BBC News

Trump envoy Kushner meets Hamas leader to push Gaza peace plan
The rare meeting comes a week after Israel rejected Donald Trump's peace plan for Gaza.

Actress Hayden Panettiere dies aged 36, US media report
A representative for the actress confirmed the news to US outlet ABC News, but did not provide further details of her death.

UK to turn cooler with rain after exceptional heat and dry spell
After and exceptional summer of heatwaves and drought, the weather will turn wetter and cooler this week, as Simon King explains

Five teenagers dead and four injured after car drives on wrong side of motorway
The collision occurred on on the M9 Northbound at about 03:00 local time on Sunday in County Kildare.

Trump says US to scale back South Korea military drills after it stayed out of Iran war
Trump cites his "very good relationship" with North Korea's leader in deciding to downsize the exercises.

Russia says at least seven killed in largest Ukrainian attack of 2026
Moscow also launched deadly strikes against Ukraine overnight, sparking fires across the capital Kyiv.

History for Hunt and Asher-Smith in golden finish for GB
Amy Hunt and Dina Asher-Smith make history and Georgia Hunter Bell claims a commanding 1500m gold as Great Britain maintain their bid to top the final medal table at the European Championships.

Calls for public inquiry into Jason Arday 'witch hunt'
Lord Simon Woolley said Arday had been "hounded" by the media and pursued relentlessly.

Emergency phone alert put domestic abuse victims at risk, campaigners say
The alert took many by surprise when it was sent to millions of phones on Friday night - but it may have also put vulnerable people at risk.

Changing pubs into homes to be made harder under new rules
The rules will come into force on Monday along with other changes to planning policy.

'I want my brother back' - Tupac’s brother tells BBC murder trial won’t bring justice
The BBC's Shaimaa Khalil sat down with Mopreme Shakur ahead of the trial for his brother and late rapper's 1996 murder.

Two dead and hundreds evacuated after twin fires break out on Greek island
About 200 firefighters worked to keep the fires from converging on Salamina, with one now under control.

How switching your bank account could earn you up to £220
New research suggests staying put is costing British savers billions in missed interest every year.

The Papers: 'Water cheek' and 'Queen Amy's gold rush'
Water companies being allowed to increase prices during droughts and Amy Hunt's gold medal run dominates Monday's papers.

US women in politics spark conversation on motherhood
The White House press secretary quit this week to be with her children, while Democrat Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez said she was freezing her eggs.

What's driving men to get penis fillers, despite the risks?
Men who have had the procedure can expect 10-20% more girth for the next six to nine months - but it can go wrong.

Friends, finances and finding your feet - advice for this year's freshers
BC News asked current students about the worries they had before arriving at university how they overcame them.

Ferrari's first ever electric car sold for record $40m at auction
The Luce's launch drew backlash from some commentators who said it broke from the brand's signature dramatic styling.

Murder inquiry after man bitten by dog dies
Police appeal for two people who stopped to help the victim in Wakefield to come forward.

Reform UK benefits ban for foreign nationals would include EU citizens
The move would require renegotiating the UK's Brexit deal and could risk stripping British expats living in the EU of similar rights.

Four 'extraordinary' Renaissance paintings stolen from Italian museum
The works were taken overnight without alarms being triggered, raising suspicion of a professional hit.

Thousands displaced by deadly Indonesia earthquake as rescue efforts continue
Hundreds of homes and public buildings have been severely damaged with at least 53 people killed.

Watch moment police arrest wanted man while he slept on roof
Two police officers suffered minor injuries during the incident, Greater Manchester Police say.

Soldiers praised for 'phenomenal job' helping crews tackle wildfires
About 200 members of the Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment have been involved in the operation.

BBC News app
Top stories, breaking news, live reporting, and follow news topics that match your interests

What Next For Nigel Farage After The Clacton By-Election?
The parliamentary standards investigation into Farage's £5m gift has reopened.

Is Iran really trying to kill Trump?
How developed is the Tehran regime’s assassination operation abroad?

