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Drug cartels in Mexico are using more car bombs, drones with explosives, and other bombs, causing injuries and property damage. This rise in bomb attacks adds to tensions between Mexico and U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened military action against cartels.
Key Facts
A car bomb exploded near a police station in Ojocaliente, Zacatecas, injuring 11 people and damaging over 60 homes.
Zacatecas state recorded 23 explosive attacks this year, including six car or motorcycle bombings.
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the Sinaloa Cartel are fighting over control in Zacatecas.
Cartels have used explosives for about five years, including dropping bombs from drones and planting bombs on roads.
The CJNG is designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration.
In 2023, cartel explosives killed 6 people and injured 14 in Jalisco state.
Authorities seized about 2,800 explosive devices nationwide over 4.5 years and deactivated nearly 3,200 in Michoacán state in one year.
Experts say cartels use car bombs to intimidate rivals, pressure governments, and spread fear among civilians.
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Robin Morgan, a poet and feminist who helped shape the second-wave feminist movement, has died at the age of 85. She was known for her activism, writing, and her role in organizing early protests for women's rights.
Key Facts
Robin Morgan was a child television star in the 1940s and 1950s.
She became a leading feminist activist and poet during the 1960s and 1970s.
Morgan helped organize the first protest against the Miss America pageant in 1968.
She edited the influential 1970 feminist essay collection "Sisterhood is Powerful."
Morgan is credited with coining the term "herstory" to highlight women's perspectives in history.
Her poem “Monster” was used in feminist rallies.
She was arrested in 1970 during a protest supporting union efforts at Grove Press.
Morgan was known for her strong activism as well as her personal openness about her relationships.
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Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis promised tax breaks and pay increases ahead of next year’s general election. Meanwhile, thousands protested in Thessaloniki against the rising cost of living, demanding better wages and relief from high prices.
Key Facts
Greece’s government offered more than 2 billion euros in tax breaks and wage hikes over the next year.
The benefits target self-employed workers, farmers, village residents, retirees, and public sector employees.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis highlighted Greece’s economic growth of 2.1% last year and efforts to reduce public debt.
Around 25,000 people joined union-led protests in Thessaloniki, including farmers driving tractors downtown.
Greek workers have the lowest purchasing power in the European Union, making affordability a major issue.
Over 3,000 police officers were deployed to manage protests and secure the prime minister’s speech venue.
Mitsotakis has been prime minister since 2019 and is seeking a third term in an election expected in April 2027.
The speech and protests occurred the same day as a tragic fighter jet crash near Athens that killed two pilots.
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Nineteen teams of two competed in a grave-digging contest in a public cemetery in Nyergesújfalu, northern Hungary. The event aimed to highlight the skill and hard work of grave diggers and challenge the taboos people have about death.
Key Facts
The contest took place on September 5, 2026, in Nyergesújfalu, Hungary.
There were 19 teams, each with two members, competing.
Competitors dug graves by hand using spades, shovels, and pickaxes.
Graves had to be 1.6 meters (5.5 feet) deep, 2 meters (6.5 feet) long, and 0.8 meters (2.6 feet) wide.
The ground was very hard due to dry summer weather.
Winners were judged on speed and style, with speed being the main focus.
The winning team dug their grave in 1 hour and 21 minutes.
The winning prize was 200,000 Hungarian forints, worth about $640.
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Egyptian TV presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 others were sentenced to death by hanging for drug-related crimes, including importing materials to make drugs and possessing illegal weapons. The court confirmed the sentence after receiving a religious opinion, and the verdict can still be appealed.
Key Facts
Sarah Khalifa is a 39-year-old TV presenter known for a crime-related show called Mission Impossible.
She and 11 others were convicted of being in a criminal gang involved in drug production and trafficking.
The group was also found with illegal guns and ammunition.
Authorities confiscated over 750 kilograms (about 1,653 pounds) of narcotics and raw materials.
Evidence included statements from 20 witnesses, conversations, and videos.
Khalifa denied the charges and claimed she never saw drugs until being photographed with them by anti-narcotics officials.
The death sentences require approval from Egypt’s grand mufti, which was obtained before final confirmation.
A 2025 Amnesty International report noted that Egypt issued 492 death sentences that year, with 23 executions.
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US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss ways to restart peace talks in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The meeting aimed to find solutions to the stalled negotiations between the two countries.
Key Facts
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are US envoys representing the United States.
They met President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow.
The purpose was to discuss the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Talks focused on reviving stalled peace negotiations.
The Russia-Ukraine war has caused ongoing fighting and international concern.
This meeting is part of diplomatic efforts to end or reduce the conflict.
The article does not mention specific agreements reached.
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A tall building in Muradabad, northern India, collapsed after several days of heavy rain. The building was evacuated because cracks had appeared, and no one was hurt.
Key Facts
The building was multi-storey (had several floors).
It collapsed after heavy rain in the area.
Power lines were damaged and sparks appeared on the street.
Local media reported the building was evacuated before it collapsed.
No casualties or injuries were reported.
The incident took place in Muradabad, northern India.
