Ukraine has increased long-range strikes on Russian territory, targeting military sites such as airbases, oil depots, and command centers. Western technology and financing have supported these efforts, despite NATO's refusal to permit the use of Western-supplied munitions. Ukrainian companies are now producing hundreds of low-cost, armed one-way attack drones monthly, which have been used to launch simultaneous strikes on strategic targets several times a week. This approach has allowed Ukraine to achieve a significant impact on Russia's war economy at a relatively low expense, with one company reporting a disproportionate effect compared to the cost.

The UK government is considering extending the indoor smoking ban to outdoor spaces, including pub gardens, outdoor restaurants, and sports grounds, according to leaked Whitehall documents. The proposed measures aim to reduce smoking-related illnesses and are part of a revised tobacco and vapes bill. The plans would prohibit smoking outside hospitals, universities, and children's play areas, as well as on pavements next to restaurants and clubs. Additionally, the sale of tobacco would be banned to those born on or after January 2009. The proposals are part of a broader effort to reduce smoking rates and improve public health.

Pavel Durov, the 39-year-old founder of Telegram, is under formal investigation in France for suspected organized crime on the messaging app. He was detained at Le Bourget airport and released under judicial supervision, with conditions including a €5m deposit, twice-weekly check-ins at a police station, and a ban on leaving French territory. A Russian-born French national, Durov has not been charged and will be required to comply with the conditions until the investigation is complete, which is being overseen by Paris prosecutors.

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, initially set to return to Earth on Boeing's Starliner, will now come back in February 2025 on a SpaceX capsule. Their return was delayed due to helium leaks and thruster issues on the Starliner, which will now return empty. NASA administrator Bill Nelson cited safety concerns for the decision, emphasizing that "space flight is risky" and "safety is our core value." The astronauts will remain on the International Space Station until February, when they will hitch a ride back to Earth on a SpaceX vehicle.

The FBI has reported that the gunman who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump acted alone, with no evidence of a conspiracy, but his motive remains unknown. The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, had researched events involving both Trump and President Joe Biden, as well as information about explosives over the past five years. Crooks targeted a Pennsylvania campaign rally where he opened fire on Trump last month, viewing it as a "target of opportunity." Despite conducting nearly 1,000 interviews, investigators have not yet determined why Crooks chose to attack Trump, though they confirm he had planned the attack extensively.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned new US sanctions imposed on Israeli settlers in the West Bank. The sanctions were introduced in response to violence against Palestinians. Netanyahu's office described the sanctions as being taken "with utmost severity" and stated that the matter is under intense discussion with the US. The sanctions target Israeli citizens involved in the violence, further straining relations between the two nations.

Russia has banned 92 more US citizens from entering its territory, including reporters from major outlets like the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and Washington Post. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced the decision, stating it was in response to US sanctions against Russian figures. The list includes names of individuals, but it wasn't immediately clear if all are US citizens. This move is part of the ongoing tit-for-tat sanctions between Russia and the United States amid rising tensions.

Israeli forces launched significant raids across the occupied West Bank, killing at least ten people, according to Palestinian officials. The Israel Defence Forces sealed off Jenin, blocking roads to hospitals, and carried out operations in Tulkarm. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz declared a "full-fledged war" against "Islamic-Iranian terrorist infrastructures." Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israeli airstrikes in Khan Younis killed at least sixteen people, including five women and three children. Thousands of Palestinians have been arrested since the 7 October attacks. Ceasefire talks continue between Israel and Hamas, mediated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar.

Afghan women have taken to social media to protest against the Taliban's latest restrictive laws, which mandate silence and concealment in public. Starting August 27, 2024, these regulations further limit women's freedoms by banning public singing and speech. Women both in Afghanistan and abroad are sharing videos of themselves singing, challenging these oppressive rules. The global movement highlights the harsh realities faced under Taliban rule, including bans on education and public discourse. UN officials and activists, such as Dr. Zahra Haqparast, have condemned the laws and called for international sanctions.

At least 9 Palestinians have been killed in a large-scale Israeli military operation across the northern West Bank, including Jenin, Tulkarem, and Tubas. The raid, which began early on August 28, involved hundreds of soldiers, fighter jets, and drones. The Israeli military described the deceased as “armed terrorists” and claimed to have arrested additional suspects and seized explosives. The operation, the largest in two decades, has drawn criticism for its intensity and the disruption caused to medical services. The raids have significantly escalated amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza and heightened tensions in the region.