History for Hunt and Asher-Smith in golden finish for GB
Amy Hunt and Dina Asher-Smith make history while Georgia Hunter Bell claims a commanding 1500m gold as Great Britain finish strongly at the European Championships.

Barcelona agree £65m Rodri deal - who could replace him at Man City?
Barcelona agree a deal to sign Spain captain Rodri from Manchester City.

What awaits new Scotland head coach Pocognoli?
Shifting the playing style, maintaining qualification for major tournaments and refreshing the squad await the new Scotland boss.

Nightmare Man City start for Maresca - are Arsenal really so far ahead?
Did Arsenal show just how far above Manchester City they are with their dominant Community Shield win?

What has been the impact of new owners on The Hundred?
BBC Sport looks at the impact new owners have had on The Hundred as the first season since private stakes were sold in teams ends.

McIlroy admits concerns as Scheffler regains winning feeling at St Jude
Rory McIlroy says "he felt lost" as he toils to a 66th-place finish - 25 strokes behind champion Scottie Scheffler - at the St Jude Championship in Memphis.

Rangers host Celtic in League Cup quarter-finals
Rangers will host Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals with Kilmarnock v Aberdeen the other all top-flight tie.

Al Jazeera

Thieves steal Renaissance artworks in museum heist during Italian holiday
As Messina celebrated Sicilian holiday Ferragosto, thieves struck the MuMe museum to steal the masterworks by Antonello.

Palestinian-American travels to West Bank home encircled by Israeli settler
Palestinian-American Loui Ridi is flying from the US to Qusra, where Israeli settlers have encircled his family’s home.

Rare Pallas’s cat captured on camera in northern Iran mountains
Footage shows a rare sighting of one of Iran’s most elusive wild felines.

Zambia incumbent takes early election lead as opposition alleges armed raid
President Hakainde Hichilema appears on course for outright win as observers cite violence and a tilted campaign field.

Ebola outbreak in DR Congo becomes deadliest in country’s history
A top UN official says 'speed, scale, and solidarity' needed 'before this virus gets even further ahead of us'.

Israeli settlers pitch tents for new illegal outpost in occupied West Bank
UN Special Rapporteur Albanese warns that Israel is 'using settlers to advance ethnic cleansing' in the West Bank.

Can the AU make its current Sudan mission count?
The African Union is seeking progress in Sudan, but must overcome deep battlefield and diplomatic divisions.

Trump says US to ‘substantially reduce’ military drills with South Korea
US president says he's 'not happy' about the drills, citing his 'very good relationship' with North Korea's Kim Jong Un.

Israel releases 35 Palestinian prisoners back into Gaza
Emotional reunions greeted 35 Palestinians prisoners released by Israel into Gaza.

Iran war live: Tehran-US MoU set to expire; Hamas’s al-Khayya meets Kushner
Hamas calls on Board of Peace to 'compel' Israel to accept the Gaza peace plan after meeting Jared Kushner in Cairo.

UN’s Albanese: Israel outsourcing coercion to settlers in West Bank
UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese says Israel bears responsibility and is outsourcing coercion to settlers.

Israeli minister calls for killing ’30 to 40′ Palestinians in Gaza nightly
Far-right National Security Minister Ben-Gvir sits on Israel's security cabinet, which helps shape war and policy.

What could stop Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians?
Violence in the occupied West Bank has intensified under Israel's far-right Netanyahu government.

Hundreds of migrants arrested near Ceuta border in latest crackdown
Nearly 300 migrants and 61 alleged facilitators detained during mass migration attempt.

Anwar Ibrahim: Malaysia between the superpowers
Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim joins Sreenivasan Jain on justice, trade, and a middle power holding superpowers to account.

Death toll rises to 84 from capsized ferry in Zimbabwe
The boat overturned during heavy winds near the Zambian border.

