Former U.S. President Barack Obama was formally awarded the Freedom of the City of Dublin in a ceremony held at the Shelbourne Hotel on Thursday. The honor, bestowed by Dublin’s Lord Mayor Ray McAdam, recognizes Obama’s global leadership and vision for a fairer society. However, the event was not without controversy, as several Dublin councillors opposed the decision, citing concerns over Obama’s foreign policy, particularly his stance on Israel, Libya, Yemen, and Somalia. The council had initially voted in 2017 to grant the honor to Obama and his wife Michelle, with 30 votes in favor and 23 against. At the ceremony, Obama received a first edition of James Joyce’s *Ulysses* and a bottle of Teeling Whiskey. In his acceptance speech, he emphasized the enduring bond between Ireland and the United States, rooted in shared hope and resilience. The event was attended by approximately 30 guests, including the Lord Mayor’s six-year-old son, who presented Obama with a homemade Spider-Man card. Despite the opposition, Lord Mayor McAdam defended the decision, stating that no political career is without flaws and that the honor reflects Dublin’s recognition of Obama’s contributions. The Freedom of the City of Dublin, the highest honor the city can bestow, has been awarded to only 88 individuals, including notable figures like Nelson Mandela, John F. Kennedy, and Greta Thunberg. Obama’s visit to Dublin also includes a sold-out event at the 3Arena, where he will engage in a conversation with Irish journalist Fintan O’Toole.
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Dallas shooter intended target to be ICE not detainees – officials
A tragic shooting at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas, Texas, has left one detainee dead and two critically injured. The suspected shooter, identified as 29-year-old Joshua Jahn, left behind a collection of notes revealing his intent to target ICE agents while attempting to minimize harm to detainees. Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Nancy Larson, disclosed that Jahn’s writings indicated a calculated plan to ‘maximize lethality against ICE personnel and property damage’ at the facility. Larson emphasized that Jahn did not intend to harm detainees, stating, ‘It is clear from these notes that he was targeting ICE agents and ICE personnel.’
FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted the evidence of extensive pre-attack planning, including a handwritten note that read, ‘Hopefully this will give ICE agents real terror, to think, ‘is there a sniper with AP rounds on that roof?” Larson confirmed that Jahn likely acted alone, describing the attack as a ‘targeted, ambush-style’ assault on law enforcement. The shooter fired at transport vehicles carrying ICE personnel and detainees, acknowledging the potential for collateral damage.
Jahn’s notes, found at his residence, included a detailed ‘gameplan of the attack’ and expressed his disdain for ICE employees, whom he referred to as ‘people showing up to collect a dirty pay check.’ Larson condemned the act as terrorism, stating, ‘What he did is the very definition of terrorism.’ Despite his hatred for the federal government, no evidence linked Jahn to any specific group or agency beyond ICE.
ICE Field Office Director Marcos Charles praised the bravery of federal agents who risked their lives to save detainees during the attack, calling for an end to ‘violent rhetoric’ against ICE. The incident underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States.
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China’s export juggernaut defying and denying Trump’s tariffs
Despite former U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies, China’s export sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience, with its trade surplus projected to reach $1.2 trillion by the end of 2025, surpassing last year’s $1 trillion mark. This success stems from China’s strategic adaptability, including market diversification, supply chain rerouting, and a focus on sectors less vulnerable to U.S. tariffs. For instance, exports to Southeast Asia have surged beyond their COVID-19 peak, with record-breaking shipments to India and Africa. Arthur Kroeber of Gavekal Dragonomics notes that the Trump era inadvertently spurred China to enhance its export competitiveness through innovative workarounds, such as transshipments and relocating production to lower-tariff countries. However, these tactics have drawn scrutiny, with Trump vowing to penalize nations facilitating such arbitrage. Meanwhile, Southeast Asian economies, including Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand, face challenges from China’s overcapacity, political instability, and weak infrastructure, hindering their aspirations to become manufacturing hubs. Mexico stands out as a potential outlier, considering a 50% tariff on Chinese goods. As global tensions escalate, China seeks to avoid provoking protectionist measures while navigating deflationary pressures and internal economic reforms. The U.S., burdened by a $36 trillion national debt, faces its own economic reckoning, with experts warning of severe consequences from Trump’s tariff-driven trade war. Despite these challenges, China’s export engine continues to defy expectations, underscoring its pivotal role in the global economy.
