- US intelligence had extensive warnings about bin Laden and al-Qaeda before 9/11
- Mark Carney meets Forever Canadian campaign supporters in Banff
- Gen. Dan Caine recalls 9/11 response and asserts nation was at war
- Fibreglass shark sculpture at Brighton crazy golf course sparks planning dispute
- Ryanair CEO disputes passenger’s claim of being sucked out of aircraft window
- French government supports Slovakia’s call to delist Alisher Usmanov
- CIA releases declassified documents on bin Laden and al-Qaeda ahead of 9/11 anniversary
- Lethbridge firefighters commemorated at annual memorial event
EU
The French government has aligned with Slovakia to advocate for the delisting of Russian-Uzbek businessman Alisher Usmanov from the EU sanctions list, intensifying tensions among member states. Usmanov, under sanctions since 2022, is seen as closely linked to the Kremlin, prompting concerns over motivations behind the push for his removal.
France plans to oppose a European Commission initiative to fast-track trade agreements by using only English-language versions during negotiations, bypassing translations into all 24 official EU languages. This move, aimed at speeding up ratification, has raised concerns about legal and democratic implications, particularly regarding linguistic diversity.
The European Commission downplayed the urgency to channel €210 billion in immobilised Russian Central Bank assets for Ukraine support, emphasising focus on a €90 billion loan disbursement and assessing Ukraine’s budget shortfall. Officials indicate a cautious approach amid entrenched legal and political challenges.
Belarus has designated Euronews as an “extremist” media outlet, banning access to its content in the country. This move has drawn widespread condemnation, with officials asserting it threatens press freedom and restricts information for Belarusian citizens. Euronews plans to continue its commitment to independent journalism.
The Ministry of Information in Belarus has classified Euronews’ website as “extremist” media, banning it following a recent court ruling. This designation allows authorities to impose penalties for accessing its content, significantly limiting the availability of independent journalism in the country.
Spain’s Civil Guard has released a report assessing the potential for a mass migrant crossing into Ceuta on 15 August, prompted by social media campaigns reaching extensive audiences. While it identifies a coordinated online initiative, it refrains from predicting participation numbers or the likelihood of mass crossings.
Spanish MEP Juan Fernando López Aguilar and Swedish MEP Tomas Tobé are addressing how Europe should manage migration, focusing on the “safe third country” concept and Spain’s regularisation plan. They highlight ongoing challenges in asylum policies and integration of migrants within the EU.
Spanish security services have identified several individuals with prior jihadism-related offences among migrants who arrived in Ceuta last week. Analysis of surveillance footage revealed at least a dozen people previously arrested and deported for jihadist terrorism. Official confirmations from authorities are pending.
Emergency services in Southern Europe face unprecedented demand as extreme heat fuels crises in Spain, France, and Greece. Zamora province reported a large-scale response to a fire at the Zaresa waste treatment plant, while France temporarily shut down nuclear reactors to manage water flow, and Greece battles severe wildfires, sparking a decade’s worst fire crisis.
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