Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Irish presidential election, just hours before he was scheduled to address key council meetings in Dublin and Kildare. McGregor, who had been vying for the nominations required to appear on the ballot, cited “careful reflection and family consultations” as the reasons behind his decision. The 37-year-old former UFC champion expressed gratitude for the “support and encouragement” he received but criticized the election’s eligibility rules, calling them a “straitjacket” that hinders a truly democratic process. McGregor’s withdrawal comes after months of social media campaigning, during which he urged his followers to lobby local councillors for his nomination. However, his absence from early candidate presentations raised doubts about his commitment to the race. McGregor’s potential candidacy had already faced scrutiny due to his legal troubles, including a recent civil case in which he was ordered to pay £206,000 in damages for sexual assault allegations, which he denies. With McGregor out of the running, the focus now shifts to the three confirmed candidates: Catherine Connolly, Jim Gavin, and Heather Humphreys, each backed by major political parties. The Irish presidential election is set for October 24, with nominations closing on September 24.
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Brazil’s Lula hits back at Trump over Bolsonaro trial and tariffs
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has publicly defended the trial and subsequent sentencing of his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, to over 27 years in prison for orchestrating a coup attempt. In a strongly-worded opinion piece published in the New York Times, Lula refuted claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump that the trial was a ‘witch hunt,’ describing it instead as a ‘historic decision that safeguards Brazil’s institutions and democratic rule of law.’ Lula emphasized that the trial was conducted in strict adherence to Brazil’s 1988 Constitution, which was established after decades of struggle against military dictatorship. He also addressed the strained relations between the U.S. and Brazil, criticizing Trump’s imposition of 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports as ‘misguided and illogical.’ Lula argued that the U.S. had accumulated a $410 billion trade surplus with Brazil over the past 15 years, suggesting that the tariffs were politically motivated. He further accused the U.S. government of using tariffs and the Magnitsky Act to shield Bolsonaro from accountability. Lula concluded by asserting Brazil’s commitment to dialogue with the U.S. but made it clear that ‘Brazil’s democracy and sovereignty are not on the table.’ The trial, which concluded last Thursday, saw four out of five Supreme Court justices convict Bolsonaro on all charges. Bolsonaro’s legal team has announced plans to appeal the verdict.
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Rising seas will threaten 1.5 million Australians by 2050 – report
A groundbreaking climate report has revealed that Australia is already grappling with the severe impacts of climate change, with escalating risks projected for the coming decades. The National Climate Risk Assessment, Australia’s first comprehensive climate evaluation, warns that 1.5 million coastal residents could face threats from rising sea levels by 2050. The report highlights increased frequency and intensity of climate hazards, including floods, cyclones, heatwaves, droughts, and bushfires. Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen emphasized that while Australians are already experiencing these consequences, mitigating global warming now is crucial to safeguarding future generations. The report examined three warming scenarios—above 1.5°C, 2°C, and 3°C—and found that Australia, one of the world’s highest per capita polluters, has already surpassed 1.5°C. At 3°C, heat-related deaths in Sydney could surge by over 400%, with Melbourne seeing nearly triple the current rates. The 72-page document, released ahead of the government’s 2035 emissions reduction targets, underscores that no community will be spared from cascading and compounding climate risks. It predicts a A$611 billion drop in property values, deteriorating water quality, and heightened threats to coral reefs like the Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo Reef. Northern Australia, remote communities, and outer suburbs of major cities are particularly vulnerable. The report also warns of increased pressure on health systems, infrastructure, ecosystems, and emergency services. In response, the government unveiled a national adaptation plan to coordinate federal, state, and local efforts. Bowen reiterated Australia’s commitment to a 43% emissions reduction by 2030, though critics argue the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels remains problematic. Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie called for more ambitious targets, stressing that delays in reducing emissions will exacerbate the devastating impacts of heatwaves, floods, and bushfires.
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Boss of degrading sex-trade ring in Dubai’s glamour districts unmasked by BBC
A shocking BBC investigation has uncovered a sinister sex trafficking operation in Dubai, led by Charles Mwesigwa, a man who claims to be a former London bus driver. Operating in Dubai’s affluent neighborhoods, Mwesigwa allegedly exploits vulnerable women, many of whom are lured from Uganda with promises of legitimate jobs in supermarkets or hotels, only to be forced into sex work. The investigation reveals harrowing accounts of abuse, including extreme fetishes and violent coercion. Mwesigwa denies the allegations, insisting he merely helps women find accommodation and connects them with wealthy contacts. However, testimonies from victims and former associates paint a grim picture of his operations. The investigation also highlights the tragic deaths of two Ugandan women linked to Mwesigwa, whose falls from high-rise apartments were ruled as suicides but remain shrouded in suspicion. Despite attempts to seek justice, victims and their families face systemic indifference from authorities. This exposé sheds light on the broader issue of human trafficking and exploitation in the Gulf, where vulnerable individuals are often deceived and trapped in cycles of abuse.
