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Toronto (Canada) (AFP) – “Canada will continue to be the US’s most important partner,” says Prime Minister Mark Carney, addressing a meeting of top global investors in Toronto, amid escalating tensions between the North American neighbors. “These arrangements work best when we engage as true partners that respect each other’s traditions and sovereignty,” he adds, hours after US President Donald Trump imposed fresh tariffs on Canadian goods.

Stockholm (AFP) – “The erosion of the rule of law in the US is having spillover effects” around the world, says Kevin Casas-Zamora, chief of the Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), as the leading thinktank releases its latest report on democratic health. Echoing the report, Casas-Zamora warns of “a global explosion of what I would call election denialism,” and points to “the current president of the United States” as a major catalyst in the phenomenon.

Stockholm (AFP) – “The erosion of the rule of law in the US is having spillover effects” around the world, says Kevin Casas-Zamora, chief of the Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), as the leading thinktank releases its latest report on democratic health. Echoing the report, Casas-Zamora warns of “a global explosion of what I would call election denialism,” and points to “the current president of the United States” as a major catalyst in the phenomenon.

Beijing (AFP) – China urges the United States to “stop preparing for war in outer space,” after the US Space Force confirmed it has deployed weapons into orbit for the first time. In a statement, the US Space Force said the equipment deployed could defend “against hostile adversary actions,” without providing specifics on the weapons. Beijing opposes “the weaponisation of outer space,” says foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun.

Beijing (AFP) – China urges the United States to “stop preparing for war in outer space,” after the US Space Force confirmed it has deployed weapons into orbit for the first time. In a statement, the US Space Force said the equipment deployed could defend “against hostile adversary actions,” without providing specifics on the weapons. Beijing opposes “the weaponisation of outer space,” says foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun.

Kinshasa (AFP) – Clad in blue overalls and yellow boots, former gang members have been drafted in as street-sweepers in Kinshasa, the sprawling capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The “kuluna” — or youth gang — members are working as part of the paramilitary National Service, which was enlisted in cleaning operations by President Felix Tshisekedi in May. Their presence, while welcomed by many residents, has also sparked concerns among observers who see risks in the increased presence of paramilitary-aligned personnel on the streets ahead of planned political protests.

Kinshasa (AFP) – Clad in blue overalls and yellow boots, former gang members have been drafted in as street-sweepers in Kinshasa, the sprawling capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The “kuluna” — or youth gang — members are working as part of the paramilitary National Service, which was enlisted in cleaning operations by President Felix Tshisekedi in May. Their presence, while welcomed by many residents, has also sparked concerns among observers who see risks in the increased presence of paramilitary-aligned personnel on the streets ahead of planned political protests.

Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – Quirky horror series “Widow’s Bay” cleans up at the Emmys, setting a new record for the most awards won by a comedy in a single year, as gritty hospital show “The Pitt” takes home best drama again.

Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – Quirky horror series “Widow’s Bay” cleans up at the Emmys, setting a new record for the most awards won by a comedy in a single year, as gritty hospital show “The Pitt” takes home best drama again.

Sanaa (AFP) – Yemen’s Houthis say they fired dozens of drones and ballistic missiles at military targets in Saudi Arabia, “including warplane hangars, radars, runways, ammunition depots at other targets” at an air base in the southwestern city of Khamis Mushait. The group — which has been engaged in renewed fighting with Saudi-backed government forces since Yemen’s civil war reignited in July — says the attack was in retaliation for airstrikes by Riyadh.

Sanaa (AFP) – Yemen’s Houthis say they fired dozens of drones and ballistic missiles at military targets in Saudi Arabia, “including warplane hangars, radars, runways, ammunition depots at other targets” at an air base in the southwestern city of Khamis Mushait. The group — which has been engaged in renewed fighting with Saudi-backed government forces since Yemen’s civil war reignited in July — says the attack was in retaliation for airstrikes by Riyadh.

Stockholm (AFP) – Sweden is facing political uncertainty after an election that has given the country’s left-wing opposition a slim lead with votes still left to count. The left-wing bloc’s leader, Magdalena Andersson, and outgoing conservative Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson have both said they want to explore coalition options, but both would have to stomach major concessions to obtain a majority. “I was hoping for a clear result,” says Sandra Sarin, commuting in Stockholm, who the razor-edge result has left “kind of sad.” Another resident in Sweden’s capital, Mikko Duvaldt, says “it’s going to be a tough situation for each side to form a government.”