Unknown (AFP) – US President Donald Trump says TV networks whose hosts criticise him on their late-night shows could “maybe” have their broadcasting licenses revoked, after ABC indefinitely suspended host Jimmy Kimmel. “They’re not allowed to do that. They’re an arm of the Democrat Party,” Trump says on his return flight from a state visit to Britain.
Lyon (AFP) – French protesters stage a day of nationwide protests and strikes in a show of anger over President Emmanuel Macron’s austerity policies, causing widespread disruption. Public transport stalled and schools closed as hundreds of thousands of people take to the streets for demonstrations marked by sporadic clashes with the police.
Geneva (AFP) – World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says Gaza’s health system is “overwhelmed by the influx of mass casualties”. Israel has began an offensive on Gaza City, sparking international outrage with the territory already devastated by nearly two years of war.
Nuseirat (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – Long lines of Palestinians head south along the Al-Rashid coastal road near Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip. On September 16, Israel launched its US-backed ground offencive on Gaza City, pledging to destroy Hamas in the area.
Port Moresby (AFP) – Papua New Guinea marks its 50th anniversary of independence from Australia, as the island nation seeks closer ties with its former colonial ruler through a mutual defence treaty. Widely expected to be signed on 17 September, the accord has been delayed due to the independence day celebrations, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said.
Tirana (Albania) (AFP) – Albania’s new AI-generated minister addresses parliament for the first time, defending her role as “not here to replace people, but to help them”. The world’s first AI government minister, Diella has been appointed by Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama, who said she would be entrusted with all decisions on public tenders, making them “100 per cent corruption-free”.
Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show has been pulled from the air after the US government threatened to cancel broadcasting licenses because of comments the host made about the killing of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.
Buenos Aires (Argentina) (AFP) – Argentinians celebrate as Congress overturns President Javier Milei’s vetoes of laws to ease financial strain on public universities and the country’s largest pediatric hospital, marking a setback for the ultraliberal leader. The decision, however, still needs Senate approval. IMAGES
Pharping (Nepal) (AFP) – After youth protests over corruption and joblessness toppled Nepal’s parliament and left dozens dead, villagers like Santosh Sunar see their own struggle reflected in the nation’s turmoil. The 31-year-old is desperately seeking work but, with few opportunities at home, faces the reality of splitting his family futher.
Gurdaspur (India) (AFP) – Record monsoon rains have devastated India’s Punjab, often dubbed the country’s granary. Unprecedented floods have swallowed farmlands almost the size of London and New York City combined. Punjab saw rainfall surge by almost two-thirds compared with the average rate for August, according to the national weather department, killing at least 52 people and affecting over 400,000.
Kathmandu (AFP) – Nepal’s new interim prime minister unveils her first ministers, as the Himalayan nation seeks to restore order after deadly youth-led anti-corruption protests that ousted the previous government. Under an outdoor awning and against the backdrop of the fire-damaged presidential office, President Ram Chandra Paudel gave the oath of office to three key ministers in a ceremony broadcast on television. IMAGES
Kathmandu (AFP) – Lying in hospital beds after sustaining bullet wounds during violent anti-corruption demonstrations in Kathmandu, protesters Aditya Rawal and Subash Dhakal are hopeful that the lives lost and injuries suffered will lead to lasting change in Nepal’s fight against corruption.