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‘My wife died giving birth after Trump cut funding to our clinic’
In the remote village of Shesh Pol in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, the closure of a once-vital maternity clinic has left families like Abdul and Shahnaz’s in despair. When Shahnaz went into labor, Abdul rushed her to the clinic where their two older children were born, only to find it shuttered. With no alternative medical facility within reach, Shahnaz delivered their baby girl in a taxi by the roadside. Tragically, both mother and child died shortly after due to severe bleeding. This heart-wrenching story is emblematic of a broader crisis unfolding across Afghanistan, where over 400 medical facilities have closed following the Trump administration’s abrupt decision to cut nearly all U.S. aid to the country earlier this year. The Shesh Pol clinic, a modest single-story structure with USAID posters still adorning its peeling walls, was a lifeline for pregnant women in a region plagued by historically high maternal mortality rates. Its closure has left countless women without access to essential healthcare, forcing them to endure perilous journeys to overcrowded hospitals or risk giving birth at home without medical assistance. The U.S. government justified the aid cuts by citing concerns that funds were benefiting terrorist groups, including the Taliban. However, the Taliban denies these allegations, claiming that aid is distributed through the UN and NGOs without government involvement. The consequences of these cuts are dire: maternal and newborn deaths have surged, and the few remaining healthcare facilities are overwhelmed. In Faizabad’s regional hospital, patients are crammed three to a bed, and funding has been slashed by nearly 70%. The Taliban’s restrictions on women’s education, including bans on midwifery training, have further exacerbated the crisis, leaving Afghanistan’s women and children in a precarious state. As the international community turns its back, the right to health and life for Afghan women hangs in the balance.
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‘Clear narrative’: Quartet statement on Sudan is historic, says UAE President adviser
In a landmark move, the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Egypt issued a joint statement on Friday, advocating for a three-month humanitarian truce in Sudan, followed by a nine-month transitional period aimed at establishing civilian-led governance. Dr. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic advisor to the UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, hailed the statement as historic, emphasizing its clear roadmap to resolve the ongoing crisis in Sudan. Dr. Gargash, in a post on X, stated that the statement accurately diagnoses the crisis, asserting that there is no military solution and reaffirming the commitment to peace and Sudan’s unity. The foreign ministers of the four nations collectively agreed that the current conflict results in ‘unacceptable suffering’ and poses significant risks to peace and security. The statement also rejected any involvement of the Muslim Brotherhood or affiliated groups in Sudan’s governance, referencing the Islamists who previously controlled the country until 2019 and have recently resurfaced in support of the army. While it remains uncertain whether the warring factions will agree to the proposed truce, the statement marks a significant step toward addressing the humanitarian and political challenges in Sudan. The initiative aligns with previous calls for peace, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ appeal for a week-long ceasefire in al-Fashir earlier this year.
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‘Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle’ opens to $70M, biggest anime debut to claim top box-office spot
In a groundbreaking weekend for the film industry, ‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle’ has etched its name in box-office history. The Japanese anime film, distributed by Sony-owned Crunchyroll, stormed to the top of the charts with an astonishing $70 million debut in North America, according to Comscore estimates. This remarkable achievement not only surpasses the previous record held by ‘Pokémon: The First Movie’ ($31 million in 1999) but also cements its place as the highest-grossing anime opening of all time. Globally, the film amassed $177.8 million, with $132.1 million coming from international markets. Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore, remarked on the unpredictability of the box office, stating, ‘If you predicted this outcome, kudos to you.’ The film is the first installment in a trilogy that brings the beloved Shonen saga to its climactic finale. It follows Tanjiro Kamado, a compassionate young swordsman battling a supernatural underworld to save his demon-turned sister, Nezuko. Produced by the acclaimed studio Ufotable, the film’s stunning visuals and intense action sequences have solidified the franchise as a global phenomenon. The success of ‘Infinity Castle’ has also signaled a September resurgence for the box office, following a sluggish August. Warner Bros.’ ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ slipped to second place with $26 million, while Focus Features’ ‘Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale’ debuted in third with $18.1 million. Other notable openings included Lionsgate’s ‘The Long Walk’ ($11.5 million) and Pixar’s ‘Toy Story (30th Anniversary)’ ($3.5 million). Dergarabedian expressed optimism for the month, anticipating further success with upcoming releases like Jordan Peele’s ‘HIM’ and Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘One Battle After Another.’
