Bulgarian devotees welcome ‘divine new year’ in mountaintop ritual | Religion

The UN Security Council will vote on a French proposal to extend the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon (UNIFIL) for one year, amid US and Israeli opposition, while preparing for its eventual withdrawal. The resolution aims to reinforce Lebanon's army as the sole security provider in the region, amidst ongoing tensions with Hezbollah and Israel's strategic military presence. Want More Context? 🔎

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an El Salvadoran national, was set to report to immigration officials in Maryland as the Trump administration aims to deport him after a complicated legal battle. Following his release from a Tennessee jail, where he was held on human smuggling charges, he faces potential deportation to Uganda, having declined a plea deal for deportation to Costa Rica. Want More Context? 🔎

National Guard troops in Washington, DC, have begun carrying firearms at the direction of President Trump, who falsely claimed there is "NO CRIME AND NO MURDER IN DC!" While Trump suggested sending troops to Baltimore, local data shows a decrease in gun violence and homicides. Protests have erupted in response to the military presence, amidst concerns over crime rates in the capital. Want More Context? 🔎

Ghislaine Maxwell claimed in a DOJ interview that a controversial photo of her with Prince Andrew and Virginia Giuffre is fake, asserting that no sexual encounter could have taken place at her London home. She maintained that allegations against her as a facilitator of Epstein's crimes are fabricated, while expressing disbelief about Giuffre's account and the authenticity of the photograph. Want More Context? 🔎

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) reports that preparations for the 2029 Asian Winter Games in Saudi Arabia are "on schedule," despite concerns over the timely construction of a ski resort in NEOM. South Korea and China are being considered as potential replacements, but the OCA remains optimistic about Saudi Arabia's ambitious plans for a new winter sports destination. Want More Context? 🔎

Fremantle will host a home final on Saturday, September 6, after the AFL confirmed the schedule for the opening weekend of finals, marking their first finals appearance since 2022. The Dockers will face either Gold Coast or Hawthorn, with ticket sales to commence once the match time is confirmed; the preceding week will feature qualifying finals for Adelaide against Collingwood and Geelong against Brisbane. Want More Context? 🔎