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Trump and Harris Tied in Polls Ahead of Historic Debate, New Restrictions in Afghanistan, and Fatal Fuel Tanker Explosion in Nigeria

Today’s global news features a tight race in the US presidential election, significant new restrictions on women in Afghanistan, a tragic fuel tanker explosion in Nigeria, and updates on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Additional stories include developments in the Middle East, Europe, China, Venezuela, Turkey, and the Paris Paralympics.

US Presidential Election

The US presidential race is heating up as former President **Donald Trump** and **Vice President Kamala Harris** are tied in the polls ahead of their historic first debate. This debate is significant as it marks the first time a female candidate has debated a former president in a general election. The event is expected to be a crucial moment in the election campaign as both candidates vie for the support of undecided voters. The debate will be 90 minutes long, without a live audience, featuring muted microphones when the opposing candidate is speaking. Trump’s campaign favored the muted microphones, a condition Harris’s campaign was opposed to, fearing it would limit direct engagement. The debate is seen as crucial, with many voters keen to understand the candidates’ plans for pressing issues like the economy and immigration. [Read more on DW](https://allnewschannels.com/news/dw/2024/09/09/trump-and-harris-tied-in-polls-ahead-of-historic-first-debate/).

Recent polls show a neck-and-neck race between **Donald Trump** and **Kamala Harris**, with outcomes in key battleground states within the margin of error. Kamala Harris is preparing for the debate with mock sessions focused on policy, while Donald Trump opts out of mock debates, focusing on policy briefings. This debate introduces a change in candidates mid-cycle, as Joe Biden withdrew after a faltering first debate performance, leading to Kamala Harris stepping in as the Democratic candidate. [More details on BBC](https://allnewschannels.com/news/bbc/2024/09/09/historic-trump-harris-debate-ahead-as-election-race-tightens/).

Analysts have pointed out that populism’s influence on policy will likely be a key topic during the debate, reflecting broader global political trends. Populism continues to significantly influence policy-making in the US and France, despite its varied manifestations across the political spectrum. Donald Trump remains a formidable figure in US politics, with his policies on trade, immigration, and national identity resonating with a significant portion of the electorate. The Democrats, in response to Trump’s enduring popularity, have strategically shifted their stance on key issues like trade and immigration, attempting to reclaim the narrative on women’s rights and other social issues. [Read more on France 24](https://allnewschannels.com/news/france-24/2024/09/09/analyzing-populisms-influence-on-policy-insights-from-the-france-24-debate/).

Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, the Taliban-led government has enforced new restrictions on women, mandating complete face and body coverings and banning them from speaking in public. This move has sparked international condemnation and raised concerns about the further erosion of women’s rights in the country. The new law mandates that women must cover their face and body completely in public, and their voices should not be heard outside their homes. The law has sparked fear and uncertainty, with women expressing concerns over their freedom and safety. Despite the risks, some women have been speaking out against the restrictions, using actors’ voices and anonymity to protect their identities. The Taliban’s morality police have been granted extensive powers to enforce these laws, raising concerns about further oppression. [Read more on BBC](https://allnewschannels.com/news/bbc/2024/09/09/afghanistan-enforces-new-restrictions-on-women-complete-face-and-body-covering-mandated-public-speaking-banned/).

Nigeria

A tragic fuel tanker explosion in northern Nigeria has resulted in at least 48 fatalities and numerous injuries. The collision occurred when a fuel tanker crashed and exploded, causing widespread devastation. The accident took place along the Niger State Highway early on a Sunday morning, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding road safety and infrastructure in the region. Emergency services are working to manage the aftermath, but the incident underscores the broader issue of traffic safety in Nigeria, where over 5,000 people have lost their lives in car crashes in 2023 alone. [Read more on France 24](https://allnewschannels.com/news/france-24/2024/09/09/fuel-tanker-collision-in-northern-nigeria-results-in-at-least-48-fatalities/).

The collision led to an explosion, leaving behind charred bodies and burnt-out vehicles. Emergency services have been working to recover bodies and assist the injured, while a mass burial has already taken place close to the accident site. The Road Safety Corps of Nigeria attributed the collision to a speed violation and loss of control, resulting in a deadly inferno. Eighteen individuals sustained various injuries and have been hospitalized. [More details on DW](https://allnewschannels.com/news/dw/2024/09/09/fuel-tanker-explosion-in-nigeria-results-in-over-48-deaths-and-dozens-injured/).

Harvey Weinstein

Disgraced film producer **Harvey Weinstein** has been hospitalized for emergency heart surgery ahead of his appeal trial. Weinstein, who was convicted of sexual assault and rape, is seeking to overturn his conviction. His health issues add another layer of complexity to the legal proceedings. He has faced multiple health issues including diabetes, high blood pressure, and fluid accumulation in the lungs and heart. His hospitalization was prompted by chest pains, and though the surgery was completed, additional details about his condition have not been disclosed. This event raises questions regarding the upcoming court schedule, especially with a second trial in New York planned for the fall after an appeals court overturned his rape conviction. [Read more on BBC](https://allnewschannels.com/news/bbc/2024/09/09/harvey-weinstein-hospitalized-for-emergency-heart-surgery-ahead-of-appeal/).

