Suez (Egypt) (AFP) – The giant container ship MV Ever Given arrives into Rotterdam port, more than four months after it got stuck in Egypt’s Suez Canal, blocking shipping in one of the world’s busiest waterways.
Tokyo (AFP) – To fill the visual and audio void left by the absence of cheers from the crowds at the venues, the teams behind the host broadcaster of the Olympic Games have created an immersive audio experience by placing more than 3600 microphones at the venues. By capturing an array of sounds, from the panting of a runner to the stomping of horse hooves on the sand, the Olympic Broadcasting Services hope to capture a more intimate side of the sports.
Cambará do Sul (Brazil) (AFP) – In the usually sunny state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, residents are amused by an unusual snowfall, with temperatures dropping to -5 degrees Celsius.
Marseille (AFP) – In the oldest soap factory in Marseille, French artist Frederique Nalbandian sculpts her latest work. Fabrics soaked in paste are taken directly from the oven and assembled into a body reminiscent of a Greek deity.
McLean (United States) (AFP) – US President Joe Biden says unvaccinated Americans are “sowing confusion” after being asked about potential uncertainty regarding the recent mask mandate. People fully vaccinated against Covid-19 in high-risk parts of the United States have been advised to resume wearing masks, a major reversal in guidance that underscored the country’s struggle to suppress the Delta variant.
Warsaw (AFP) – A new playground prototype in central Warsaw uses algae which feast on pollutants and carbon dioxide to provide a bubble of clean oxygen in the city.
Beirut (AFP) – Workers construct a 25-metre-tall steel sculpture dubbed “The Gesture” by Lebanese artist Nadim Karam made from debris from the August 4 blast at Beirut’s port. The explosion that thundered through the city levelled entire neighbourhoods, killed more than 200 people, wounded 6,500 others and pummelled the lives of survivors. Beirut is still struggling following the deadly explosion, with the country facing an accelerating financial crisis branded by the World Bank as one of the worst in modern times.
Berdigestyakh (Russia) (AFP) – Wildfires burn through the forests of north-east Siberia, normally one of the world’s coldest regions. The blazes have destroyed more than 1.5 million hectares (3.7m acres) with more than a month still to go in Siberia’s annual fire season. Devastating forest fires have ripped across the region with increasing regularity over the past few years, which Russian weather officials and environmentalists have linked to climate change and an underfunded forest service.
Oakland (United States) (AFP) – A shootout is taking place at the Oakland Police Station – virtually. The Californian police department is using a simulator to train new and veteran officers on de-escalation and use of force, by putting them through 12 different scenarios, such as coming face to face with a man armed with a machete. The programme has been created in a bid to avoid further incidents like the murder of George Floyd, who was killed by Minneapolis policeman Derek Chauvin in May 2020 after he knelt on Floyd’s neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds.
Pearland (United States) (AFP) – Residents in the Houston area talk about their support for Simone Biles, after the US gymnast’s withdrawal from the team final in Tokyo over mental health concerns.
London (AFP) – Seven years ago Cameroonian refugee Cyrille Tchatchet II was penniless and living on Britain’s streets. Now he is preparing to make history at the Tokyo Olympics as the first UK-based refugee Olympian, after being officially selected as weightlifter for the International Olympic Committee’s refugee team.
Tokyo (AFP) – Simone Biles says it’s important to “put mental health first” after her shock withdrawal from the team final, with the superstar gymnast’s participation in the rest of the Tokyo Olympics now plunged into uncertainty.