Israelis harass Palestinian-owned cafe in Iceland, tear down Palestine map
CCTV from a Palestinian-owned cafe in Iceland shows what appear to be Israeli tourists ripping a framed map of Palestine

Erdogan says Hamas acted sincerely, criticises Israeli attacks
Erdogan said Hamas has shown all possible sincere solidarity, while Israel continues aggressive attacks on Gaza.

US admiral praises USS Lincoln crew amid reported mental health concerns
Politicians voiced alarm over mental health struggles on carrier, with reports of sailors attempting to jump overboard.

Brazil: Lula, Bolsonaro return to strongholds to launch runs for president
Lula and Bolsonaro appeal to Brazil’s women voters with promises to combat rising femicide and gender violence.

US-Iran MoU is set to expire: What to know
Both sides accused the other of violating the June agreement shortly after it was signed.

Senegal’s Saint-Louis Regatta keeps centuries of tradition alive
Thousands gathered in Saint-Louis, Senegal, for the annual regatta.

Anti-corruption raids in Baghdad as dozens of officials arrested
Iraq’s Integrity Commission seized of millions in cash and jewelry said to be linked to corruption charges.

Erdogan says Israeli attacks on Lebanon are a serious concern for Türkiye
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said continued Israeli attacks on Lebanon are a source of serious concern.

Kushner meets Hamas leaders in Egypt to push Trump’s Gaza plan
After meeting with the US envoy, Hamas says it called on the Board of Peace to ‘compel’ Israel to accept the plan.

Global Times

Xi urges advancing socialism with Chinese characteristics on birth centenary of late leader Jiang Zemin
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday urged the whole Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese people of all ...

Earnings reports of Chinese firms show AI transformation delivers efficiency, profit gains
Multiple Chinese companies released their interim earnings reports last week, showing that from catering to e-commerce, industry, and software, the ...

PLA Navy's first-batch female shipborne pilot trainees pass daytime landing qualification tests, signaling mature pilot training system: expert
A state media video released on Sunday showed that the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's first batch of female ...

China-Europe Arctic shipping route enters regular weekly operation
The China-Europe Arctic container express route entered regular weekly operations for the summer season on Saturday, opening a faster and ...

Japanese right-wing forces' stubborn course will inevitably face reckoning: Global Times editorial

Washington's AI split strategy is already dead on arrival
Global Times

GT Voice: US pressure tactics cannot stifle Chinese memory chips
Global Times

Japan slides toward neo-militarism as it fails to reckon with wartime defeat
Global Times

China pilots "quiet communities" to curb urban noise, disputes
When 72-year-old Shi Jikun opened his windows at home in Yuxi, southwest China's Yunnan Province, he used to hear the repeated thud of balls and blowing of whistles from an indoor sports venue near his residential community. "During the day, I didn't dare open the ...

China-aided school upgrading project in Laos commences
Shanghai Port conducts first dual-vessel, dual-fuel bunkering operation at offshore anchorage

Shanghai Port conducts first dual-vessel, dual-fuel bunkering operation at offshore anchorage
China-aided school upgrading project in Laos commences

Aerial view of China's Huangyan Dao
An aerial drone photo taken on July 8, 2026 shows a view of China's Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea. Huangyan Dao, located in China's Zhongsha Qundao, features a ... Patient with both legs severed at thigh level walks again after doctors perform rare replantation surgery in East China's Jiangsu Chinese doctors have completed what they called as the world's first replantation involving the complete severing of both legs at thigh level, with the patient now able to walk indoors ... Chinese researchers identify target to develop depression drug using traditional ethnic medicine in Yunnan A Chinese research team has identified a new potential target to develop antidepressant drug from Qingyangshen, or Root of Auricledleaf Swallowwort, a traditional ethnic medicinal plant long used in Southwest ...

