“The future of U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon has split the United States and its European allies, raising implications for security in the Middle East and becoming the latest snag to vex relations between the U.S. and key partners like France, Britain and Italy. At issue is the peacekeeping operation known as UNIFIL, whose mandate expires at the end of August and will need to be renewed by the U.N. Security Council to continue. It was created to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon after Israel’s 1978 invasion, and its mission was expanded following the monthlong 2006 war between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah. … Trump administration political appointees came into office this year with the aim of shutting down UNIFIL as soon as possible.” (08/16/25)
“Air Canada said it plans to resume flights on Sunday after the Canadian government intervened, forcing the airline and its striking flight attendants back to work and into arbitration. The strike, which began on Saturday morning, stranded more than 100,000 travelers around the world during the peak summer travel season. The North American country’s largest airline said in a release that the first flights will resume Sunday evening but that it will take several days before its operations return to normal.” (08/17/25)
“An eight-page printout containing non-public information such as President Trump’s gift for Vladimir Putin and their anticipated lunch menu was allegedly left at an Anchorage hotel printer hours before the high-profile Ukraine peace summit. The embarrassing snafu revealed little if any sensitive security information — as most scheduled items on the agenda for the summit at the military’s Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson were already public information — but went viral after being reported by NPR. The formerly publicly funded news outlet reported that three guests at the four-star Hotel Captain Cook found the papers in a public printer.” (08/16/25)
“The leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, the person who is second in the presidential line of succession, has been accused of illegally paying rent to East County Rep. Darrell Issa from campaign cash, two complaints filed with federal regulators show. Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana and his campaign ‘appear to have used campaign funds to rent Johnson a personal residence, a clear-cut violation of federal campaign finance laws that prohibit using campaign funds to pay for personal expenses,’ the Federal Elections Commission complaint alleges. The complaint was filed earlier this month by the Campaign Legal Center, a nonpartisan government-watchdog nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. … Federal law prohibits legislators from using campaign funds for personal expenses. Johnson’s campaign said the payments are strictly for office space, but the complaint says lawmakers are not permitted to live in office space.” (08/16/25)
“The home secretary has again defended the proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist group, saying it is more than ‘a regular protest group known for occasional stunts.’ Writing in the Observer, Yvette Cooper said the group had claimed responsibility for incidents that saw those allegedly involved subsequently charged with a range of crimes, including violent disorder and aggravated burglary. … More than 700 people have been arrested since the group was banned by the government on 5 July – including more than 500 at a demonstration in central London last week. On Saturday, Norfolk Police arrested 13 people accused of supporting the group, after a protest in Norwich city centre. … Palestine Action has engaged in activities that have predominantly targeted arms companies since the start of the current war in Gaza.” (08/17/25)
“Erin became a Category 3 hurricane in the Caribbean early Saturday and is expected to strengthen further during the day, the National Hurricane Center reported. The storm is currently 170 miles (275 kilometers) northeast of Anguilla with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (195 kph). It is moving west-northwest at 20 mph (31 kph). It is currently not forecast to hit land, but strong winds are affecting nearby islands, prompting forecasters to warn of possible flooding and landslides. The NHC said it currently expected Erin to become a Category 4 storm later Saturday but to eventually swerve away from the continental United States.” (08/16/25)
“For decades, tens of thousands of people have descended upon Albuquerque for what is billed as North America’s largest powwow, a celebration showcasing Indigenous dancers, musicians and artisans from around the world. Organizers announced Saturday that 2026 will be the last time the cultural event is held, saying via email and social media that it will end after 43 years without providing details on the decision. ‘There comes a time,’ Gathering of Nations Ltd. said in a statement. The official poster for the 2026 event features the words ‘The Last Dance.’ Organizers did not immediately respond to phone and email messages seeking comment. The New Mexico fairgrounds have hosted the powwow since 2017, but it’s unclear whether the venue would be available for future events given that the state is considering redeveloping the site.” (08/16/25)
“New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell is facing federal wire fraud and conspiracy charges after being indicted this week along with a former member of her security detail. Cantrell and retired New Orleans Police Department officer Jeffrey Vappie were both indicted for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other charges after Vappie was allegedly paid for official duty while the two were engaged in ‘personal activities,’ according to a statement issued by the Justice Department. … Cantrell has not commented publicly on the allegations. Police say the pair tried to hide the affair and have recovered thousands of texts and pictures from the What’sApp messaging platform.” (08/16/25)
“Sebastián Solorza is already a familiar face to many Chileans, having starred in a popular Netflix series and won national acting awards. Now, the 43-year-old actor with Down syndrome wants to enter the race for president in Chile’s national election this year. Solorza is racing against the clock to gather 35,000 signatures by Aug. 18, a requirement for him to run as an independent candidate. He positions himself as a ‘point of balance’ between the far right and the far left — a fierce ideological battle that dominates Chile’s political scene. ‘I listen with my heart,’ Solorza told The Associated Press, adding that his condition allows him to offer a softer communication style. Should he enter the electoral race, his platform will focus on greater inclusion, improved healthcare and education, and enhanced security — a main concern of citizens who have been grappling with an unprecedented crisis of violence in recent years.” (08/17/25)
“The Israeli navy has carried out attacks on a power plant near the Yemeni capital Sanaa, according to Israeli media reports. Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV reported on Saturday that the ‘aggression’ damaged generators at the Hezyaz power plant, sparking a fire that was later contained. The country’s deputy prime minister confirmed emergency crews managed to prevent further damage. Residents in Sanaa also reported hearing at least two loud explosions. The Israeli military claimed that the site was being used by Houthi fighters. But it did not present evidence to justify hitting a civilian power station, raising concerns that the strike may constitute a war crime.” (08/17/25)
