South Korea Secures Release of Detained Workers from US Hyundai Plant
South Korea has successfully negotiated a deal with the United States for the release of approximately 300 South Korean workers who were detained following a raid on a Hyundai-LG electric vehicle battery plant in Ellabell, Georgia. The workers were held by US immigration officers, and South Korea plans to send a chartered plane to bring them home once administrative steps are completed.
Carlo Acutis Canonized as Catholic Church's First Millennial Saint
In a significant religious event, Carlo Acutis, an Italian teenager known as "God's influencer" for his work evangelizing online, was canonized by Pope Leo XIV. This makes Acutis the Catholic Church's first millennial saint. The ceremony, originally delayed, proceeded on September 7, 2025.
Escalating Tensions and Rulings in Israel-Gaza Conflict
The Israel-Gaza conflict saw continued intense activity, with Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City and the northern Gaza Strip reportedly killing at least 52 people. Furthermore, Israel's Supreme Court ruled that the government is not providing sufficient food to Palestinian prisoners, a decision that comes amidst documented concerns from rights groups regarding prison conditions, including inadequate food, healthcare, and sanitation. Separately, a drone launched from Yemen by the Houthi militant group struck near Israel's southern Ramon Airport, leading to a halt in flights. US President Donald Trump also issued a "last warning" to Hamas concerning hostages.
Mpox No Longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern
The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced that mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is no longer considered a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This declaration follows a consistent decline in cases, particularly in Africa, where the disease is endemic.
Updates on the Russia-Ukraine War and Diplomatic Efforts
The conflict in Ukraine continued to see significant developments. Kyiv experienced drone and missile attacks that resulted in at least four fatalities, including an infant, and several injuries across multiple districts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held discussions with Western allies regarding the ongoing peace process and the support needed from them. US President Donald Trump is also scheduled to host European leaders this week to discuss the Russia-Ukraine war.
Other Notable Global Developments
- The excavation of the Chemmani mass grave in Sri Lanka has been halted due to a lack of funds.
- In UK politics, David Lammy was appointed as the Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary on September 6, 2025.
- China held a military parade in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
- The Czech Republic finalized a deal to purchase 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks from Germany as part of its military modernization efforts.
- Portugal recorded its hottest and driest summer since 1931, with an average maximum temperature of 30.78 °C and only 24% of normal rainfall, contributing to recent wildfires.
- Millions across Asia and Europe witnessed a total lunar eclipse on the night of September 7-8, 2025.