Patient with both legs severed at thigh level walks again after doctors perform rare replantation surgery in East China's Jiangsu
Aerial view of China's Huangyan Dao An aerial drone photo taken on July 8, 2026 shows a view of China's Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea. Huangyan Dao, located in China's Zhongsha Qundao, features a ... Chinese doctors have completed what they called as the world's first replantation involving the complete severing of both legs at thigh level, with the patient now able to walk indoors ... Chinese researchers identify target to develop depression drug using traditional ethnic medicine in Yunnan A Chinese research team has identified a new potential target to develop antidepressant drug from Qingyangshen, or Root of Auricledleaf Swallowwort, a traditional ethnic medicinal plant long used in Southwest ...

Chinese researchers identify target to develop depression drug using traditional ethnic medicine in Yunnan
Aerial view of China's Huangyan Dao An aerial drone photo taken on July 8, 2026 shows a view of China's Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea. Huangyan Dao, located in China's Zhongsha Qundao, features a ... Patient with both legs severed at thigh level walks again after doctors perform rare replantation surgery in East China's Jiangsu Chinese doctors have completed what they called as the world's first replantation involving the complete severing of both legs at thigh level, with the patient now able to walk indoors ... A Chinese research team has identified a new potential target to develop antidepressant drug from Qingyangshen, or Root of Auricledleaf Swallowwort, a traditional ethnic medicinal plant long used in Southwest ...

How large is China's companion robot market?
Alibaba's open-source AI model Qwen overtakes Meta, Google to claim top spot globally: report

Alibaba's open-source AI model Qwen overtakes Meta, Google to claim top spot globally: report
How large is China's companion robot market?

US appeals court's order to reconsider DJI's Pentagon listing highlights necessity of legal push against US unilateral measures: expert
A US appeals court's order for a lower court to reconsider whether ‌China-based DJI should be removed from a Pentagon list of companies allegedly supporting the Chinese military is a fresh indication that Chinese companies should make resolute use of legal means to defend their legitimate rights so ...

NDRC aims for closed-loop new-energy solid waste recycling system by 2030
Earnings reports of Chinese firms show AI transformation delivers efficiency, profit gains Multiple Chinese companies released their interim earnings reports last week, showing that from catering to e-commerce, industry, and software, the artificial intelligence (AI) transformation has delivered tangible gains in efficiency, ... An official of China's top economic planner said that China aims to establish a comprehensive closed-loop management system for the recycling of solid waste from the “new trio" of electric ... China-Europe Arctic shipping route enters regular weekly operation The China-Europe Arctic container express route entered regular weekly operations for the summer season on Saturday, opening a faster and resilient logistics link between China and Europe.

China-Europe Arctic shipping route enters regular weekly operation
Earnings reports of Chinese firms show AI transformation delivers efficiency, profit gains Multiple Chinese companies released their interim earnings reports last week, showing that from catering to e-commerce, industry, and software, the artificial intelligence (AI) transformation has delivered tangible gains in efficiency, ... NDRC aims for closed-loop new-energy solid waste recycling system by 2030 An official of China's top economic planner said that China aims to establish a comprehensive closed-loop management system for the recycling of solid waste from the “new trio" of electric ... The China-Europe Arctic container express route entered regular weekly operations for the summer season on Saturday, opening a faster and resilient logistics link between China and Europe.

2026 Chinese operatic performances series "Legend of the Chinese Opera" kicks off in Vienna, Austria
Actors of Gaojia Opera, a traditional Chinese opera genre, perform in Vienna, Austria, Aug. 15, 2026. The 2026 Chinese operatic performances series "Legend of the Chinese Opera" kicked off here ... China turns ancient TCM wisdom into high-tech personalized skincare A skin scan can assess dozens of facial indicators and generate a personalized skincare plan within minutes, with store staff then making small-batch adjustments from ordinary registered cosmetics. This practice ... China tops medal table at International Olympiad in Informatics with 3 golds, 1 silver China won three gold medals and one silver at the 38th International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI 2026), topping the team standings as the competition concluded in Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan, ...

