Magnitude 7.7 earthquake strikes off Indonesia's coast, killing at least 20
Summary
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off Indonesia's Flores region Saturday, killing at least 20 people, injuring six and leaving two missing. Landslides hindered rescues and cut a major highway across the affected area, while authorities worked in three regencies.
South Korea proposes talks to officially end war with North Korea
Summary
President Lee Jae Myung proposed talks to officially end the Korean War during South Korea’s Liberation Day ceremony. He said a multi-layered security system could reduce DMZ flare-ups while addressing North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and denuclearisation goals.
French court blocks Macron’s social media ban for under-15s
Summary
France’s top court blocked a September social media ban for under-15s, citing expression, privacy, and flawed age checks. The ruling says Parliament’s law lacked clear safeguards, as Australia and other countries pursue similar youth restrictions.
Japan defence minister visits contentious Yasukuni Shrine to war dead - Reuters
Summary
Japan's defence minister visited Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Japan's war dead. The shrine remains contentious and a source of regional tension over wartime memory.
Trump wants to put golden seals on White House ballroom
Summary
Trump proposes adding golden seals to the White House ballroom, according to renderings submitted to the Supreme Court. The adornments depart from traditional White House grounds design and the grounds' original vision.
Reasons Israel has done little to rein in increasing settler violence against Palestinians - AP News
Summary
Palestinians in Qusra sheltered indoors for days as settlers threatened them, while Israel’s military reportedly failed to fully clear the area. US sanctions and rebukes contrast with settlement expansion and rare indictments, highlighting limited Israeli action against settler violence.
Summer camps strive to remain part of Canadian life despite hurdles
Summary
Canadian overnight camps face affordability and enrollment pressures from inflation, rising costs, and changing parenting trends. Camps are a long-standing youth tradition, while financial strain threatens programming, staffing, and family access.
The summer America became a nation of Luddites
Summary
Protests over Flock cameras and data centers reflected growing American skepticism toward technology this summer. Public anxiety is challenging efforts to modernize as concerns grow about a new technological era.
Self-driving cars in China can park, change lanes and drive like humans, with Europe as the next market.
Summary
Chinese Level 2++ cars can navigate, park, change lanes and obey lights, while Mercedes charges US$1,440 for its point-to-point upgrade. Similar systems from Mercedes, Xpeng and Huawei/Hima show advanced driving aids nearing Europe, though occasional halts and late braking remain.
Xi urges shift to prevention in disaster management, Xinhua says.
Summary
Xi Jinping urged China to shift disaster management toward prevention, Xinhua reported Saturday. Integrating safety and resilience into planning could reduce disaster risks across sectors and align policy with long-term goals.