Marco Rubio is stepping down from overseeing USAID, passing responsibilities to Russ Vought as the agency nears shutdown. Under Trump, USAID has been dismantled, with programs cut and functions absorbed by the State Department. Trump is also using a "pocket rescission" to allow allocated funds to expire, further reducing US spending on foreign aid.
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A fatal mid-air collision occurred at Fort Morgan Municipal Airport in Colorado on Sunday, resulting in one death and three injuries. A Cessna 172 and an Extra Flugzeugbau EA300 collided during landing, with the Cessna catching fire after the impact. The FAA and NTSB are investigating the cause of the accident, which involved planes participating in an aerobatics competition.
Bahrain has introduced duty-free import rules for factories under Decision No. 63 of 2025, allowing exemptions on industrial inputs that are unavailable, below standards, delayed, or costlier locally. The move aims to reduce production costs, boost local manufacturing, and align with Bahrain’s Industrial Strategy 2022–2026 and Economic Vision 2030, strengthening self-sufficiency and enhancing global industrial competitiveness.
During bilateral talks in Beijing, Kim Jong Un pledged his full support to Vladimir Putin, expressing readiness to provide all possible assistance to Moscow. Putin praised North Korean soldiers' bravery, claiming they fought alongside Russian troops. Kim highlighted strengthened ties since last year's strategic partnership pact, considering support for Russia a "fraternal duty."
Vice President JD Vance visited Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis to pay tribute to the victims of a recent mass shooting. The visit was met with protests criticizing gun violence, while Vance met with grieving families inside the church. He pledged to advocate for policies addressing the root causes of such tragedies, emphasizing the need to focus on the lives lost.
In 2018, Jack Dorsey’s “Smash Brahminical Patriarchy” photo caused uproar in India. Seven years later, Trump aide Peter Navarro sparked fresh controversy by blaming “Brahmins” for profiteering. Politicians and commentators split over whether he meant Boston elites or Indian caste groups, exposing how caste debates now shape global geopolitics and media discourse.
The 8th Sharjah Film Platform runs from 14–23 November 2025, showcasing diverse international and regional films at Mirage City Cinema and other Sharjah venues. The Early Bird Pass, available for 40 AED for one month only, offers unlimited access to screenings plus festival merchandise, featuring acclaimed titles like On Becoming a Guinea Fowl and Yathoom by Emirati filmmaker Hana Kazim.
French President Emmanuel Macron and UK PM Keir Starmer will co-chair a Paris summit on Thursday, hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and leaders from roughly 30 countries. The summit aims to address security guarantees for Ukraine amidst Russia's ongoing invasion and stalled peace efforts. Discussions will also involve assessing the implications of Russia's persistent refusal to engage in peaceful resolutions.
The US dollar exchange rate remained stable against the Egyptian pound on September 1, 2025, across all major Egyptian banks. The Central Bank of Egypt recorded EGP 48.52 for buying and EGP 48.66 for selling. Most banks, including NBE, Banque Misr, CIB, and others, posted consistent rates of EGP 48.54 for buying and EGP 48.64 for selling.
Roblox has suspended voice and text chat features in Saudi Arabia and the UAE amid rising concerns over child safety. The move follows regulatory discussions and a Guardian investigation exposing serious safety lapses. With growing regional bans and legal action abroad, Roblox is enhancing Arabic moderation tools as it faces pressure to better protect its predominantly young user base.
Wizz Air has officially ceased operations from its Abu Dhabi hub as of September 1, citing geopolitical challenges and operational constraints. The move impacts budget travellers across the region, but several low-cost carriers—including Air Arabia, flydubai, and flynas—are stepping in with expanded routes. Affordable travel options in the UAE remain strong, with new routes and alternatives now available.