China turns ancient TCM wisdom into high-tech personalized skincare
2026 Chinese operatic performances series "Legend of the Chinese Opera" kicks off in Vienna, Austria Actors of Gaojia Opera, a traditional Chinese opera genre, perform in Vienna, Austria, Aug. 15, 2026. The 2026 Chinese operatic performances series "Legend of the Chinese Opera" kicked off here ... A skin scan can assess dozens of facial indicators and generate a personalized skincare plan within minutes, with store staff then making small-batch adjustments from ordinary registered cosmetics. This practice ... China tops medal table at International Olympiad in Informatics with 3 golds, 1 silver China won three gold medals and one silver at the 38th International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI 2026), topping the team standings as the competition concluded in Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan, ...

China tops medal table at International Olympiad in Informatics with 3 golds, 1 silver
2026 Chinese operatic performances series "Legend of the Chinese Opera" kicks off in Vienna, Austria Actors of Gaojia Opera, a traditional Chinese opera genre, perform in Vienna, Austria, Aug. 15, 2026. The 2026 Chinese operatic performances series "Legend of the Chinese Opera" kicked off here ... China turns ancient TCM wisdom into high-tech personalized skincare A skin scan can assess dozens of facial indicators and generate a personalized skincare plan within minutes, with store staff then making small-batch adjustments from ordinary registered cosmetics. This practice ... China won three gold medals and one silver at the 38th International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI 2026), topping the team standings as the competition concluded in Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan, ...

Teams increase 138% as World Humanoid Robot Games expands scale and influence
The upcoming 2nd World Humanoid Robot Games to be held in Beijing will see robot players stay at the “Robot Home,” as the organizing committee innovatively established on-site support centers that meet the needs for pre-competition training and power recharging – similar to athletes' village for human ...

Short drama productions, AI are bringing new life to rural Chinese villages
'Odyssey' packs IMAX theaters as fans eager for better screens

'Odyssey' packs IMAX theaters as fans eager for better screens
Short drama productions, AI are bringing new life to rural Chinese villages

Svoboda.org

Из ВЭБ уволен экономист, сказавший, что Россия не победит в войне
Андрей Клепач был главным экономистом ВЭБ с 2014 года

"Яблоко" нашло следы иностранного финансирования у шести партий
Партии "Единая Россия", "Справедливая Россия", ЛДПР, КПРФ, "Новые люди" и "Родина" в 2021-2025 годах получали пожертвования от фирм, которые имеют доходы за пределами России, выяснил Центр антикоррупционной политики "Яблока" из поданных в Центризбирком сводных финансовых отчётов партий. Речь идёт об организациях-донорах, которые занимаются прямым экспортом, имеют иностранных заказчиков, зарубежные проекты или международные корпоративные связи. По подсчётам "Яблока", в 2021-2025 годах...

Картины мастера эпохи Возрождения украдены из музея на Сицилии
Это четыре полотна кисти Антонелло да Мессины

Издательство "Альпина" подвергло цензуре книгу папы Франциска
Из книги вымараны абзацы, касающиеся ЛГБТ+

В Иране будет грозить тюрьма за интервью "враждебным" СМИ
К их числу относятся СМИ США

Британские СМИ: британские дроны используются для ударов по РФ
Речь идёт о беспилотниках Nyan

В ВСУ заявили об ударе по комплексу "Бастион" в Крыму
Российские власти сообщили о пожарах

Военные НАТО сбили над Румынией, вероятно, российский БПЛА
Дроны над Румынией сбивают в четвёртый раз

ТАСС: в РФ возбудили дело против журналиста германского издания
Из-за вопроса об "убийстве российских солдат"

Военные РФ атаковали ракетами Киев и Кривой Рог
В Минобороны РФ заявили об ударах по военным предприятиям

В Чечне заявили о "регулярных визитах" из Китая в "Российский университет спецназа"
В так называемый Российский университет спецназа в Гудермесе, который готовит наёмников для участия в войне против Украины, "регулярно приезжают" представители Китая, сотрудничество с ними приобрело "устойчивый характер", заявили в Чечне. Как утверждает старший инструктор по тактико-огневой подготовке Эльбек Албастов, визиты сотрудников зарубежных силовых ведомств или специальных подразделений "организуются строго в рамках межгосударственных соглашений, программ обмена опытом или...

