01 September 2024

Weekly Newsletter

Military & Armed Conflict

Israel launched its largest West Bank operation in years,as it announced the rescue of a hostage in Gaza,Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to humanitarian pauses for a polio vaccine campaign,and the US reportedly urged Israel to reassess the pace of its evacuation orders.Meanwhile, Yemen's Houthis released footage appearing to show their fighters planting bombs on a Greek oil tanker,a US soldier who defected to North Korea last year agreed to plead guilty to desertion,and a Chinese spy plane allegedly violated Japan's airspace.Elsewhere, Ukraine said it plans to present a "victory plan" to the US,as it pushed for the lifting of restrictions on its use of weapons inside Russia,Moscow launched a series of missiles and drones across Ukraine,and a Ukrainian pilot died in an F-16 fighter jet crash.In other news, dozens were killed in militant attacks in Pakistan's Baluchistan,and Libya's central bank chief fled following threats from militias.

World Politics

US National Security Advisory Jake Sullivan traveled to China,Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez made a state visit to West Africa,France's President Emmanuel Macron ruled out the possibility of a left-wing government,and the International Criminal Court called on Mongolia to arrest Russia's Vladimir Putin.This comes as the UK received final ratification to join the Trans-Pacific Trade Agreement,Canada issued a 100% tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles,and students across Canada held protests over the nation's new immigration policies.

US Politics

A new poll showed that presidential candidate Kamala Harris' lead is growing,as a memo revealed that her campaign has raised $540M since Pres. Joe Biden dropped out of the race,the vice president and her running mate Tim Walz gave their first formal campaign interview,and the Harris and Trump campaigns clashed over the parameters of their upcoming debate.This comes as ex-Democrat Tulsi Gabbard endorsed Donald Trump for president,the Trump campaign expanded its transition team,the former president proposed universal coverage for in vitro fertilization,and Michigan, Wisconsin, and North Carolina blocked Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from leaving their state ballots.Meanwhile, Trump faced new election interference charges,as the dismissal of his classified documents case was challenged,Meta's Mark Zuckerberg claimed to have censored Facebook content due to pressure from the White House,and a judge blocked a new immigration program for migrant spouses.

Civil Liberties

France formally charged Telegram CEO Pavel Durov over allegations of illegal content on his platform,two Hong Kong journalists were found guilty of sedition,and Sweden prosecuted two men for burning the Quran.In other news, the Mormon Church updated its transgender restrictions.

Crime & Justice

South Korea called on Telegram to crack down on digital sex crimes,New York police issued their first arrest over a new mask ban,former Nevada politician Robert Telles was convicted of murdering a journalist,and eight people were stabbed at London's Notting Hill Carnival.

Artificial Intelligence

California passed an AI regulation bill,OpenAI reportedly prepared to launch its new AI model "Strawberry,"and an AI "brain clock" appeared to identify the reasons behind accelerated brain aging.

Science

A study found that marmoset monkeys use names to communicate with each other.

Business

Nvidia's stock temporarily fell following lower-than-expected Q3 forecasts,the Netherlands fined Uber $324M over a data breach,and Australia introduced a "right to disconnect" from work.

Health

Sloth Fever" cases were reported in the US and Europe,a study linked high fluoride consumption to lower intelligence quotient in children,and the UK reportedly considered an outdoor smoking ban in public places.

Weather & Environment

The UN warned that rising sea levels pose a global threat,a dam collapse in Sudan killed dozens,and a tropical typhoon saw millions evacuated in Japan.

Sports

Major League Baseball catcher Danny Jansen became the first player to play for both teams in the same game.

Other

The band Oasis announced a 2025 reunion tour.

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