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Seville ushers in new era for Jamaican sprinting
In a moment of sheer triumph, Oblique Seville has etched his name into the annals of athletics history, becoming the first Jamaican man to claim the world 100m title since the legendary Usain Bolt in 2016. The 24-year-old sprinter delivered a breathtaking performance at the Tokyo World Championships, clocking a personal best of 9.77 seconds to secure gold and usher in a new era for Jamaican sprinting. His victory, coupled with Kishane Thompson’s silver, marked a resounding return to dominance for Jamaica in the men’s 100m event, ending a four-year streak of American supremacy.
Seville’s journey to the top has been anything but smooth. After narrowly missing the podium in the 2023 World Championships and a disappointing last-place finish in the 2024 Paris Olympics, doubts lingered about his ability to fulfill his immense potential. However, under the guidance of Glen Mills, Usain Bolt’s former coach, Seville silenced his critics with a commanding performance in Tokyo. ‘I have proved that I am a true competitor, that I have the determination of a champion,’ Seville declared after his victory.
The emotional weight of the moment was palpable, with Bolt himself in attendance, visibly elated by Seville’s success. ‘His coach is my coach, and I know that both of them are very proud of me right now,’ Seville shared. The young sprinter also revealed that Bolt’s mentorship and family support have been pivotal in his journey. ‘Since my father passed away, Usain’s my motivator,’ he added.
Seville’s triumph was part of a stellar night for Jamaica, with Tina Clayton securing silver in the women’s 100m final. Meanwhile, the United States celebrated Melissa Jefferson-Wooden’s breakthrough gold in the women’s event, ensuring the continued rivalry between the two sprint powerhouses. As Seville looks ahead, his victory not only cements his status as a world-class athlete but also reignites Jamaica’s hopes for a new golden era in sprinting.
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Romania becomes second Nato country to report Russian drone in its airspace
In a significant escalation of tensions in Eastern Europe, a Russian drone breached Romanian airspace on Saturday, marking the second NATO country to report such an incursion this week. Romanian F-16 fighter jets, monitoring the country’s border with Ukraine, detected the drone following Russian air attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure near the Danube River. The drone, identified as a Geran (the Russian designation for the Iranian-designed Shahed 136), was tracked 20 kilometers southwest of the village of Chilia Veche before disappearing from radar. Although it did not fly over populated areas or pose immediate danger, the incident has raised concerns about Russia’s expanding military activities in the region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the breach as a deliberate act of war expansion by Russia, while Moscow has remained silent on the allegations. Romania has summoned the Russian ambassador and is considering its response under a new law that authorizes the military to shoot down unauthorized drones. Meanwhile, Poland reported shooting down three Russian drones earlier in the week, prompting heightened defensive measures across NATO’s eastern flank. The Czech Republic has also deployed a special operations helicopter unit to Poland in response to the escalating threat. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, Western leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, have called for stricter sanctions on Russia, though NATO members remain divided on the best course of action.
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England and South Africa draw T20 series after washout
The highly anticipated third T20 match between England and South Africa, which was set to determine the winner of the series, was abandoned due to relentless rain at Trent Bridge on Sunday. The match, scheduled to begin at 14:30 BST, was called off by the umpires at approximately 16:20 after persistent rainfall prevented any play. This washout resulted in the series being drawn 1-1, leaving both teams without a decisive victory. The first match of the series had been shortened by rain, with South Africa emerging victorious, while England leveled the score with a record-breaking performance at Old Trafford. England’s Harry Brook expressed disappointment, stating, ‘It’s a shame the weather has ruined it again,’ but praised his team’s exceptional performance in the previous game. South Africa’s captain, Aiden Markram, acknowledged the frustration but emphasized the importance of building momentum ahead of the World Cup. The abandonment marks the end of England’s home summer cricket season, with an understrength squad set to begin a T20 series in Ireland on Wednesday, followed by white-ball fixtures in New Zealand in October.