В Московской области атакованы склады, в том числе Wildberries
Сообщается о гибели одного человека

Из-за утечки нефти с загруженного в Новороссийске танкера загрязнена береговая линия Омана
Из-за утечки с загруженного в Новороссийске нефтяного танкера российского так называемого теневого флота Caroline Bezengi загрязнены около 40 километров береговой линии Омана. Ранее сообщалось, что общая площадь нефтяного пятна достигла 1700 квадратных километров и продолжает увеличиваться. О загрязнении береговой линии со ссылкой на анализ организации Greenpeace пишет The Insider. Экологи призвали к скорейшей стабилизации танкера, предотвращению дальнейшей утечки и перегрузке оставшейся на...

Пять человек погибли в Ростовской области из-за атаки ракетами и беспилотниками
Обновлено. Губернатор Ростовской области заявил, что обнаружены ещё двое погибших. Изначально он сообщал о трёх жертвах. В Ростовской области пять человек погибли и один пострадал из-за ударов беспилотниками и ракетами. Регион четвёртый раз за неделю подвергся массированной атаке украинской армии: за последние семь дней здесь, по данным властей, сбили более 380 дронов. Как заявил губернатор Юрий Слюсарь, в ночь на 16 августа средства противовоздушной обороны работали в трёх городах...

Президент Южной Кореи предложил КНДР заключить мир
Две Кореи формально находятся в состоянии войны с 1950 года

ФБК нашёл у близких главы партии "Родина" активы на 200 млн рублей
Сам Журавлёв в декларации указывает, что не владеет почти ничем

Лихтенштейн уравнял мужчин и женщин в праве престолонаследия
Он был последней европейской монархией, в которой монархом мог быть только мужчина

В России арестовали имущество рок-музыканта Михаила Борзыкина
Он участвовал в фестивале "СловоНово"

Российские власти усилят контроль за поездками граждан
Проект приказа опубликован на портале нормативно-правовых актов

В Индонезии произошло мощное землетрясение, не менее 38 погибших
В эпицентре землетрясения магнитуда была 7,7 балла

Africanews

Cameroon finally wins its first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title
The Indomitable Lionesses beat tournament debutant Malawi 3-0 in the final in Rabat, with Marie Ngah Manga scoring twice, to claim their first continental crown after three previous final defeats.

Unpaid health workers strike as Congo’s Ebola contact tracing falls behind
Gédéon Banga Ngbape said a challenge they are facing with right now is that health workers haven’t been paid in over three months.

Observers say Zambia's vote marred by intimidation, counting pause
International observers of Zambia's elections said Saturday the poll was marred by claims of intimidation, abductions and an hours-long pause in the vote count.

Hundreds of migrants intercepted near Morocco's border with Ceuta
Scores of would-be migrants, mostly from sub-Saharan Africa, were intercepted on Saturday in northern Morocco near the border with the Spanish exclave of Ceuta, an AFP correspondent saw, two weeks after thousands of migrants rushed into the tiny territory.

Chad opposition figure, Succes Masra, calls for reconciliation after his release
Masra, one of the president's fiercest critics, was sentenced to 20 years in prison a year ago, convicted of hate speech, xenophobia and having incited a massacre.

Argentina’s big cats begin relocation to sanctuaries abroad
A global animal welfare organization has begun relocating 30 big cats from the former Zoo Luján in Argentina in one of the largest animal moves of its kind.

UN warns South Sudan refugees at risk as aid funding runs short
Two United Nations agencies warned on Friday that hundreds of thousands of refugees in South Sudan are at risk of losing much needed humanitarian assistance due to a lack of funding.

Zimbabwe ferry death toll rises to 80 after Lake Kariba capsizing
The death toll after a ferry capsized on Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba this week has risen to 80 after more bodies were recovered on Sunday, the police said.

Senegal hikes fuel prices amid surge in global oil markets
Senegal has raised fuel prices in a move the government says is necessary because of the sharp rise in global oil costs.

