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Scientists have identified the earliest known human use of psychoactive drugs, dating back 25,000 years, through skeletal remains from Sulawesi, Indonesia, indicating consumption of betel nuts.

What’s going on?
The Philippines confirmed a ferry fire off Palawan, killing five people and leaving many missing. The incident occurred on the MV June Aster, which was carrying more than 200 passengers and crew. Search and rescue operations are ongoing in the area.

The BBC reported, “Five dead and 86 missing as ‘heartbreaking’ fire breaks out on Philippines ferry,” emphasising the emotional impact and number of missing individuals. In contrast, Reuters stated, “Philippines deploys vessels as rescuers seek access to burned ferry,” focusing more on the logistical response to the disaster.

Coverage analysed: BBC | Reuters

A Hong Kong court has found Dow Jones guilty of attempting to deter journalist Selina Cheng from assuming a leadership role in the Hong Kong Journalists Association. However, the publisher was acquitted of unlawful dismissal, citing corporate restructuring as the cause of her redundancy. Sentencing is pending.

Scientists have identified a possible cause for the unusual facial expression of an Egyptian mummy, found in Thebes, attributed to a phenomenon known as cadaveric spasm.

Benjamin Netanyahu plans to sue Haaretz over its report alleging he was warned by UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed of impending Hamas attacks prior to October 7, 2023. Netanyahu has labelled the claims “fabricated” and stated that no record of such a conversation exists in his call logs.

The Israeli government has banned 12 British MPs, including Jeremy Corbyn, from entering Israel, highlighting concerns over accountability for actions in Palestine.

A man from Yaroslavl has received a 14-year prison sentence for high treason after photographing graves of Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine and sharing the images with Ukrainian intelligence.

The Times betrays the British and supports the Israeli regime as it reports that UK sanctions on Israel are deemed “counterproductive” and fail to match the “theatrical rhetoric.”

The Republican Party is hosting a midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, on 9 and 10 September, aiming to mobilise voters ahead of the November elections. President Donald Trump is set to deliver key speeches, but low approval ratings and the absence of some Republican candidates raise questions about the event’s potential impact.

A small plane carrying an American family, including two grandchildren, has disappeared over the Bahamas, prompting a search and rescue operation by authorities.