This week, London became the epicenter of heightened tensions as a rally in the city sparked widespread attention. Meanwhile, the boxing community came together to honor the legendary Ricky Hatton, celebrating his remarkable contributions to the sport. On the entertainment front, the cult favorite series *The Summer I Turned Pretty* reached its dramatic conclusion, leaving fans eagerly anticipating future developments. Amidst these events, it’s worth reflecting on the broader global happenings over the past seven days. For those keen on testing their knowledge, Ben Fell has curated a quiz to challenge your memory of recent events. Whether you’re revisiting last week’s quiz or exploring the archives, there’s no shortage of engaging content to delve into. In Europe, Austria has been making headlines, particularly in discussions surrounding religion and its societal impact.
标签： Europe
欧洲
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German journalists’ union criticises decision to take Jimmy Kimmel off air
In a bold statement on Thursday, Germany’s leading journalists’ union, DJV, called on major U.S. media outlets to stand by their journalists following ABC’s controversial decision to pull ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ from its lineup. The move came after host Jimmy Kimmel made remarks about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, sparking widespread debate over freedom of expression and press integrity. DJV head Mika Beuster criticized ABC’s actions, labeling them as a symptom of the ‘rampant erosion of freedom of the press and expression in the U.S.’ Beuster further accused broadcasters of ‘servility’ towards U.S. President Trump, warning that such compliance would only invite greater pressure on journalists. The suspension of Kimmel’s show follows a threat from the head of the U.S. communications regulator against Disney, ABC’s parent company. This incident is part of a broader trend of punitive actions against media figures, academics, and corporate employees who have commented on Kirk’s assassination. Republican leaders and conservative commentators have urged Americans to mourn Kirk respectfully, with some individuals facing job losses or suspensions for discussing the killing online. The situation has reignited concerns about the state of free speech in the U.S. and the role of media in safeguarding democratic values.
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Pope Leo plans to keep Francis’ key reforms but avoid bigger changes, he says
In his first major interview since assuming the papacy in May 2025, Pope Leo XIV emphasized his commitment to continuing the policies of his predecessor, Pope Francis, while steering clear of radical changes to Catholic doctrine. The interview, conducted in late July for a forthcoming biography, revealed Leo’s cautious approach to contentious global and ecclesiastical issues. The Pope, the first American to hold the position, reiterated Francis’ inclusive stance toward LGBTQ+ Catholics and women’s roles in the Church but stopped short of endorsing same-sex marriage or female ordination. He also addressed the Church’s ongoing sexual abuse scandals, stressing the need to support victims while acknowledging concerns about false allegations. On the international front, Leo expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza but avoided labeling Israel’s actions as genocide. He also discussed the Vatican’s financial challenges, noting improvements but acknowledging lingering issues. Leo’s reserved style contrasts with Francis’ outspokenness, reflecting his focus on maintaining unity within the Church.
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Anti-Trump protesters march through London as president basks in royal welcome
On September 17, 2025, London witnessed a stark contrast in public sentiment as U.S. President Donald Trump embarked on his second state visit to Britain. While thousands of protesters marched through the capital under the banner ‘Trump Not Welcome,’ a smaller yet enthusiastic crowd gathered outside Windsor Castle to welcome the president with open arms. The visit, marked by royal pageantry including a carriage procession and a grand military parade, highlighted the polarizing nature of Trump’s presence on the global stage. Organized by the Stop Trump Coalition and supported by groups like Amnesty International and pro-Palestinian activists, the protest in London featured banners with messages such as ‘Not Wanted Here, Not Wanted Anywhere’ and ‘Trump, a big step back on the evolution of man.’ Despite the protests, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has cultivated an unlikely friendship with Trump, though public opinion remains deeply divided. A YouGov poll revealed that 45% of Britons opposed the invitation, while 30% supported it. The event also saw the arrest of four individuals who projected images of Trump alongside Jeffrey Epstein onto Windsor Castle, a controversy that continues to shadow the president. Over 1,600 police officers were deployed to manage the peaceful protest, which drew around 5,000 participants. Meanwhile, in Windsor, a handful of Trump supporters, including former New York police officer Steven DeFranco, praised the president as a ‘beaming light’ and celebrated his policies. The turnout for this visit was comparable to Trump’s 2019 state visit but paled in comparison to his first official trip in 2018, which attracted significantly larger crowds.
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Remains found in search for missing boy to be removed
In a deeply unsettling development, human skeletal remains believed to be those of Daniel Aruebose, a seven-year-old boy missing for several years, were discovered on a site in Donabate, County Dublin. The remains, found on Portrane Road, are set to undergo a paediatric post-mortem examination later this week, as reported by Irish broadcaster RTÉ. The discovery has prompted urgent calls for an independent statutory review into the case, which was raised in the Dáil, Ireland’s lower house of parliament, on Thursday. Concerns about Daniel’s whereabouts were initially flagged last month by Tusla, the state agency responsible for child welfare and protection. The area where the remains were found had been under investigation for weeks, following an initial examination at The Gallery Apartments in Donabate, where Daniel lived. Gardaí have announced a “careful and sensitive exhumation” will be conducted, with DNA analysis to confirm the identity of the remains. Tánaiste Simon Harris described the situation as “horrific and tragic,” emphasizing the need to establish facts before drawing conclusions. Taoiseach Micheál Martin echoed these sentiments, calling the discovery “deeply shocking and sad,” while cautioning against a “rush to judgement.” Ireland’s Minister for Children, Norma Foley, confirmed that a rapid review by Tusla and the National Review Panel will examine the circumstances surrounding Daniel’s disappearance. Tusla revealed it last had contact with Daniel’s family five years ago, raising questions about the agency’s follow-up procedures. The case has also prompted Tusla to initiate wellbeing checks on cases closed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Tax the rich or fall: French PM faces budget ultimatum
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu finds himself at a critical juncture as he navigates the contentious debate over a proposed 2% wealth tax on billionaires, a measure that could determine his political survival. The tax, dubbed the ‘Zucman tax’ after economist Gabriel Zucman, targets individuals with assets exceeding €100 million and has garnered overwhelming public support, with 86% of voters in favor, including 92% of President Emmanuel Macron’s party members. However, the proposal faces fierce opposition from right-wing lawmakers and business leaders, who warn it could stifle investment and trigger capital flight. Lecornu, who assumed office less than two years ago, is racing to finalize the 2026 budget by October 7, with the Socialists demanding the tax as a condition for their support. Failure to secure their backing could lead to a no-confidence motion, potentially toppling his government. The tax, which would affect approximately 1,800 households, is projected to raise up to €20 billion annually, aiding France’s efforts to reduce its budget deficit, the largest in the eurozone. Critics argue that the tax could harm innovative startups like Mistral AI, Europe’s rising star in artificial intelligence, while proponents insist it is a necessary step toward tax justice and reducing wealth inequality. The debate has reignited discussions about France’s tax burden, already the highest among OECD countries, and its implications for economic competitiveness. As Lecornu weighs the political and economic ramifications, the fate of the Zucman tax remains uncertain, with potential constitutional challenges looming.
