Everything you need to know about the world this morning, curated by VICE.US Says Not Looking to Overthrow North Korean Government, Tests Missile
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson swears the Trump administration is not interested in overthrowing the North Korean government as tensions continue to rise over Pyongyang's weapons program. "We are not your enemy, we are not your threat. But you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us and we have to respond," he said in a press briefing Tuesday. The US Air Force then tested an intercontinental ballistic missile off the coast of California Wednesday morning.—VICE NewsFeds to Investigate Colleges for Discriminating Against Whites
The Department of Justice is reportedly preparing to investigate and possibly even take legal action against colleges and universities over their affirmative action admission programs, seeking to punish the schools for allegedly discriminating against white applicants. An internal note to the Civil Rights Division revealed the department is setting up a team to probe "intentional race-based discrimination in college and university admissions."—The New York Times
US News
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson swears the Trump administration is not interested in overthrowing the North Korean government as tensions continue to rise over Pyongyang's weapons program. "We are not your enemy, we are not your threat. But you are presenting an unacceptable threat to us and we have to respond," he said in a press briefing Tuesday. The US Air Force then tested an intercontinental ballistic missile off the coast of California Wednesday morning.—VICE NewsFeds to Investigate Colleges for Discriminating Against Whites
The Department of Justice is reportedly preparing to investigate and possibly even take legal action against colleges and universities over their affirmative action admission programs, seeking to punish the schools for allegedly discriminating against white applicants. An internal note to the Civil Rights Division revealed the department is setting up a team to probe "intentional race-based discrimination in college and university admissions."—The New York Times
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Christopher Wray Confirmed as New FBI Director
Christopher Wray has become the new director of the FBI after the Senate voted 92–5 to confirm President Trump's pick. Wray persuaded senators he would remain thoroughly independent from the Trump White House. "I'd never allow the FBI's work to be driven by anything other than the facts, the law, and the impartial pursuit of justice," he said.—VICE NewsUS Coast Guard Boss Stands By Transgender Service Members
The head of the US Coast Guard, Commandant Paul Zukunft, has said he would continue to support his transgender employees despite President Trump's avowed plan to ban trans people from serving in the military. Zukunft said he "will not turn my back" on trans members in the Coast Guard. "I will not break faith," he added.—PoliticoMore Than Two Dozen Killed in Afghanistan Mosque Attack
At least 29 people were killed and another 64 wounded in an attack on a mosque in a Shia area of Herat in Afghanistan, according to the local governor's office. Officials said two assailants stormed the Jawadia mosque during evening prayers, with one detonating a suicide bomb.—BBC NewsVoting Data Pokes Holes in Venezuela Referendum Verdict
New analysis of voting data from Venezuela's referendum on a new constituent assembly shows only 3.7 million people had cast a vote before 5:30 PM on Sunday. Since polls closed at 7, the numbers appeared to contradict the government's claim that 8.1 million people took part in the controversial decision many are calling a power grab. Political scientist Jennifer McCoy said "to double the vote in the last hour and a half would be without precedent."—Reuters
Christopher Wray has become the new director of the FBI after the Senate voted 92–5 to confirm President Trump's pick. Wray persuaded senators he would remain thoroughly independent from the Trump White House. "I'd never allow the FBI's work to be driven by anything other than the facts, the law, and the impartial pursuit of justice," he said.—VICE NewsUS Coast Guard Boss Stands By Transgender Service Members
The head of the US Coast Guard, Commandant Paul Zukunft, has said he would continue to support his transgender employees despite President Trump's avowed plan to ban trans people from serving in the military. Zukunft said he "will not turn my back" on trans members in the Coast Guard. "I will not break faith," he added.—Politico
International News
At least 29 people were killed and another 64 wounded in an attack on a mosque in a Shia area of Herat in Afghanistan, according to the local governor's office. Officials said two assailants stormed the Jawadia mosque during evening prayers, with one detonating a suicide bomb.—BBC NewsVoting Data Pokes Holes in Venezuela Referendum Verdict
New analysis of voting data from Venezuela's referendum on a new constituent assembly shows only 3.7 million people had cast a vote before 5:30 PM on Sunday. Since polls closed at 7, the numbers appeared to contradict the government's claim that 8.1 million people took part in the controversial decision many are calling a power grab. Political scientist Jennifer McCoy said "to double the vote in the last hour and a half would be without precedent."—Reuters
