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• The Busan International Film Festival has unveiled its Carte Blanche lineup and expanded its Story Market with new intellectual property (IP) from Thailand and Hong Kong. • As the ACFM Country of Honor, Thailand contributed five remake titles, including "Midnight Incense" and "Home for Rent," with a pitching session scheduled for Oct. 10 and business meetings through Oct. 13. • Hong Kong's contribution, selected by the CCIDA, includes four IP selections consisting of three animated shorts and one comic covering genres from AI thrillers to culinary drama.

Unpopular new policy comes as midterms loom and control of Congress could be decided by several Michigan racesEvery day $1bn worth of goods crosses the river dividing Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, two largely blue-collar US and Canadian cities that have come to act as one in the creation of North America’s auto industry.News this week of Donald Trump’s escalating trade spat with Canada has everyone worried. Political and economic leaders and observers labeled the move an act of “hubris” , blamed Trump’s “ego”, and called the escalation “insanity”. Continue reading...

• Coach Kim Sang-sik led the Vietnam men's national football team to their second consecutive ASEAN Hyundai Cup title. • Vietnam secured the championship by defeating Thailand with a 4-2 aggregate score in the final. • This victory reinforces Vietnam's dominance in the top Southeast Asian football tournament under Kim's leadership.

• A survey conducted by Catawba College and YouGov reveals that North Carolinians across the political spectrum broadly support nonpartisan election officials who prioritize public interest over party affiliation. • Despite this shared expectation, the data indicates that significant partisan trust gaps persist regarding the current administration of elections. • The findings highlight a critical tension in North Carolina's political climate, where there is a desire for neutrality amidst deep ideological divisions.

Grand jury declined to indict anyone but said there was a ‘sophisticated scheme’ to use funds for political activityUS politics live – latest updatesA Florida grand jury has found that the administration of the governor, Ron DeSantis, “misappropriated” $10m in taxpayer money from a Medicaid settlement into the Hope Florida Foundation, a charity with ties to DeSantis’s wife, before the money was reportedly “funneled” into “two political action committees”.In the grand jury report, which remains sealed but was obtained and published by CBS News Miami on Wednesday, the grand jurors wrote that “we conclude that these funds were misappropriated as part of a sophisticated scheme to fund political activities” but said that they found “insufficient evidence to charge anyone criminally”. Continue reading...

Elderly Aids Ltd, which sells call-blocking devices, made 758,053 cold calls between May 2024 and February 2025A company that made its money promising to protect elderly people from nuisance calls has been fined £190,000 for “hounding” them with hundreds of thousands of nuisance calls of its own.The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) said Elderly Aids Ltd, a company selling call-blocking devices, made 758,053 cold calls between May 2024 and February 2025 to try to sell its products. Continue reading...

• President Trump asserted that the financial strength of the U.S. and the implementation of sanctions will lead to a "very big victory" over Iran. • Amidst the geopolitical tension, Trump clarified that he does not believe Iran's supreme leader has passed away. • Simultaneously, two major petrochemical facilities in southwestern Iran have suspended production to combat power shortages caused by a severe heat wave.

US labels group ‘global terrorist’ as its legal challenge against proscription in UK nears supreme court hearingThe US ⁠has ​issued sanctions against ⁠the UK-based direct action organisation Palestine ⁠Action, describing it as a “transnational terror group”.The US Department of the Treasury labelled Palestine Action a specially designated global terrorist on Wednesday, which allows the US to freeze the assets of foreign individuals and entities. Continue reading...

All US immigrant visa applications halted as state department moves to tighten restrictions and limit access. Plus tributes pour in for Dolly Parton, who has died aged 80Good morning. All US immigrant visa applications have been paused by the Trump administration as the state department moves to tighten restrictions and limit access to applicants whom they deem could need US assistance. The agency launched the initiative at all embassies and consulates in early August.Applicants with scheduled interviews were sent emails that their appointments had been canceled. Agency officials claim this will ensure visa applicants will not end up relying on US public benefits. This week the Trump administration also announced plans to revoke visas from asylum seekers who had initially entered the US for tourism or business. Up to 200,000 people seeking asylum could be affected.Is the move lawful? “The court made clear that immigration laws cannot be used to justify discrimination,” Joanna Cuevas Ingram, a senior staff attorney at the National Immigration Law Center, said. In February, a federal judge overturned the president’s attempt to suspend the US refugee system entirely.Why are the states suing Meta? The lawsuit centers on the allegations that Meta deliberately designed addictive products that hooked young people, leading to mental health issues, including anxiety, depression and suicide. Meta has denied all allegations, saying the states are chasing an “outlandish payout”. Continue reading...

