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Belgium’s Defense Minister Theo Francken has indicated that soldiers could join police patrols in Brussels as authorities confront gang violence. The city has recorded roughly 60 shootings so far this year—about one-third of them during the summer months—resulting in two fatalities.

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, who would be nearly 100 by the end of his eighth term, has launched his re-election campaign with promises to address unemployment and poverty. At a rally in Maroua, he expressed confidence in his ability to continue leading the country, declaring that ‘the best is still to come.’

Chinese authorities have detained the pastor of one of the country’s most prominent underground churches, Zion Church. The pastor, Ezra Jin Mingri, had led the congregation to become one of the largest unofficial Christian groups in China despite increasing government pressure on religious activities.

Emergency flights were diverted from Portland hospital after online threats targeted federal helicopters, prompting serious safety concerns. The anarchist group’s laser ‘party’ urged participants to laser-tag aircraft, leading to rerouting of air ambulances and increased ground transfers, risking critical care delays.

Israel released 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, many sent into exile, leading to mixed reactions among families. The decision was met with celebration by some and disappointment by others.

Thousands of Palestinians are returning to northern Gaza following a ceasefire, hoping to reclaim their lives and homes. The situation remains dire as the area is largely destroyed.

President Trump declared he would cover military expenses despite Congress not approving new funding, even as he returned to the White House. The president’s remark highlights ongoing tensions over funding for the military and the broader implications of the government shutdown.

In Madagascar, a military unit has joined protesters, raising fears of a coup as the group urged security forces to disobey orders and avoid firing at demonstrators. The unrest has persisted for over two weeks, with crowds in the capital, Antananarivo, expressing support for the military’s actions.

Heavy fighting erupted along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border after mutual accusations of airspace violations and attacks. Both sides have not released casualty figures, making independent verification difficult.

Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv to celebrate the release of hostages from Gaza, expressing gratitude to President Trump for facilitating the cease-fire. However, they voiced dissatisfaction with their own government’s handling of the situation, with key figures from the Trump administration present at the event.

A missile strike has killed dozens in El Fasher’s makeshift shelter, where many were sleeping. The city remains under a brutal one-year siege by paramilitary forces.

The assassination of Judge Astrit Kalaja in Albania has intensified anger over judicial reforms, with public distrust rooted in a backlog of 200,000 cases and failed efforts to modernize the legal system. Legal experts and officials blame the crisis on reforms that politicized the judiciary and eroded institutional integrity.

A shooting incident occurred in the market square of Giessen, Germany, on Saturday afternoon, where an assailant injured several people before fleeing the scene. Local media reported that the suspect was detained several hours later, though details regarding the number of casualties and the motive remain unclear.

Trump’s daughter and Kushner praised the families of hostages as symbols of resilience, while Witkoff highlighted their impact on global humanitarian efforts.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on former U.S. President Donald Trump to mediate peace in Ukraine. He argued that stopping a war in one region could lead to peace in other conflicts, including the Russian invasion.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has launched a petition against the EU’s ‘war agenda’, warning that the bloc is ‘rapidly drifting’ toward a direct confrontation with Russia. Orban’s Fidesz party approved the proposal, urging Hungarians to join a peace march on October 23.

Chinese authorities have detained Pastor Ezra Jin of Zion Church and nearly 30 other religious leaders across multiple provinces, sparking fears of widespread persecution. The arrests have intensified concerns among the church’s followers and family members, who are urging the U.S. government to intervene.

Former President Joe Biden is undergoing radiation therapy for an aggressive form of prostate cancer and recently had a cancerous lesion removed from his forehead. Despite his treatment, he plans to attend upcoming events.

Hamas co-founder Mousa Abu Marzouk stormed off a live interview after being pressed on the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks and the subsequent war in Gaza. His outburst, which included telling the host to ‘Go to hell,’ has sparked backlash from Palestinian leaders and signals growing internal turmoil within Hamas as the war in Gaza draws…

North Korea showcased its new Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile during a military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of its Workers’ Party. The missile, potentially capable of reaching the U.S., was displayed on an 11-axle transporter-launch vehicle.

California Highway Patrol officers successfully rescued an unconscious driver from a burning vehicle in South Los Angeles during a July 3 incident, as newly released body camera footage highlights their heroic actions. Officers rushed to the scene, breaking windows with their batons to effect the rescue before a small explosion occurred.

North Korea held a military parade to celebrate the 80th anniversary of its ruling Workers’ Party, showcasing advanced weapons including the Hwasong-20 missile. The event featured top officials from China, Russia, and Vietnam, highlighting the country’s military capabilities and strengthened regional alliances.

One month after the assassination of Charlie Kirk at UVU, questions about security measures and public records remain unresolved, raising concerns about campus safety and transparency. The suspect’s escape route and UVU’s delayed responses to records requests continue to fuel public frustration.

Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia accused the US of planning a coup in Venezuela under the guise of an anti-drug campaign, calling it a violation of international law and human rights. The US has deployed marines and warships off Venezuela’s coast, conducting airstrikes that have sunk at least four boats and killed over 21 people.

A shooting during Leland High School’s homecoming weekend in downtown Mississippi left at least four people dead and twelve others injured, officials reported. The mayor, governor, and state senator have all expressed condolences and called for justice, emphasizing the tragic impact of gun violence in the region.

The effects of a government shutdown tend to unfold in stages. As agencies, departments and federal employees figure out how to weather the storm, Karoun Demirjian, a Times reporter, explains what to know.