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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs back in court to ask for reversal of conviction or new trial
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, the renowned music producer and rapper, appeared in a New York federal court on Thursday, accompanied by his legal team, to request the overturning of his prostitution convictions or a new trial. Judge Arun Subramanian adjourned the hearing without an immediate ruling. Combs, who has been incarcerated since his arrest in September 2024, was convicted in July on two counts of prostitution related to allegations of running a sex trafficking operation. His lawyers argue that the convictions misapply the Mann Act, a century-old law designed to combat human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Combs faces sentencing on October 3, with prosecutors pushing for a lengthy prison term, while his defense seeks a maximum of 14 months, citing his time already served. The defense also contends that applying the Mann Act to Combs’ case is unprecedented and that his celebrity status and legacy have been irreparably damaged. During the hearing, Combs’ attorney portrayed him as a voyeur with no commercial motive, distancing him from the charges. Combs was acquitted of more severe racketeering and sex trafficking charges in July but convicted on lesser charges of arranging interstate travel for prostitution. Prosecutors allege that Combs facilitated paid sexual encounters involving male sex workers and his girlfriends, some of whom testified to physical abuse. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the judge has twice denied him bail.
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Trump urges Turkey to stop buying Russian oil as Erdogan chases deal on F-35s
In a high-profile meeting at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump called on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to cease purchasing oil from Russia, emphasizing the importance of cutting off Moscow’s energy revenue as the conflict in Ukraine persists. Speaking alongside Erdogan, Trump described halting Russian oil imports as ‘the best thing’ Turkey could do to support global efforts against Russia’s aggression. The meeting concluded without concrete agreements on lifting U.S. sanctions on Turkey or advancing the sale of F-35 fighter jets, though Trump remained optimistic about resolving these issues. Turkey has been barred from acquiring F-35s since 2019 after it procured Russian S-400 air defense systems, leading to its expulsion from the F-35 production program. Trump highlighted Erdogan’s unique position as a leader respected by both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting that Turkey could play a pivotal role in influencing the war. Turkey, alongside India and China, remains one of Russia’s largest oil and gas customers. Trump’s remarks follow his recent warning to NATO allies about ‘funding the war against themselves’ through Russian energy purchases. The U.S. president also hinted at the possibility of lifting sanctions on Turkey ‘very soon’ if the meeting yielded positive outcomes. Meanwhile, bipartisan concerns in the U.S. Congress persist over Turkey’s military actions in Syria and its cooperation with Russia, casting doubt on the potential F-35 sale.
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Drone attacks leave Denmark exposed – and searching for response
A series of drone incidents across Denmark’s airports and military bases in Jutland has exposed vulnerabilities in the nation’s defense systems, raising concerns about hybrid warfare tactics. Although no harm or damage was reported, the events have highlighted Denmark’s susceptibility to such attacks, prompting urgent discussions on national security measures. Aalborg and Billund airports were forced to close, while drones were also spotted at Esbjerg, Sonderborg, and Skrydstrup, the latter housing the Danish Air Force’s F-35 and F-16 fighter jets. Additionally, drones were observed over the Jutland Dragoon regiment in Holstebro and near Denmark’s North Sea oil and gas platforms. Defense officials opted not to shoot down the drones, citing safety concerns, but acknowledged the need for long-term solutions. Denmark’s Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen described the incidents as a “hybrid attack,” though no concrete evidence points to Russia. However, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized Russia’s ongoing threat to Europe. The Danish government is now considering invoking NATO’s Article 4 for consultation, as neighboring countries like Poland and Estonia have done following similar incidents. Denmark’s cautious approach contrasts with Poland’s more aggressive stance, where Russian drones were shot down recently. The Danish government has announced plans for an “integrated layered air defense” system and investments in long-range precision weapons. Meanwhile, discussions are underway with NATO allies and Ukraine to establish a “drone wall” along the EU’s eastern borders, focusing on early detection systems. The incidents have served as a stark reminder of Denmark’s need to bolster its defenses in an era of evolving hybrid warfare.