• China has criticized new U.S. sanctions against Iran, warning that the measures will further intensify regional tensions. • Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated on Tuesday that the U.S. will face defeat in its economic actions, following alleged military and political failures. • Iran has declared it is "fully prepared" to retaliate and counter the impact of the new sanctions.

• On Monday, August 24, 2026, the United States announced a new series of sanctions targeting Iran amid escalating tensions. • The measures are part of a broader strategic effort involving the US and Israel to curb Iranian activities and influence in the region. • These sanctions aim to exert economic pressure on the Iranian government to prevent further military escalation and destabilization.

• Iran's economy minister stated the nation is prepared for a massive wave of U.S. sanctions, which Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent characterized as an "economic D-Day" and the "greatest financial offensive" in history. • Simultaneously, Iranian official Abbas Golrou revealed that the U.S. used a visiting Pakistani delegation to urge Tehran to return to peace talks and a previous memorandum of understanding. • This diplomatic outreach occurred during a visit to Tehran on Monday by Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, who delivered the message from Washington.

• China has formally criticized new U.S. sanctions against Iran, with foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian warning that the measures will intensify tensions and create "spillover risks." • In response to the sanctions, Iran has declared it is "fully prepared" to retaliate and counter the U.S. actions. • China emphasized that its cooperation with Iran remains within the framework of international law and stated it will take necessary measures to safeguard its own interests.

Beijing says it will take ‘all necessary measures’ to protect its interests as US steps up efforts to isolate TehranExplainer: could US sanctions threaten China-Iran ties?China has denounced the threat of US sanctions for its trade with Iran, saying any such measures would be illegal, and warned it will take “all necessary measures” to protect its national interests.Beijing’s rejection of the US threat of secondary sanctions for any country or entity continuing to trade with Tehran had been predicted. China buys an estimated 80% of Iran’s oil exports and it has defied previous US efforts to limit the flow of revenue to the Tehran regime. Continue reading...

• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the Trump administration is preparing new secondary sanctions targeting Iran. • The proposed measures are designed to block all potential sources of revenue for the Iranian government. • These sanctions threaten to penalize any international entity or individual continuing to do business with Iran.

• Iran has issued warnings of a "harsh response" following expectations that the United States will impose new economic sanctions. • The Iranian government indicated that the consequences of these anticipated measures could extend to its neighboring countries. • China has intervened by urging all involved parties to avoid actions that could intensify regional conflicts or disrupt global financial stability.

Washington launches campaign to isolate Tehran but it is unclear whether it would apply sanctions to ChinaThe US has threatened to impose severe sanctions against any country or entity maintaining economic ties with Iran, hoping to achieve with economic measures what military means have so far failed to do.However, it is unclear how far the Trump administration is prepared to go in confronting China, Iran’s biggest trading partner, which has signalled its resistance to US economic pressure to cut off links with an ally. Continue reading...

46-year-old charged with possessing criminal toolsYork fined and sentenced to two days in jail49ers CEO also owns stake in Leeds UnitedThe San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York has pleaded no contest to two criminal charges after being arrested at an Ohio trailer park over the weekend.KRON4 News in San Francisco reported that York was initially arrested on suspicion of engaging in prostitution but that count was amended to a charge of disorderly conduct. He was also charged with possessing criminal tools. Continue reading...

• Extreme weather events, including wildfires, floods, and severe storms, are currently striking multiple European nations. • Wildfires are raging in Serbia and Bosnia, while Spain is battling both floods and fires, and Poland is facing severe storms. • Thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate their homes as emergency services struggle with power cuts and disaster containment.

