Ukraine intensifies counterattack
Ukrainian forces yesterday launched ground attacks in several areas along the front line in the Kherson region of southern Ukraine, apparently stepping up a counteroffensive aimed at reclaiming territories seized by Russia.
Ukrainian officials said fighting along the front line escalated sharply. As part of his multi-pronged advance, Kyiv said its troops “broke through the front line of defense of the occupiers near Kherson”.
Reports of escalating fighting came as UN nuclear experts prepared to visit the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant north of Kherson. The inspector will arrive this week, or tomorrow at the earliest.
environment: For months, Ukrainian authorities have promised a wide-ranging counteroffensive in the Kherson region to push Russian forces out of the natural barrier west of the Dnipro River. It was unclear whether yesterday’s fight was the beginning of that larger effort.
Other updates:
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Ukraine also claimed to have destroyed a large Russian military base behind Russian fronts in the Kherson region. The claims were not immediately confirmed.
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Now that the airports and ports are closed, Ukrainian railways provide vital connections.
Political turmoil rules Iraq
Political turmoil in Iraq deepened yesterday after powerful Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr said he would retire from politics.
Sadr’s announcement could mark a more dangerous stage in Iraq’s turmoil, sparking fears that his supporters will increasingly turn to street protests. By evening a curfew was in place.
It could also deepen the political stalemate. Iraq has not had a new government since Sadr’s loyal candidate won the most seats last October. In June, he ordered the new lawmakers to resign. His followers then set up tent camps that he blocked parliament for more than a month, preventing meetings of parliamentarians.
analysis: The cleric has previously said he intended to leave politics, raising questions as to whether this could be a tactic to gain an edge in future negotiations to form a government.
Europe is trying to cope with drought
Europe is facing its worst drought in decades. By one estimate, nearly 65% of EU territories are now on some level of drought warning.
As droughts become more frequent, the UK is considering reprocessing sewage into potable water in the future. The UK’s Environment Agency chief said people wouldn’t have to be “too squeamish” about the idea.
analysis: Climate change will make extreme weather events such as droughts, hurricanes, and other large-scale storms more frequent and intense.
environment: Toilet-to-faucet recycling is already in place in Australia, Singapore, Namibia, and parts of the United States. It is cheaper than desalination and can be used inland.
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Europe
Rome faces a garbage crisis. Almost always, there is trash everywhere. But despite the stench, the mayor did not give up hope of finding a solution, and a literal dumpster caught fire.
He is trying to build a new incinerator for the city, even though such plans have surfaced as the reason for the political uprising that overthrew Italy’s unity government in July.
sports news from athletics
Transfer deadline guide: The final day of the summer transfer market is fast approaching.Can Chelsea sign Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang? Will Arsenal pull off the unlikely after a perfect start? David Ornstein of Let The Athletic takes you to the biggest moves Still waiting to happen as the clock ticks.
Keys to Manchester United’s new $100 million signature: What does Brazilian winger Anthony do best? It turns out that there are manyHe’s electric on the ball, scoring goals and terrifying opponents with his pace. He’s young and talented enough to be a key member of United’s revival, so it’s no surprise that manager Eric ten Hag wanted to sign the deal.
The strange world of football transfer surcharges: Manchester United once paid striker Anthony Martial $42.1 million. Except they didn’t. They’ve actually paid out $60 million so far. becoming more common.
art and ideas
Is it time for BeReal?
Being authentic on social media is neither possible nor necessarily desirable. But a new app BeReal is trying. Invite users to share something intimate, mundane or boring.
Once a day, users are asked to post two photos at the same time. One from the front camera and he has one from the rear camera. Instead of curating vacation photos or perfectly posed and dressed photos, they’re at home, at work, and commuting. This is a plain scroll, but it is gaining popularity. By mid-August, BeReal was the #1 free iPhone app.
As Sophie Hignney writes in The Times, normalcy is the point. “This is the version of social media that goes back to its origins. It may be oversharing, but instead of building a permanent record of another self, oversharing details that disappear the next day.” .”
Find out more about the one app for your nostalgic internet craving here.