Witnesses described the horror of a school shooting at a church in Minneapolis, US, where 2 children died and 17 were injured. The FBI is treating the attack as an anti-Catholic hate crime. The gunman, 23-year-old Robin Westman, a former pupil, killed himself. Ten-year-old Weston Halsne said his friend saved him by covering his body, but was hit in the back. Locals reported confusion as gunfire erupted. Victims are recovering, and hundreds gathered for a vigil. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the attack “all too common.” President Trump ordered flags at half-mast, while Pope Leo XIV expressed deep sorrow. (PC: BBC)

A controversy broke out in Bihar after a video showed Congress workers using abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother during Rahul Gandhi’s Voter Adhikar Yatra in Darbhanga. Posters of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Tejashwi Yadav were displayed on stage, though the leaders were not present when the remarks were made. BJP leaders, including Ravi Shankar Prasad, condemned the incident as “shameful” and demanded Rahul Gandhi’s apology. Congress distanced itself, saying it did not approve such language. Local leader Naushad, linked to the event, denied involvement but issued an apology as organiser. (PC: India Today)

President Donald Trump convened a policy meeting on August 27 to discuss Israel’s war in Gaza and post-war plans for the Palestinian territory, joined by former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and ex-Middle East envoy Jared Kushner. Topics included the hostage crisis, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction. Trump’s earlier proposal for a U.S. takeover of Gaza and permanent displacement of Palestinians drew global condemnation as “ethnic cleansing.” Israel’s offensive since October 2023 has killed over 62,000 Palestinians and displaced the entire population. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, who stated there would be no Palestinian state. The conflict began with a Hamas attack that killed 1,200 Israelis. (PC: Reuters)

The UK and the EU will summon Russian ambassadors after deadly strikes on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv killed at least 17 people, including 4 children. Dozens more were injured in the overnight attack, which damaged homes and buildings, including the British Council office and the EU mission. A guard at the British Council was hurt. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the strikes “senseless” and said they sabotage hopes of peace. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of choosing “ballistics instead of the negotiating table.” Ukraine’s forces said they struck a Russian oil refinery in the Krasnodar region in response. (PC: BBC)

The FBI is investigating the US Minneapolis school shooting as an anti-Catholic hate crime and domestic terrorism. Two children, aged 8 and 10, were killed and 17 others injured when the attacker fired into Annunciation Church during morning Mass. The suspect, 23-year-old Robin Westman, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police said the attacker used a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, and also left a smoke bomb. Mourners gathered at the church, leaving flowers. Pope Leo XIV expressed deep sorrow, while officials called the act cruel and cowardly. Security agencies have stepped up monitoring as investigations into the motive continue. (PC: BBC)

Mexico’s Senate descended into violence on Wednesday after a heated debate ended in a brawl between lawmakers. Livestreamed footage showed opposition leader Alejandro “Alito” Moreno grabbing Senate president Gerardo Fernandez Norona’s arm during the national anthem. Norona shouted “Don’t touch me” as both began shoving each other. Moreno knocked over a photographer, and another opposition member threw punches as Norona tried to back away. The fight followed a tense debate on foreign armed forces in Mexico. Norona accused Moreno of threatening to kill him. An emergency session has been called to propose expelling Moreno and other PRI lawmakers.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will visit Beijing next week to attend a major military parade with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The event marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and will host 26 foreign leaders, though none from the US or Western Europe. It will be Kim’s first visit to China in six years. Beijing said it “warmly welcomes” Kim and stressed the importance of China-North Korea ties. Putin’s presence highlights growing unity between Moscow, Beijing, and Pyongyang as global tensions continue over Ukraine and international security challenges. (PC: Sky News)

Kyiv faced heavy Russian missile and drone strikes overnight, leaving 4 dead, including 2 children, and 24 injured. Mayor Vitali Klitschko called the assault “massive,” as buildings collapsed in Darnytski and fires broke out in Dnipro district. More than 20 districts were targeted, with homes, a kindergarten, and residential towers hit. Ukraine said at least 5 children were wounded. The attack followed earlier strikes that cut power to 100,000 homes. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Russia’s aggression while talks on a possible ceasefire continue. Rescue teams are still working through the rubble to search for survivors in the capital. (PC: BBC)

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro sparked controversy by calling the Ukraine conflict “Modi’s war”. He said India’s oil trade with Russia funds Moscow’s “war machine”. In a TV interview, Navarro argued that US workers, businesses, and taxpayers “lose because of India’s high tariffs and Russian oil deals”. When asked if he meant “Putin’s war”, Navarro insisted, “I mean Modi’s war, because the road to peace runs through New Delhi.” He also accused Indians of “arrogance” in defending tariffs. India has dismissed US tariffs as unfair, stressing that its energy sourcing depends on market conditions and national interest.

2 children, aged 8 and 10, were killed in a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, USA during morning Mass. Police said 17 others, including 14 children, were injured when the attacker, 23-year-old Robin Westman, fired through church windows with multiple guns. Westman later died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The FBI is investigating the case as domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics. Authorities confirmed the weapons were legally bought but gave no details on permits. President Trump ordered US flags flown at half-mast. City leaders called the act “evil” and urged stronger action against gun violence. (PC: BBC)