Utah Shooting Suspect, Armani Empire, and Emoji Meanings

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NATO strengthens air and ground defenses along its eastern flank.

NATO is bolstering its defense fleet with equipment from France, Denmark, Germany, and the United Kingdom after Russian drones entered Polish airspace Wednesday. Poland and Latvia also imposed new airspace restrictions earlier this week, and Friday, the UK introduced 100 sanctions targeting Russia's military and oil sectors. Meanwhile, Russia and Belarus launched their largest joint military exercise since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 

Trump to deploy National Guard to Memphis. 

President Donald Trump yesterday announced plans to deploy the National Guard to Memphis, Tennessee, to address crime, seemingly backing off plans to deploy troops to Chicago. He cited support from Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R) and Memphis Mayor Paul Young (D). Memphis had the highest crime rate among US cities with at least 100,000 residents last year, according to FBI data. Earlier this week, Memphis police reported overall crime from January to August at a 25-year low.

Giorgio Armani's will instructs heirs to sell fashion empire stakes.

Late Italian designer Giorgio Armani, who died Sept. 4 at age 91, instructed his heirs to gradually sell their stakes in his fashion house, with priority given to LVMH, L'Oréal, and EssilorLuxottica. He also left open the option of pursuing an initial public offering. The instructions surprised many, given Armani's steadfast refusal during his lifetime to dilute his control of his fashion empire. Separately, New York Fashion Week is underway. Explore some of the looks here.

Missouri lawmakers pass GOP-favoring congressional map.

Missouri is the third state this year—after Texas and California—to pursue mid-decade redistricting aimed at shifting power in Washington during next year’s midterm elections. The bill, which passed the Republican-controlled legislature easily and is expected to be signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe (R) next week, would transform Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver’s district into a Republican-leaning seat. Opponents have already filed a lawsuit challenging the new map. 

Wildfires in western US may improve East Coast air quality.

Heat from wildfires in the western US reduces air pollution in the east by roughly the same amount as the wildfires increase pollution in the west, according to a new study. This is due to a series of weather pattern shifts that trigger rainfall on the East Coast, effectively washing away pollutants. By ignoring western wildfires' positive effect on eastern air quality, previous nationwide wildfire impact estimates may have inflated premature deaths by 1,200 people and damages by $3.3B.

Nepal's president appoints interim prime minister. 

Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as interim prime minister after violent protests spurred by a social media ban collapsed the previous administration earlier this week. (Read previous write-up.) The 73-year-old, known for her hardline stance against corruption, is the first woman to lead the Himalayan nation; she was also Nepal's first woman chief justice. Members of the "Gen Z" movement that initiated this week's protests celebrated Karki's appointment online.

Apple delays iPhone Air release in China.

Apple's iPhone Air launch in China has been postponed indefinitely due to regulatory issues with its design. Unlike traditional phones with physical SIM cards, the new iPhone announced Tuesday relies on a built-in eSIM for cellular connectivity. Apple CEO Tim Cook said the change extends battery life, but Chinese wireless carriers must obtain special government licenses to sell devices with eSIM capability. iPhone Air pre-orders began Friday in the US, and shipments will start Sept. 19.

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