Year: 2026

The UK Home Office has issued a document aimed at asylum seekers, outlining essential rules regarding consent and gender equality. The guidance emphasises the legal expectations for all individuals in the UK and warns that violations could jeopardise asylum claims and result in legal consequences.

Almost 250 women have accused French civil servant Christian Nègre of drugging them during job interviews from 2009 to 2018, leading to allegations of sexual assault.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to return to the UK this autumn for an extended stay, although they will not reclaim their royal roles. Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are enrolled in UK schools, while the couple maintains residences in California and Portugal.

What’s happening?
Donald Trump has nominated Heidi Overton to lead the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This nomination comes amid significant scrutiny of the FDA’s leadership and its handling of health issues, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine rollouts.

The New York Times headlines “Senate Health Panel Chairman Voices Strong Reservations About F.D.A. Nominee” contrasts with The Washington Post’s “Trump selects Heidi Overton, White House aide, to lead FDA.” The former emphasizes potential pushback and skepticism about Overton’s qualifications within the Senate, portraying a sense of conflict. In contrast, the latter frames the nomination as a straightforward appointment process, focusing more on Trump’s selection without highlighting any immediate controversies or opposition.

Coverage analyzed: Al Jazeera | The New York Times | The Washington Post | The Guardian

A Russian ballistic missile attack on Kyiv has killed at least three people and injured 20 others, with 14 hospitalised. The strike damaged residential buildings, including a nine-storey block that collapsed, and disrupted electricity in several districts. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces increasing domestic political pressure amid the ongoing conflict.

The Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) showcased its cavalry heritage in Lethbridge this week during Whoop-Up Days, highlighting the regiment’s historical significance through various events and displays aimed at local residents and visitors.

Rep. Jimmy Gomez faces allegations of sexual assault from an unnamed woman before the House Ethics Committee, which is investigating claims of inappropriate contact with a staffer. Gomez contends the actions were consensual, but the woman’s attorneys refute this. House Democratic leaders have called for a thorough inquiry.

Russians are withdrawing cash from banks amid fears of Kremlin measures to seize savings, with 286.4 billion roubles taken out in early August alone.

Two men were arrested on Wednesday in Nîmes and placed in police custody due to evidence indicating their direct or indirect involvement in recent events, according to public prosecutor Cécile Gensac. The investigation continues to unfold as authorities gather more information.

Moderna and Merck have reported promising results for their personalised mRNA cancer vaccine, Intismeran, which reduced melanoma recurrence and spread in late-stage trials. The interim findings support potential regulatory approval, with thousands of high-risk patients projected to benefit from the treatment next year.