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Gulf Region Cooperation in Jeopardy, Qatari Minister Says
Qatari defense minister Khalid bin Mohammed al-Attiyah said the existence of the Gulf Cooperation Council could be "jeopardized" if four of the country's neighbors continued to impose economic sanctions on the embattled nation. He added that he hoped Kuwait could help resolve the ongoing dispute between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, and the UAE.—Al JazeeraDuterte Calls Kim Jong Un a 'Son of a Bitch'
Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte has called the Supreme Leader of North Korea Kim Jong Un a "fool" who is "playing with dangerous toys." Duterte warned that the whole region would be devastated by the fallout from any nuclear strike. "That chubby face that looks kind," he said, referring to Kim. "That son of a bitch. If he commits a mistake, the Far East will become an arid land."—ReutersKanye Sues Affiliates of Insurer for $10 Million Over Canceled Tour
Kanye West has filed a $10 million lawsuit involving Lloyd's of London, accusing the insurance company's syndicates of not paying out after his "Saint Pablo Tour" was cut short on medical grounds. West's company alleges Lloyd's had implied "Kanye's use of marijuana may provide them with basis to deny the claim."—The Hollywood ReporterTrump Called White House 'a Real Dump,' Report Says
President Trump reportedly told members of his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, that the White House was "a real dump." He allegedly made the remarks before teeing off at the Trump National Golf Course, though the White House has denied it.—GolfRihanna Forges Deal for Scholarships and Bikes in Malawi
Rihanna's charitable foundation has announced a new program to give girls in Malawi educational scholarships and bikes to ride to school. The singer said she was "so happy" about a deal made with Chinese company ofo to donate the bikes.—BillboardKelela Debuts 'LMK' Single from Upcoming Album
Rising R&B star Kelela has premiered the first single from her hotly anticipated debut, Take Me Apart. The track "LMK" got its first airing on Zane Lowe's Beats 1 show ahead of the album release October 6.—NoiseyAmazon Announces Post-Civil War Show 'Black America'
Amazon announced Tuesday it is developing a new show set in a post-Civil War era in which freed slaves are given three states in the Deep South as reparations, forming their own country. Details on Black America follow news that HBO is working on a show based on the premise that the South won the war.—VICE
Qatari defense minister Khalid bin Mohammed al-Attiyah said the existence of the Gulf Cooperation Council could be "jeopardized" if four of the country's neighbors continued to impose economic sanctions on the embattled nation. He added that he hoped Kuwait could help resolve the ongoing dispute between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, and the UAE.—Al JazeeraDuterte Calls Kim Jong Un a 'Son of a Bitch'
Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte has called the Supreme Leader of North Korea Kim Jong Un a "fool" who is "playing with dangerous toys." Duterte warned that the whole region would be devastated by the fallout from any nuclear strike. "That chubby face that looks kind," he said, referring to Kim. "That son of a bitch. If he commits a mistake, the Far East will become an arid land."—Reuters
Everything Else
Kanye West has filed a $10 million lawsuit involving Lloyd's of London, accusing the insurance company's syndicates of not paying out after his "Saint Pablo Tour" was cut short on medical grounds. West's company alleges Lloyd's had implied "Kanye's use of marijuana may provide them with basis to deny the claim."—The Hollywood ReporterTrump Called White House 'a Real Dump,' Report Says
President Trump reportedly told members of his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, that the White House was "a real dump." He allegedly made the remarks before teeing off at the Trump National Golf Course, though the White House has denied it.—GolfRihanna Forges Deal for Scholarships and Bikes in Malawi
Rihanna's charitable foundation has announced a new program to give girls in Malawi educational scholarships and bikes to ride to school. The singer said she was "so happy" about a deal made with Chinese company ofo to donate the bikes.—BillboardKelela Debuts 'LMK' Single from Upcoming Album
Rising R&B star Kelela has premiered the first single from her hotly anticipated debut, Take Me Apart. The track "LMK" got its first airing on Zane Lowe's Beats 1 show ahead of the album release October 6.—NoiseyAmazon Announces Post-Civil War Show 'Black America'
Amazon announced Tuesday it is developing a new show set in a post-Civil War era in which freed slaves are given three states in the Deep South as reparations, forming their own country. Details on Black America follow news that HBO is working on a show based on the premise that the South won the war.—VICE