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China Conducts First Public Test Launch of Intercontinental Ballistic Missile
For the first time, China has publicly confirmed the successful launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean, a move that could spark international concern over the country’s expanding nuclear capabilities. The ICBM, equipped with a dummy warhead, was launched by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force at 8:44 a.m. Beijing time on Wednesday. The missile "fell into expected sea areas," according to a statement from China's defense ministry, which described the test as part of its "routine annual training plan" and stressed it was not aimed at any specific country or target.
‘Leave Immediately,’ Starmer Urges Britons in Lebanon as UK Troops Deploy to Cyprus
Two British warships are stationed in the region, ready for deployment if an evacuation is necessary. Royal Air Force planes and helicopters are also on standby. The UK prime minister has urged Britons in Lebanon to "leave immediately" as around 700 UK troops are being sent to Cyprus in case an emergency evacuation becomes necessary. Sir Keir Starmer stated, "We are ramping up contingency plans due to the escalation," as concerns grow over a potential full-scale conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
TikTok Bans Russian State Media Accounts for “Covert Influence Operations” Ahead of US Election
The popular video-sharing app TikTok has taken action against accounts linked to Russian state media, citing their involvement in "covert influence operations." This move is part of the platform's broader efforts to curb disinformation ahead of the upcoming US presidential election in November. The accounts impacted belong to Rossiya Segodnya, a media group that operates RIA Novosti and Sputnik news services, as well as TV-Novosti, which oversees the RT news channel. Previously, these accounts were restricted in the UK and the EU, with their content labeled as state-controlled media. Now, TikTok has imposed a permanent ban on them worldwide.
What’s the UN’s new ‘Pact for the Future’, and why did Russia oppose it?
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted an ambitious pact aiming to make the organization more relevant and effective on the global stage in the 21st century, amid growing criticism over its failures to prevent wars and hold accountable those who violate its charter. Russia and Iran were among seven nations that opposed the "Pact for the Future," but they were unsuccessful in stopping the document from moving forward during the summit held on Sunday and Monday.
E-Bike Seizures Surge as Police Remove ‘Death Traps’ from Streets
One e-bike seized by police was found to be capable of reaching 70 mph, as concerns grow over the increasing number being modified using cheap conversion kits. Police seizures of illegally modified electric bikes have soared amid growing fears they are becoming "death traps" for pedestrians and riders, an investigation has found. Forces across the UK confiscated 937 e-bikes in the year leading up to 11 August, according to Freedom of Information figures – a significant increase compared to 511 recorded in the previous 12 months.
Sweden Accuses Iran of Cyberattack Inciting Revenge for Quran Burnings
Sweden has accused Iran of orchestrating a cyberattack involving thousands of text messages calling for revenge over the burning of the Quran. On Tuesday, the Swedish Prosecution Authority announced that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) hacked into a local SMS provider in 2023, sending around 15,000 messages urging retaliation for the desecration of Islam’s holy book. A statement from Sweden’s Security Service (SAPO) clarified, "[A] cyber group acted on behalf of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to conduct an influence campaign." The campaign sought to portray Sweden as an Islamophobic nation and sow division within the country, according to SAPO.
How Excessive Pressure to Be Healthy May Be Making Us Unwell
Excessive pressure to be healthy is having the opposite effect, potentially making people feel unwell, according to a new report. A global survey of over 15,000 adults revealed that nearly two-thirds of participants experienced "overwhelming societal expectations" to appear healthy and well. Experts warn that this pressure is leading to "wellbeing burnout," where individuals become fixated on perceived deficiencies in their lives. The report shows that younger generations, particularly those in their 20s, are more than twice as likely to experience physical, mental, and social pressures compared to individuals over the age of 60.
Canadian Alleges ‘Psychological Torture’ During Chinese Imprisonment
Michael Kovrig, a former Canadian envoy whose arrest in China led to a diplomatic crisis, has accused Chinese authorities of subjecting him to "psychological torture" during his imprisonment. Kovrig was detained in December 2018, held in solitary confinement, and interrogated relentlessly over 1,000 days. He claims these actions violated international law, including United Nations guidelines on solitary confinement. Kovrig’s arrest followed Canada’s detention of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou on behalf of the United States. In what has been widely described as "hostage diplomacy," both Kovrig and fellow Canadian Michael Spavor were imprisoned on spying charges, only to be released after US prosecutors dropped their extradition request for Meng.
Acclaimed Composer Beverly Glenn-Copeland Reveals Dementia Diagnosis
Canadian composer Beverly Glenn-Copeland has shared that he has been diagnosed with dementia, and his upcoming performances in Canada and New York state will mark his final tour dates. Glenn-Copeland, now 80 years old, made the announcement alongside his wife, Elizabeth Glenn-Copeland, in a video posted on Instagram.
China Unveils Measures to Revitalize Struggling Economy
China’s central bank, the People's Bank of China (PBOC), has introduced a significant set of measures aimed at boosting its slowing economy. PBOC Governor Pan Gongsheng announced plans to lower borrowing costs and increase banks' lending capacity, following months of underwhelming economic data that suggest China may miss its 5% growth target for the year.
Project 2025 Mastermind Allegedly Told Colleagues He Killed a Dog with a Shovel
Kevin Roberts, the architect behind Project 2025—a right-wing policy manifesto advocating for increased immigrant deportations if Donald Trump is re-elected—allegedly told university colleagues two decades ago that he killed a neighbor’s dog with a shovel. This claim comes from former colleagues who worked with Roberts when he was a history professor at New Mexico State University (NMSU) around 2004.
Donald Trump Rules Out 2028 Presidential Run if Defeated by Kamala Harris
Donald Trump, running for president for the third time, hinted that he will not pursue another bid for the White House in 2028 if he loses the upcoming election to Kamala Harris. Trump, who served as US president from 2017 to 2021, admitted during an interview on Full Measure that he doesn't foresee a future run if this year's bid fails, saying, "No, I don't... I think that will be it."
