Europe Albania Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj will run the capital from jail until the next elections in 2027, creating an unprecedented situation in local politics, PM Edi Rama apparently confirmed; Veliaj denies charges of corruption, money laundering and concealing wealth
Asia Iraq Mosul, 2.500-year-old city whose landmarks were hit by ISIS destruction, has seen the completion of a seven-year restoration of l Nuri Mosque and its leaning minaret, along with the churches of Our Lady of the Hour Convent and Al Tahera, a UAE-led project
Oceania Marshall Islands President Dr. Hilda Heine pressed world leaders to achieve a nuclear-free Pacific at the UN generale assembly and called on the UN to apologize for allowing nuclear tests at the Marshall Islands after World War II, despite the opposition of its people
Asia United Arab Emirates The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre launched a major initiative giving readers access to over 30.000 digital libraries worldwide to promote reading and expand Arabic publications; OverDrive platform for e-book and audiobook is the technology partner
America Saint Lucia As collisions between livestock and vehicles continue to endanger motorists in the south, including near Hewanorra International Airport, authorities are exploring the use of pasture lands to relocate stray cattle and optimize animal management
Europe Finland Helsinki’s city board has rejected planned public transport fare increases for 2026 and with a formal statement urged the regional transport authority HSL to revise its pricing and funding strategies
Asia Mongolia The Economic Development Board has been institutionalized as a permanent government body; led by the Prime Minister, it will drive reforms in taxation, business policy, budget transparency, ensuring private sector input shapes legislative proposals
Europe Bulgaria Von der Leyen’s trip to Bulgaria included a visit to state-owned weapons plant in Sopot, where expansion is planned for a thousand new workplaces; as she praised aid given to Ukraine’s defence, supporters of Revival and Greatness party staged a protest
Africa Sao Tome and Principe At a conference of winegrowers, government announced it will seize land from those who don't work it not to dismantle medium-sized companies but to serve as a traction for large investors an to reserve portions for the youth
Asia Cambodia Parliament approved a law stripping citizenship from anyone convicted of treason or colluding with foreign powers; The move, backed by the ruling CPP, strengthens penalties on opposition figures amid an ongoing political crackdown
Asia Jordan Electronic passports have been launched; citizens can apply through the Sanad App or at Civil Status and Passport Department offices, application follows the usual procedures and fees and current passports will remain valid until their expiry date
America Bahamas Education sector still has to face persistent challenges that will require continued reforms, including in key subjects such as mathematics, said Minister of Education during her back-to-school message, pointing to challenging goals successfully achieved
Oceania Micronesia The Oneisomw community hosted a training and clam farm setup led by Nature Conservancy to provide the community with tools for sustainable aquaculture; 3.600 bear paw clams were stoked, 75 giant clams, locally extinct, reintroduced to Chuuk lagoon
America Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Over 50 schools have undergone repairs, construction or upgrades under the School Summer Repair Programme; among upgrades are major improvements at the Emmanuel High School, where works are underway in the science laboratory