• The Busan Film Festival has selected 23 titles for its "Vision Korea" and "Vision Asia" sections for the 2026 edition. • The lineup consists of 12 independent Korean films and 11 works from emerging directors across Asia. • These sections are designed to showcase innovative storytelling and provide a platform for new talent within the regional cinema landscape.

• The Busan International Film Festival has announced a lineup of 23 Korean and Asian independent films for its Vision section. • The Vision-Asia category features directors from 10 different countries and regions, including debut features from Japan's Kumamoto Ryohei and Hong Kong's Isabella Lam Lok-hin. • Notable selections include "1982" from Vietnam, "After the Song" from Japan, "Dead End" from Hong Kong, and "Ria" from the Philippines.

Child wandered on field during MNUFC’s 5-1 winMinnesota posts win was ‘Like taking money from a baby’A toddler interrupted a Major League Soccer match between Minnesota United and San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday by invading the pitch – a bizarre scene punctuated by an on-air analyst saying, “There’s a baby on the field.”With a minute and a half to play in the game that Minnesota won 5-1 at PayPal Park in San Jose, California, the small child took to the field – and the referee blew his whistle to stop play. Continue reading...

Gary mayor says 12 days is ‘too long’ for residents to go without power after storm downed trees on to power linesThe mayor of Gary, Indiana, has said it is “unacceptable” that thousands of residents in the city are still without power nearly two weeks after an 11 August storm known as a derecho brought 90 mph, straight-line winds, downing trees on to power lines.“We’re at day 12, and 12 days is too long for families to be without power,” Eddie Melton, Gary’s mayor, said in a video address on Sunday, adding that he is continuing to pressure the Northern Indiana Public Service Company (Nipsco) to restore the city’s power before the end of Tuesday. Continue reading...

Test of US rhetoric will rest on whether nations such as India, China and Russia view economic threats as credibleIran has vowed to retaliate against any country that cooperates with the US attempt to impose fresh sanctions against Iran in what the Treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, has billed as “the single greatest financial offensive ever marshalled against an adversary”.In advance of the US announcement, the United Arab Emirates, Iran’s single biggest trading partner in the Middle East, announced it was ending all trade with Iran, a move Tehran believes was coordinated between Washington and Dubai. Continue reading...

Hawk fire has covered more than 10,500 acres as blaze approaches University of Nevada campus in RenoA fast-moving Nevada wildfire exploded to more than 10,500 acres (4,200 hectares) early on Sunday, pushing from the Sierra foothills toward the center of Reno and forcing nearly 14,000 homes to evacuate as flames threatened neighborhoods and reached the edge of the University of Nevada campus.The Hawk fire’s “GO NOW” evacuation zone had expanded to the edge of the university campus as strong, gusty winds, low humidity and dry vegetation fueled the blaze, according to Truckee Meadows fire and Rescue in Reno. Continue reading...

• Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged on Sunday that Iran is facing "many problems" and is effectively in a "full-scale war" due to mounting economic and social pressures. • The crisis is exacerbated by looming US sanctions designed to further isolate the Iranian regime and cripple its financial capabilities. • This admission highlights the severe instability within the country as the government struggles to manage domestic unrest and international diplomatic isolation.

Voluntary use of sex drive-suppressing medication to expand to 20 prisons and expert says it could be rolled out widely by late 2028Chemical suppression: why the UK is exploring libido control drugs to treat sex offendersDrugs that help control the libidos of people who have committed sexual offences could be rolled out for thousands of male prisoners in England and Wales from December 2028, an expert has said.Prof Belinda Winder, who has evaluated the use of sex drive-suppressing medication in prisons, said about one in four sex offenders – equating to 3,750 current prisoners – would be considered for the treatment. Continue reading...

• The US has vowed to apply its toughest pressure on Iran and expanded sanctions against Hezbollah to curb regional instability. • While Hamas has expressed support for Donald Trump’s Gaza peace roadmap, Iran has dismissed the US campaign as a failed attempt to force its capitulation. • China has rejected the use of sanctions, urging the involved parties to seek political and diplomatic solutions instead.