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Prince William will attend the funeral of King Harald V of Norway in Oslo on September 9, representing his father, King Charles. The funeral will include a procession, a service at Oslo Cathedral, and a private burial at the royal mausoleum.
Key Facts
King Harald V of Norway died at age 89 after 35 years on the throne.
Princess Anne will also attend the funeral as King Haakon VIII’s godmother.
King Harald was known for modernizing the monarchy and marrying a commoner.
Thousands have paid respects to King Harald during his lying in state at the Royal Palace chapel.
Other attendees include Queen Sonja, King Haakon VIII, Norwegian royals, and European royalty.
King Haakon VIII spoke emotionally about his father and his values.
King Charles praised King Harald’s leadership and dedication to Norway.
King Haakon’s family has faced recent scandals, including a public apology from Queen Mette-Marit.
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A 95-year-old blind veteran named Jim Alison drove a car again, five years after he had to stop driving because of his poor eyesight. He took part in a charity event called Speed of Sight, which helps people with disabilities experience the joy of driving safely with instructors in specially equipped cars.
Key Facts
Jim Alison is 95 years old and lost his driving licence due to blindness caused by macular degeneration.
He raced around a track at up to 55 mph with an instructor using dual controls for safety.
Jim served 22 years in the Royal Engineers and worked as a chauffeur before losing his sight.
The event, Speed of Sight, is a charity that helps visually impaired people experience driving.
The charity was started by Mike Newman, who is blind and set world driving records.
Modified Mazda MX5 cars with dual controls are used for safety during the drives.
Other participants include people of different ages and backgrounds with visual impairments.
The experience helps participants enjoy driving again and feel a sense of freedom and excitement.
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Elle Black, a 21-year-old university student, developed sepsis after initially mistaking her sore throat for a hangover. She was quickly treated with antibiotics and recovered, but her experience shows how fast and dangerous sepsis can be.
Key Facts
Elle Black had a sore throat after a night out and thought it was a hangover.
Her condition worsened, leading to hospital treatment for sepsis, a serious reaction to infection.
She had quinsy, an abscess caused by tonsillitis, which led to sepsis.
Doctors said if she had waited longer, her outcome could have been much worse.
Elle spent two days in the hospital receiving intravenous (IV) antibiotics.
Sepsis symptoms include high fever, confusion, worsening sore throat, and extreme tiredness.
In the UK, about 48,000 people die from sepsis-related causes each year.
Charities warn not to ignore severe or worsening symptoms and to seek medical help quickly.
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President Donald Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss restarting talks to end the war in Ukraine. They secured a short pause in airstrikes to enable their planned visit to Kyiv, which would be the highest-level U.S. trip to Ukraine since the conflict began.
Key Facts
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are serving as envoys for President Trump.
They met with Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin for a three-hour discussion about ending the Ukraine war.
Putin expressed full trust in U.S. mediation efforts between Russia and Ukraine.
Russia and Ukraine agreed to pause airstrikes temporarily to allow for the envoys’ visit.
The pause in airstrikes started at midnight Moscow time on Saturday.
Recently, Russia increased drone and missile attacks on Kyiv and other cities.
Witkoff and Kushner planned to travel to Kyiv on Sunday.
This trip would be the highest-level visit by U.S. officials to Ukraine since President Trump’s second term began.
The U.S. government plane landing in Ukraine would be the first international flight there since the war started in February 2022.
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The disagreement between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the Falkland Islands has become active again after a British-Israeli oil project near the islands. Argentina's President Javier Milei has threatened to punish companies working there, and U.S. President Donald Trump said he might change the U.S. position on the islands.
Key Facts
The Falkland Islands dispute has been quiet for many years but is now active again.
The dispute reignited due to a British-Israeli oil exploration near the islands' north coast.
Argentina strongly objects to this oil project and wants control of the islands.
Argentina’s President Javier Milei threatened sanctions against companies involved in the project.
President Donald Trump suggested the U.S. might reconsider its support for the UK’s claim to the islands.
The UK and Argentina fought a war over the Falkland Islands more than 40 years ago.
Experts discussed the possibility of the dispute leading to further conflict.
The Falkland Islands are a group of islands in the South Atlantic Ocean claimed by both Argentina and the UK.
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At least three Colombian soldiers were killed and four injured in an attack by the rebel National Liberation Army (ELN) on a military base near Venezuela. The attackers used drones to drop explosives before engaging in fighting at the base.
Key Facts
The attack happened in the municipality of Ocana, Norte de Santander department, near the Venezuela border.
The ELN, a rebel group, carried out the attack using at least 20 drones loaded with explosives.
Two soldiers died during the fighting, and a third died later from injuries. Four soldiers were injured.
President Abelardo de la Espriella condemned the attack and vowed a strong government response.
De la Espriella was recently elected and has promised a military approach to armed groups and criminal organizations.
The ELN is based in the Catatumbo region, where the government has taken military action against armed groups.
De la Espriella aims to strengthen military ties with the United States through the “Shield of the Americas” initiative.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to meet President de la Espriella soon in Barranquilla.
