General
Meet the Roblox creator behind Free Republic of Verdis, the 'world's smallest country' with 400 citizens and its own passports
Daniel Jackson, a young digital designer, has declared the Free Republic of Verdis on a disputed territory between Croatia and Serbia. Despite facing resistance from Croatian authorities, including deportations and bans, the micronation has attracted thousands of citizenship applications. Jackson envisions Verdis as a model for future micro-governance, hoping to establish peaceful relations with neighboring nations.
Queen Elizabeth's grandson Peter Phillips chooses a ring with family history as he proposes to Harriet Sperling
Peter Phillips, Queen Elizabeth II's eldest grandchild, is engaged to Harriet Sperling. The couple announced their engagement on August 1. Phillips proposed with a ring from Pragnell, a jeweler linked to the royal family. Sperling works for England’s National Health Service. The royal family is aware of the engagement. The couple is planning their wedding.
Brazil's Lula refuses to hold talks with Trump over tariffs: 'Will call PM Modi'
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Tuesday (local time) rejected US President Donald Trump's offer to "call him anytime" to discuss tariffs, and said he would instead prefer to call India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China's Xi Jinping.
‘Remains hopeful’: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ lawyer seeks Trump’s pardon; Combs to remain jailed till sentencing
Nicole Westmoreland, part of Sean 'Diddy' Combs' legal team, says they contacted the Trump administration for a possible pardon. This follows Combs' conviction on charges related to prostitution. Donald Trump seemed unlikely to pardon him. A judge rejected Combs' bond request. He will remain in custody awaiting sentencing. The conviction could lead to a 10-year prison sentence.
'I am going to exert my powers': Prosecute minors as adults? Trump warns of federal control in DC after ex-Doge staffer assaulted
President Trump expressed outrage over rising crime in Washington, DC, threatening federal intervention after a Department of Government Efficiency member, Edward Coristine, was assaulted during a carjacking attempt. Trump demanded stricter laws to prosecute juvenile offenders as adults, emphasising the need for a safe and clean capital. Elon Musk also highlighted the incident, calling for federalising DC.
Plane crash: 4 people killed in medical plane crash in Arizona; personnel were en route to pickup patient
A medical transport plane crashed near Chinle Municipal Airport in Arizona's Navajo Nation, resulting in the deaths of all four medical personnel onboard. The twin-propeller Beechcraft 300, operated by CSI Aviation, went down during its landing approach. Authorities are investigating the cause of the tragic accident, which has prompted condolences from Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren.
'Will have to check': Trump refuses to 'know anything' about US imports of Russian chemicals, fertilisers
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) refused to have "any knowledge" about the imports of chemicals and fertilisers made by the United States from Russia. His remark comes amid his constant criticism of India for buying Russian oil following the beginning of the Ukraine conflict.
House Committee Subpoenas The Clintons, Top Former DOJ Officials For Testimony On Jeffrey Epstein
The House committee investigating the Jeffrey Epstein case issued subpoenas to former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and several top former Justice Department officials for their testimony. The committee also issued a subpoena to the Justice Department for "records related to" Epstein. That subpoena directs DOJ to turn over the “full, complete, unredacted Epstein Files” to the committee "on or before August 19, 2025." n18oc_world n18oc_crux
"Country Over Politics" Texas Democrats Hunker Down In Blue States, House Fails To Reach Quorum | 4K
Democratic legislators from Texas are still hunkered down in various blue states across the country, as they maintain their quorum break over a new congressional map proposed by state Republicans. Illinois governor JB Pritzker, who has welcomed several fleeing lawmakers, said that Texas Democrats are “leading the way in choosing courage and country over politics and party”. President Donald Trump said that the Republican party is “entitled” to the five House seats they could pick up if the Texas map is approved. He also criticized blue states for accepting Texas Democrats. “You notic
How to claim your 15% VAT refund in Saudi Arabia: Everything visitors need to know
Tourists visiting Saudi Arabia can now reclaim the 15% VAT on eligible retail purchases made from ZATCA-approved stores. To qualify, purchases must exceed SAR 500 (approx.$133), be for personal use, and be exported within 90 days. Refunds are processed at airport counters/kiosks with proper documentation. Use Global Blue tools to locate participating retailers and ensure compliance
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