vows $5,000 payout to every adult if GOP wins midterms
At a two‑day convention in Dallas, Donald Trump pledged a cash payment of $5,000 to each adult American contingent on Republicans retaining control of both chambers of Congress. Critics note the payout would cost well over $1.2 trillion and would require congressional approval, which Trump did not address. Most competitive Republican candidates stayed away from the event, while Democrats did not organize a counter‑rally. Vice‑President JD Vance defended the plan on television, despite analysts saying the federal deficit and debt are already high. Trump also said the money would come from tariff revenue and that the war with Iran would end after the midterm vote.
Texas Senate race tightens as Democrat James Talarico secures cross‑party endorsements and a former Paxton aide backs him while Trump‑aligned fundraising stalls
Democrat James Talarico has announced endorsements from 21 Republicans, including former officeholders and a former Texas Ranger who previously worked for Attorney General Ken Paxton. The former aide, David Maxwell, has aired a campaign ad supporting Talarico and accusing Paxton of retaliation after reporting alleged misconduct. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s fundraising efforts in Texas have not yet released money from his super PAC, and Trump promised to devote significant time to the race after a Houston fundraiser. Campaign finance reports show Talarico has spent roughly seven times more on advertising than Paxton, and political analysts have reclassified the contest as a toss‑up.
Russian drone hits train locomotive near Poland‑Ukraine border, no casualties
A Russian drone hit the locomotive of a passenger train near the Yahodyn border crossing, about two kilometres from Poland, prompting an evacuation that left no casualties. Ukrainian authorities had warned of the incoming strike and the Ukrainian foreign minister condemned the attack as barbaric. Polish forces deployed a helicopter to patrol the nearby airspace and issued emergency alerts to residents of the Lublin and Subcarpathian regions, while air‑defence units were placed on heightened alert. Separate attacks on a fuel station and a freight‑train siding were also reported in the area, and Polish officials said they could not verify the drone strike on the train.
Projectile strike on vessel in Hormuz raises fresh worries for oil flow
A ship was hit by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, prompting crew evacuation after a fire broke out, according to UKMTO.
Iran obtained Chinese satellite images for July Jordan airbase strike as missile attacks on US warships revive questions about foreign assistance
U.S. officials say Iran received high‑resolution satellite imagery of Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan from Chinese sources before the July strike that caused extensive damage and three American fatalities. In the weeks following that attack, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched two ballistic missile attacks against United States Navy vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, which U.S. forces evaded without casualties. CENTCOM reported that Iran’s maritime radar capability has been largely neutralized, making precise targeting difficult without external help. The missile launches failed, prompting speculation that China or Russia may be providing location data for U.S. ships. The two incidents together highlight concerns about the weaponization of commercial satellite data and the possibility of foreign powers aiding Iran’s operations.
Mass protests sweep German cities against AfD after regional election win
Protesters took to streets in dozens of German cities to denounce the AfD and its candidate following its recent electoral success in Saxony-Anhalt.
Zelensky says Ukraine struggles to intercept Russian ballistic missiles after deadly raid
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine still finds it hard to shoot down Russian ballistic missiles after a large attack that killed at least two people.
Iran says Oman deal does not guarantee Hormuz Strait reopening
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that the pending agreement with Oman to manage the Strait of Hormuz will not automatically lead to the waterway’s reopening.
Saxony-Anhalt election could deliver Germany's first far-right state governor
Voters in Saxony-Anhalt held a state election that could give the far-right AfD its first governing role in a German state, but only if it wins an absolute majority.
U.S. diesel prices break $6 per gallon as Red Sea port falls to Houthis
U.S. diesel averaged over $6 a gallon for the first time, while Houthi rebels captured the Yemeni port of Mokha, threatening Red Sea shipping.
EU debates legal routes to tap frozen Russian assets while Ukraine aid loan rolls out
The European Commission said it will continue rolling out the €90 billion loan that finances Ukraine’s financial and military aid while it negotiates with Kyiv and the IMF to quantify the defence‑budget gap. Countries including Sweden, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and the Baltic states have asked the Commission to devise fresh legal routes for using the frozen Russian central‑bank holdings. A group of MEPs has called for a political restart on a custodian proposal concerning the assets. The EU has also prepared a treaty to establish an International Claims Commission for Ukraine, but the lack of Russian participation and the need for ratification by at least 25 signatories leave the scheme without enforcement power. Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has formally requested that the frozen assets be redirected to pay Ukraine for war‑related losses.
EU and Canada Near Finalising Multifaceted Partnership as Trade Dispute Persists
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to unveil a multifaceted EU‑Canada partnership during her annual state of the Union address. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to address Members of the European Parliament after the unveiling. Both sides have scheduled a summit in Canada in October to cement the agreement, with discussions covering joint defence projects, space exploration, advanced research and supply‑chain resilience. Legal frameworks for the partnership are still being debated. The move follows a trade dispute with the United States that has prompted Canada to consider deeper ties with Europe.