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From former president to future prisoner: Sarkozy’s conviction divides France
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been sentenced to five years in prison, marking a historic moment as he becomes the first ex-president of France to face such a fate. The verdict, delivered on Thursday in the high-profile ‘Libyan money’ trial, has reignited the polarizing debates that have long surrounded Sarkozy’s political career. Convicted of criminal conspiracy, Sarkozy expressed vehement outrage, claiming to be a victim of ‘limitless hatred’ from his adversaries. This case has once again highlighted the deep-seated divisions within French society and its political landscape. Sarkozy, who has consistently portrayed himself as a target of a left-wing judicial and media conspiracy, now faces a humiliating punishment that his supporters argue is disproportionate. The court acquitted him of three charges—illegal party funding, embezzlement of Libyan funds, and corruption—but convicted him on the broader charge of ‘criminal association,’ often used in cases involving organized crime. Critics question the severity of the sentence, especially given the 20-year gap since the alleged offense and the non-suspensive nature of the punishment, which means Sarkozy will serve time even if he appeals. The case has drawn sharp reactions from both ends of the political spectrum. Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally, condemned the verdict as an example of judicial overreach, while the left views it as evidence of systemic privilege among the powerful. Sarkozy’s legal troubles are not new; he has previously been convicted on charges of corruption and illegal campaign financing. This latest chapter underscores the enduring influence of his controversial legacy on French politics, even as he remains a figure of the past. The trial has laid bare the fractures in a nation already deeply divided, with Sarkozy’s supporters and detractors clashing over the implications of his sentencing.
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Amazon agrees to pay $2.5bn over claims it tricked Prime customers
Amazon has reached a landmark $2.5 billion settlement with the U.S. government to resolve allegations of deceptive practices related to its Prime membership program. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) accused the tech giant of misleading millions of consumers into signing up for Prime and making it excessively difficult to cancel subscriptions. Under the proposed settlement, $1.5 billion will be allocated to refund affected customers, marking the largest civil penalty ever secured by the FTC. The agreement was finalized just days after the trial commenced in Seattle. Amazon neither admitted nor denied the allegations and has not publicly commented on the matter. Prime, which offers benefits like free shipping and streaming services, boasts hundreds of millions of global subscribers, with annual fees of $139 in the U.S. and £95 in the UK. The FTC highlighted Amazon’s use of manipulative tactics, such as pop-ups during checkout that encouraged Prime sign-ups without clear disclosure of terms or cancellation procedures. Additionally, the agency criticized the company’s one-month free trials, which automatically enrolled users into paid subscriptions without explicit consent. FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson emphasized that Amazon’s practices violated consumer protection laws, stating, ‘We are putting billions of dollars back into Americans’ pockets and ensuring Amazon never repeats these actions.’ An estimated 35 million U.S. customers affected between June 2019 and June 2025 could receive refunds of up to $51. Amazon has agreed to automatically refund users who utilized Prime benefits fewer than three times annually, while those who used it fewer than 10 times must file a claim. As part of the settlement, Amazon is prohibited from using misleading buttons like ‘No, I don’t want free shipping’ and must simplify the cancellation process for Prime memberships.
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US economic growth revised up on strong consumer spending
The US economy demonstrated remarkable resilience in the second quarter of 2025, with revised government data revealing a stronger-than-expected growth rate. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded at an annualized rate of 3.8% from April through June, surpassing the earlier estimate of 3.3%. This marked the fastest pace of growth in nearly two years, a significant rebound from the 0.6% contraction experienced in the first quarter. The surge was primarily driven by robust consumer spending, which increased by 2.5% year-on-year, up from a prior estimate of 1.6%, and a decline in imports. Despite the positive momentum, economists highlighted lingering uncertainties, particularly concerning the impact of former President Donald Trump’s tariffs and broader policy challenges. Retail sales also outperformed expectations, rising 0.6% in August, underscoring the resilience of American consumers. However, the labor market showed signs of strain, with only 22,000 jobs added in August and the unemployment rate edging up to 4.3%. On a brighter note, initial unemployment claims dropped to their lowest level since July, suggesting potential stabilization in the job market. Analysts remain cautiously optimistic, noting that while economic momentum has held steady, the long-term effects of tariffs and policy uncertainty could lead to slower growth and higher inflation.
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Stockholm marathon winner Alene dies aged 30
The world of athletics is mourning the untimely death of Ethiopian marathon star Shewarge Alene, who passed away at the age of 30. The tragic news was confirmed by the organizers of the Stockholm Marathon, where Alene had claimed victory in May 2025, marking her most recent competitive triumph. Alene, who had been a professional marathon runner since 2011, participated in 27 marathons over her illustrious career, securing an impressive 12 wins. Her personal best time of 2:27:26 was achieved in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2023. The Stockholm Marathon team expressed their grief on Instagram, stating, ‘It is with deep sorrow that we have received the news of the passing of Shewarge Alene, winner of adidas Stockholm Marathon 2025. Shewarge Alene became unwell during a training session and was taken to hospital, where sadly, her life could not be saved. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones.’ Alene’s sudden demise has left the global running community in shock, as they remember her remarkable contributions to the sport.