Russia-Ukraine Conflict

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate. The European Union has accused Iran of supplying ballistic missiles to the Kremlin, further complicating the geopolitical landscape. Russia claims to have captured more settlements in eastern Ukraine, advancing towards the military hub of Poov Pakros, which is crucial for supplying Ukrainian troops. Russian forces now control about a fifth of Ukraine since launching their full-scale invasion in February 2022. The capture of certain villages threatens Ukrainian logistical supplies, highlighting Russian efforts to secure flanks while advancing. [Read more on DW](https://allnewschannels.com/news/dw/2024/09/09/eu-claims-iran-supplying-ballistic-missiles-to-kremlin-amid-ongoing-conflict-in-ukraine/).

Meanwhile, Ukrainian prisoners of war have reported instances of torture and mistreatment while in Russian captivity, as confirmed by a UN rights mission. Former Ukrainian POW Vadim Shevchenko shared his harrowing experience of physical abuse, food deprivation, and psychological stress during his two years in Russian jails. 95% of interviewed Ukrainian prisoners reported suffering from sexual violence, torture, starvation, and threats of execution. Despite international laws, such as the Geneva Convention, which Russia is a signatory to, Russian authorities have denied UN representatives access to visit Ukrainian POWs. Families of prisoners conduct rallies to pressure the Ukrainian government to negotiate more prisoner exchanges with Russia. [Read more on DW](https://allnewschannels.com/news/dw/2024/09/09/ukrainian-pows-report-torture-and-mistreatment-in-russian-captivity-un-rights-mission-confirms/).

Ukraine is also struggling to maintain control of the strategic eastern city of Pokrovsk amid intensified Russian attacks. Following Ukraine’s unexpected incursion into Russia’s KK region, which temporarily buoyed national morale, Russia has launched a series of retaliatory missile attacks. The Ukrainian Army is now facing significant challenges on the battlefield, particularly in the east, where troops are entrenched near Pokrovsk, attempting to fend off Russian advances. This has led to a considerable displacement of civilians, with many fleeing the increasingly besieged town amidst ongoing clashes. [More details on BBC](https://allnewschannels.com/news/bbc/2024/09/09/ukraine-struggles-to-hold-strategic-eastern-city-of-pokrovsk-amid-intensified-russian-attacks/).

In a related development, Russian drones have violated NATO airspace, prompting calls for stronger action beyond mere diplomatic protests. NATO members Romania and Latvia have reported breaches of their airspace by Russian drones, an occurrence that has become increasingly common as the conflict in Ukraine persists. These incidents have prompted protests from NATO against the violation of its airspace. Meanwhile, in Ukraine, there is a call for actions beyond mere condemnation, as the drones, often carrying explosive charges, have caused significant damage to both civilian infrastructure and the energy grid. [Read more on France 24](https://allnewschannels.com/news/france-24/2024/09/09/russian-drones-violate-nato-airspace-prompting-calls-for-stronger-action-beyond-protests/).

German Chancellor **Olaf Scholz** has advocated for intensified diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution. Scholz’s call for peace aligns with Germany’s dual strategy of supporting Ukraine militarily while also seeking diplomatic resolutions. This stance comes as Scholz faces criticism over his handling of various issues, including immigration and the economy, with recent polls and regional election results reflecting a decline in voter confidence in his leadership. [Read more on DW](https://allnewschannels.com/news/dw/2024/09/09/german-chancellor-scholz-advocates-for-intensified-diplomatic-efforts-to-resolve-ukraine-conflict/).

Middle East Conflicts

In the Middle East, Israeli airstrikes on Syrian military sites have resulted in dozens of fatalities, including alleged pro-Iranian weapons experts. The strikes targeted five locations, including scientific research centers, with one site in Masyaf reportedly housing pro-Iranian weapons experts. This escalation is part of a series of increased Israeli activities in Syria, aiming to disrupt the arms supply to Iran and Iranian-supported groups such as Hezbollah. [Read more on BBC](https://allnewschannels.com/news/bbc/2024/09/09/dozens-killed-in-israeli-air-strikes-on-syrian-military-sites-including-alleged-pro-iranian-weapons-experts/).