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Trains to and from Heathrow Airport were stopped on Saturday because of a grass fire near the train tracks. The fire caused a power failure that blocked all train lines between London Paddington station, Heathrow, and Reading, leading to major travel delays.
Key Facts
A grass fire next to the train tracks caused an electricity supply failure.
All train services between London Paddington, Heathrow Airport, and Reading were canceled.
The fire started shortly after 4:00 pm BST and affected Great Western Railway, Elizabeth line, and Heathrow Express services.
London Fire Brigade sent six fire engines and about 40 firefighters to the fire near Scrubs Lane, North Kensington.
Heathrow’s southern runway was also closed earlier due to a separate grass fire on the airport’s airfield.
The Met Office warns of high to exceptional wildfire risk in parts of south-east England, including around Heathrow.
Passengers were advised to allow extra travel time, and the Piccadilly underground line to Heathrow also reported delays.
Similar grass fires near Heathrow have caused flight disruptions and damage to grassland in recent weeks.
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A study has found that many native Australian animals, like possums, bats, and wombats, are living in and around human homes as their natural habitats shrink. Researchers looked at 2,400 cases where animals used various parts of buildings for shelter, showing that wildlife often shares human spaces.
Key Facts
Brushtail and ringtail possums made up half of all reported cases of animals living in buildings.
Other common animals found in homes were microbats and bare-nosed wombats.
Animals were found in roof spaces, walls, garages, under houses, and some even inside rooms like kitchens and bedrooms.
The study used data from a decade of wildlife rescue reports in Australia.
Some unusual animal encounters included sugar gliders in kitchens and a koala resting on a bed.
Microbats living in roofs help by reducing insects and usually do not harm homes.
Wildlife often seeks shelter inside homes during harsh weather conditions.
The study suggests building designs could be improved to help both people and wildlife, similar to some practices in the UK.
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Groups using AI-generated images are running expensive social media ad campaigns in the lead-up to Victoria’s election. These groups, including Fix Victoria and Better Victoria, focus on issues like crime, debt, and public services but do not officially disclose their political ties or funding sources due to local electoral law loopholes.
Key Facts
AI-generated ads show dramatic scenes like violence, potholes blocking emergency services, and floods representing debt.
Fix Victoria spent up to $100,000 on these ads in August, more than many political parties.
Fix Victoria was registered in August by Deborah Henderson, formerly deputy executive director of a conservative think tank, the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA).
Several Fix Victoria leaders previously held senior roles at the IPA, criticizing Labor governments.
Fix Victoria claims to be “issues-driven” focusing on crime, corruption, and debt.
Some Fix Victoria leaders have indicated support for the Liberal party, though the group denies direct political affiliation.
Victoria’s electoral laws do not require many political ad publishers to register or disclose funding if they don’t specifically support or oppose a party or candidate.
Experts say these law gaps may prevent voters from knowing who funds these political ads.
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An Al Jazeera reporter questioned US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee about his claim that violent Israeli settlers are a small minority. The reporter challenged his description of these settlers' actions.
Key Facts
Al Jazeera’s reporter Nida Ibrahim spoke to US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.
Huckabee described violent Israeli settlers as a small minority.
The reporter challenged Huckabee’s statement.
The issue involves violence by Israeli settlers.
The exchange highlights differing views on the settlers’ role in the region.
Mike Huckabee is the US Ambassador to Israel.
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France has strongly denied Niger’s claim that it encouraged a recent failed military mutiny in Niger’s capital, Niamey. The mutiny involved soldiers attacking key military and government sites but was stopped with help from Russian forces, while Niger accused several countries and groups of involvement without providing clear evidence.
Key Facts
Niger accused France of leading a network to support the failed mutiny on August 29 in Niamey.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot rejected these accusations as “pure fantasy” and said France had no role.
The mutiny started at a military base near Niamey’s airport and spread to the presidential palace and other areas.
Niger’s military, with help from Russian paramilitary fighters known as Africa Corps, regained control after the mutiny.
Niger’s government also accused other African countries and the regional group ECOWAS of supporting the mutiny, but some governments denied involvement.
Civilians died during the fighting, the government admitted for the first time.
Niger’s military leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani has blamed France and others for unrest but has not shown evidence.
Niger’s relations with France have worsened after a 2023 coup and the country's shift toward Russian military support and seizure of French uranium assets.
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Mike Huckabee visited the region as violence increased between Israeli settlers and Palestinians. Israeli military forces conducted raids and arrests, while the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsened.
Key Facts
Mike Huckabee traveled to the area amid rising tensions.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee called violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank an act of terror. He said his visit was to support U.S. citizens living in communities like Turmusayya who are affected by these violent actions.
Key Facts
Mike Huckabee is the U.S. Ambassador to Israel.
Huckabee described Israeli settler violence in the West Bank as an act of terror.
His visit focused on communities such as Turmusayya in the West Bank.
The violence causes serious problems for U.S. citizens and others living in the area.
Huckabee condemned the actions of those responsible for the violence.
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