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Workers across France strike over budget cut plans
France witnessed a massive wave of protests on Thursday as hundreds of thousands of workers, students, and pharmacists heeded the call of trade unions to demonstrate against proposed budget cuts. The interior ministry estimated that between 600,000 and 900,000 people participated in nationwide demonstrations, prompting the deployment of 80,000 police officers to maintain order. The strikes, which severely disrupted public transport and blocked roads in major cities, come just a week after Sébastien Lecornu was appointed prime minister following the collapse of François Bayrou’s government. Unions are demanding increased public spending, higher taxes on the wealthy, and the abandonment of austerity measures outlined by Bayrou’s short-lived administration. Sophie Binet, leader of the General Confederation of Labour (CGT), emphasized the need for collective action to pressure the government into reversing policies perceived as favoring the rich. Meanwhile, outgoing Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau warned of a zero-tolerance approach to unrest, with 58 arrests reported by mid-morning. The protests follow last week’s demonstrations by the Bloquons Tout movement, which also caused widespread disruption. Lecornu, facing a divided parliament and mounting public debt, has yet to renounce the cuts entirely but is engaging in talks with opposition parties to seek a compromise. France’s public debt, equivalent to nearly €50,000 per citizen, remains a pressing concern, with previous prime ministers Barnier and Bayrou also ousted over similar austerity proposals.
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€1.2m of suspected cocaine seized in Dublin
In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, Irish police, An Garda Síochána, have confiscated cocaine worth approximately €1.2 million during coordinated raids in Dublin. The operation, conducted on Wednesday, targeted two separate residences in the city. At a property in Dublin 11, authorities uncovered 12 kilograms of suspected cocaine, estimated to have a street value of €840,000. Simultaneously, a search in Dublin 15 led to the discovery of an additional 5.5 kilograms of the illicit substance, valued at around €375,000. The seized drugs are now slated for forensic analysis to confirm their composition and origin. Two men, aged in their 30s and 40s, were apprehended at the scenes and subsequently charged in connection with the drug seizures. Both individuals are scheduled to appear before Blanchardstown District Court on Thursday morning. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts by Irish law enforcement to combat the illegal drug trade, which continues to pose significant challenges to public safety and health in the region.
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Top Russian officer reports advances on all Ukrainian fronts
In a recent development in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, General Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, asserted that Russian troops are advancing on multiple fronts in Ukraine. The Russian Defence Ministry reported that the heaviest fighting is concentrated around Pokrovsk, a key logistics hub in the Donetsk region. Gerasimov claimed that Russian forces are making significant progress in the Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipropetrovsk regions, as well as in the northeastern city of Kupiansk and the eastern town of Yampil. He emphasized that Ukrainian forces, despite deploying their most elite units, have been unable to halt the Russian advance. However, these claims contrast sharply with statements from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Ukrainian military officials. Zelenskiy, in an interview with Sky News, stated that recent Russian offensives have largely failed, with Ukrainian forces successfully repelling attacks near Pokrovsk and Kupiansk. A Ukrainian military spokesperson also reported that a Russian attempt to advance on Kupiansk resulted in numerous Russian soldiers being captured. The conflicting narratives highlight the ongoing intensity and complexity of the conflict, with both sides presenting divergent accounts of the battlefield situation.
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Father and son embrace the buzz at ploughing championships
The National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, County Offaly, concluded its three-day run on Thursday, drawing massive crowds and showcasing a blend of agricultural tradition and modern innovation. Among the participants was 21-year-old Jack Wright from Magherafelt, who has been passionate about ploughing since the age of 13. His father, David Wright, serves as one of the event’s judges, making it a true family affair. Jack, who competed on Tuesday and secured fourth place in his class, emphasized the importance of practice and preparation. ‘There’s no point being nervous about it; you just go and try your hardest,’ he advised. The event, which spanned over 700 acres, attracted up to 300,000 visitors over the three days, surpassing last year’s attendance of 250,000. Attendees enjoyed a diverse program featuring ploughing and livestock competitions, music and dance performances, fashion shows, craft demonstrations, and a food fair. Irish President Michael D Higgins officially opened the championships, highlighting its significance in promoting agriculture and rural heritage. The event also included the ‘Machine of the Year’ competition and showcased millions of euros worth of agricultural machinery. This year’s championships followed the 70th World Ploughing Championships held earlier in Prague, cementing its status as a premier agricultural event.