Russian drone hits Odesa apartment block, injuring at least twelve residents
A Russian drone struck a multi-storey residential building in Odesa on Sept 12, wounding at least twelve people who were taken to hospital.
Controversial Gaza documentary Naza added to Venice Film Festival line‑up
The Venice Film Festival has added the English‑language documentary Naza, directed by Oscar‑winning Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, to its program only weeks before the event concludes. The film includes an interview with an Israeli Defence Forces officer and references a military code related to civilian casualties. Festival chief Alberto Barbera said the late placement was intended to keep the film from dominating the competition and turning the festival into a political battleground. A pro‑Israel cultural association has sent a formal inquiry to the Biennale asking whether procedural rules were bent to allow the entry, noting that another film was turned down for missing the deadline. The festival’s slate also features other Gaza‑related titles such as Citizen Osama and The Voice of Hind Rajab.
North Korea fires unknown projectile eastward over the sea
North Korea launched an unidentified projectile toward the sea east of the Korean Peninsula, according to South Korean defence officials.
Ukrainian drone strikes intensify pressure on Russian civilians and economy
Ukrainian drones have increasingly hit Russian fuel depots, warehouses and even Moscow, killing two civilians and sparking public anxiety.
Russian mini‑submarine drill halted near Svalbard
Russian mini‑submarines were conducting a drill in Arctic waters close to Svalbard when officials said they were confronted by forces from Norway and the United Kingdom. The confrontation led to the termination of the drill and the departure of the Russian vessels from the area. Earlier in the spring, Norway and the United Kingdom announced they had intercepted a clandestine Russian submarine operation in the Arctic near Svalbard. Follow‑up intelligence indicated that the operation involved special subs and was aimed at undersea cables, but no damage was reported.
Spain’s youth minister urges regional takeover of Ceuta’s unaccompanied minors as fires and political tensions rise
Youth and Childhood Minister Sira Rego said in Córdoba that hundreds of unaccompanied minors, including many girls, are living on the streets of Ceuta and urged autonomous communities to fulfil their legal obligation to take charge of them. She also called for relocating the children to the Spanish mainland and announced that procedures are being opened for minors who wish to reunite with families in Morocco. The call comes as fires broke out in migrant shelters and nearby vehicles in Ceuta, with firefighters extinguishing the blazes but no explanation given for their origin. More than 140 NGOs have issued an open letter demanding a faster humanitarian response for migrants living in informal camps and shelters. The People’s Party has blamed Morocco for the recent border incursion and asked for an independent investigation, while leaders of the Czech Republic and Hungary have criticised the European Commission’s decision to grant Spain emergency assistance.
Iranian merchant ship hit near Strait of Hormuz, one killed and three injured
An Iranian commercial vessel was struck near Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, killing one crew member and wounding three others.
Russian drone raids hit Kyiv and Moldova crossing, Zelensky urges compromises as diplomatic overtures continue
Russian forces launched drone raids on Kyiv and the Starokozache crossing on the Ukrainian‑Moldovan frontier, prompting President Zelensky to call for stronger negotiating roles by Europe and the United States and to signal Ukraine’s willingness to make concessions. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated that peace negotiations can proceed alongside ongoing fighting. The Kremlin expressed hope that U.S.-backed peace talks will restart soon, noting a recent prisoner swap involving an American detainee. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated a roadmap for renewed Russia‑Ukraine talks could be drafted in the coming weeks. Russia has annexed four Ukrainian regions and continues to press its military objectives.
Black Sea shipping faces mounting attacks as grain exports near halt
Recent attacks on Turkish‑run vessels in the Black Sea have heightened security concerns for commercial traffic. At the same time, grain shipments from Russia and Ukraine have collapsed, wiping out the region’s export capacity. The only Russian terminal still handling cargo is a modest facility in Tuapse, capable of about 160,000 tonnes per month. Analysts note that the loss of grain flows threatens global food security and could push staple prices higher.
Escalating drone and missile strikes hit Ukrainian border sites, ports and Kyiv fuel station
Russian drones struck a location about 800 metres from the Polish border and hit residential areas of Odesa, injuring several people. The Russian defence ministry said its forces also attacked steel plants in Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro and Kryvyi Rih, as well as cargo vessels in the Black Sea port of Chornomorsk. In retaliation, Ukrainian forces launched drone raids on industrial facilities in Russia’s Samara region, causing damage to residential buildings and one reported injury. Separate Russian attacks used jet‑powered drones to hit a petrol station in Kyiv, killing two people and injuring twelve. Both sides have reported multiple civilian casualties across several cities as the conflict’s strike campaign widens.
Bank of Japan poised to raise rates next week, hints at faster tightening
The Bank of Japan is expected to lift its policy rate by 25 basis points next week, reaching 1.25%, and may signal a quicker pace of future hikes if inflation risks rise.