Europe

Germany has expanded border controls to all land borders in an effort to curb irregular migration. This move is part of a broader strategy to manage migration flows and enhance national security. Interior Minister **Nancy Faeser** announced the measures in response to Islamist-linked attacks and as a step towards stronger national security. The decision follows pressure from the public and political debates, especially after a deadly knife attack by a Syrian citizen. 30,000 irregular migrants have been denied entry since similar controls were implemented last October. [Read more on DW](https://allnewschannels.com/news/dw/2024/09/09/germany-expands-border-controls-to-all-land-borders-to-curb-irregular-migration/).

A report by former Italian Prime Minister **Mario Draghi** highlights concerns about the EU’s defense spending and calls for increased investment to address emerging security threats. Almost two-thirds of the EU’s defense equipment purchases are made from outside the EU, primarily from the United States. The report criticizes the EU’s insufficient investment in joint military projects and highlights a possible over-dependence on China. Draghi suggests that investment share in the EU needs to increase by around 5 percentage points of GDP, reaching levels last seen in the 1960s and 1970s. [Read more on France 24](https://allnewschannels.com/news/france-24/2024/09/09/draghi-report-highlights-eus-defense-spending-concerns-and-calls-for-increased-investment/).

In Rome, authorities are considering implementing an entry fee for the **Trevi Fountain** as part of measures to tackle mass tourism across Europe. Rome is proposing a €2 access fee for the Trevi Fountain to manage crowds and encourage respectful visitor behavior. Venice has already tested out a visitor fee of €5 during the spring and summer seasons. Greece plans to levy a €200 tax on cruise ship visitors during peak summer months. Barcelona is imposing a tax on cruise ship passengers who stay for less than 12 hours and aims to end short-term apartment rentals to tourists by 2028. [Read more on France 24](https://allnewschannels.com/news/france-24/2024/09/09/rome-considers-entry-fee-for-trevi-fountain-amid-europes-measures-to-tackle-mass-tourism/).

China

China has ended foreign adoptions after three decades, shifting its focus to domestic solutions for orphaned and abandoned children. This policy change reflects China’s evolving social landscape and aims to prioritize the welfare of children within the country. The decision follows a suspension of international adoptions since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The move has significantly impacted many families in the process of adopting from China, especially in the United States. A total of 160,000 Chinese children have been adopted internationally over the past 30 years, with the majority, 82,000, going to the United States. [Read more on France 24](https://allnewschannels.com/news/france-24/2024/09/09/china-ends-foreign-adoptions-after-three-decades-shifts-focus-to-domestic-solutions/).

Venezuela

Venezuelan opposition leader **Edmundo González** has been granted asylum in Spain amid a political crackdown in his home country. González, who challenged President **Nicolás Maduro** in the disputed July elections, announced his arrival in Madrid, emphasizing his commitment to continue fighting for democracy in Venezuela. This development comes amidst a broader context of political tensions and allegations of anti-democratic practices by Maduro’s administration. US Secretary of State **Anthony Blinken** criticized the anti-democratic measures taken by President Nicolás Maduro’s government. [Read more on BBC](https://allnewschannels.com/news/bbc/2024/09/09/venezuela-opposition-leader-edmundo-gonzalez-granted-asylum-in-spain-amid-political-crackdown/).

González left Venezuela citing threats and coercion, seeking refuge in the Spanish Embassy in Caracas before his departure. The opposition contests the legitimacy of July’s election results, claiming victory over Maduro. Human rights organizations and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights have accused Maduro’s government of creating a climate of fear through intimidation, kidnapping, and detentions. Nearly 2,000 individuals have been detained since the disputed election results were announced on July 29. [More details on DW](https://allnewschannels.com/news/dw/2024/09/09/venezuelan-opposition-leader-edmundo-gonzalez-seeks-asylum-in-spain-amid-political-crisis/).

Turkey

Turkey is mourning the tragic murder of an 8-year-old girl, a case that has brought national attention to the issue of domestic violence. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for stronger measures to protect vulnerable individuals in the country. The remains of 8-year-old **Narin** were discovered in a river in Diyarbakir province, 19 days after she went missing. More than 20 people have been detained in relation to Narin’s murder, including her parents and two brothers, with an uncle arrested on suspicion of murder. [Read more on DW](https://allnewschannels.com/news/dw/2024/09/09/turkey-mourns-8-year-old-girls-murder-spotlighting-national-domestic-violence-crisis/).

Paralympics

The Paris Paralympics have concluded with a grand celebration, marking a new benchmark for inclusion and legacy. The event has been praised for its organization and the positive impact it has had on promoting disability sports. The closing ceremony transformed the Stade de France into an open-air nightclub, celebrating French electronic music from the past decades. The event marked the conclusion of Paris 2024, celebrating athletes, fans, and the numerous volunteers who contributed to the games’ success. [Read more on France 24](https://allnewschannels.com/news/france-24/2024/09/09/paris-paralympics-conclude-with-grand-celebration-marking-a-new-benchmark-for-inclusion-and-legacy/).


This summary has been generated by AI. Please click the links to go to the original articles.