U.S. Open Distraction: Belarusian world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka halted her match after complaining about an extremely strong marijuana smell drifting into Louis Armstrong Stadium, telling the umpire “Someone is smoking weed… it’s so strong,” as staff searched for the source before play resumed and she advanced. Privacy & Surveillance Law: Belarus is drafting tighter rules on video surveillance and audio recording in personal-data processing, including a proposed ban where someone’s private life is affected and requirements to inform people about audio recording, plus new norms for AI-based automated decisions. Russia “Foreign Agents” Crackdown: Belarusian journalist Iryna Khalip was listed as a participant connected to Russia’s “foreign agents” registry after the Russian Justice Ministry added Novaya Gazeta to the register. Trade Controls: Belarus reduced the list of industrial goods banned for export outside the country from 199 to 77 positions, with the updated rules set to take effect Sept. 23. EU Border Pressure: Germany urged EU partners to restrict Russian tourist visas after sabotage allegations tied to Leipzig Airport, including scrutiny of a Belarusian suspect reportedly using an Italian-issued Schengen visa. Regional Legal Diplomacy: India hosted the BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum in New Delhi, with bilateral talks involving Belarus and discussions on judicial cooperation, mediation, and AI in court efficiency.