Tributes pour in for Jason Arday after his sudden death
Friends have paid tribute to British sociologist and professor Jason Arday following his death, days after he stepped down from Cambridge amid intense scrutiny over plagiarism allegations.

Taliban authorities mark five years ruling Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers on Saturday marked five years since sweeping back to power.

Burkina Faso imposes military training on journalists
More than 40 journalists in Burkina Faso have taken part in a military-style "patriotism" training course imposed by the authoritarian ruling junta.

UN says $50 million ransom fueled Al-Qaeda offensive in Mali
According to a new UN report, most of the money was redistributed to fighters in the Sahel, while some was passed on to Al-Qaeda’s affiliate in the Arabian Peninsula and to the group’s central command.

Morocco and Spain boost security in Ceuta as another call for border rush seen online
Moroccan authorities on Wednesday announced measures to counter a new influx of migrants to the Spanish territory of Ceuta, after monitoring a new wave of online disinformation.

UN calls for negotiations to end the conflict in Mozambique
A military victory over jihadist insurgents in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province does not appear imminent, according to a report by a United Nations special rapporteur released Friday.

Central African Republic: Muslims return as Sibut rebuilds
Years after civil war drove many Muslims from Sibut, the call to prayer is echoing again from the town’s rebuilt central mosque. Returning residents and Christian neighbours are seeking to restore trust and revive a community once known for peaceful coexistence.

Zambia resumes counting after violence disrupts election process
Zambia has resumed vote counting after a nationwide suspension over election-related violence, with the Electoral Commission saying security threats have been contained. The first presidential results are expected at 10:00 p.m. local time, or 2000 GMT.

South African lawmakers question effectiveness of army deployment against gang Violence
Officials have maintained that the military deployment is intended to support—not replace—long-term policing efforts, but lawmakers say urgent changes are needed if the operation is to have any meaningful impact.

Survivors recount horror as Zimbabwe Lake Kariba ferry death toll hits 46
Grieving families gathered at a mortuary in Kariba on Thursday as the death toll from Tuesday’s ferry disaster on Lake Kariba rose to 46, while survivors described the desperate struggle to escape the sinking vessel.

China and Egypt launch second joint air force exercise
The exercises reflect growing defense ties between Beijing and Cairo as both countries expand military cooperation through joint training and strategic exchanges.

Croatia wildfire near Omiš injures residents and disrupts holiday travel
A major wildfire near Omiš, around 25 kilometres south-east of Split, forced about 1,200 residents and tourists to evacuate overnight on Thursday and into Friday as strong winds drove the flames towards the coastal town.

Zambia's opposition leader expresses 'grave concern' as vote count suspended
Just hours after Zambia’s electoral commission suspended vote counting nationwide, opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile raised “grave concern,” calling for full transparency amid reports of violence.

Zambia suspends vote counting after election violence
Official presidential results are expected on Monday, with authorities appealing for calm as election officials work to resolve the disruptions and resume the counting process.

Worries grow over mysterious illness killing Kenyan elephants
Worries over the death of elephants are mounting in southern Kenya, where at least 19 animals have died since June from an unexplained condition. With symptoms including partial paralysis, conservationists and communities are demanding urgent investigations into what is killing the elephants.

War in Ukraine: Deadly Russian air raid on Kramatorsk leaves 1 dead and 17 wounded
At least one person was killed and 17 injured in a Russian airstrike on Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine overnight, according to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service.

Rome’s Colosseum extends cool night tours as heatwaves scorch city
Rome’s Colosseum is opening late four nights a week this summer, offering fully booked evening tours as a cooler, more magical way to visit.

AI could transform African agriculture but access remains a major challenge
Senior FAO official for Africa Meshack Malo described artificial intelligence as a powerful tool for farmers, stressing the need for Africa datasets, language models, research capacity and agritech firms, to enable the continent to be not only the consumer but the driver of the technology.

Emmy-nominated director looks to Tupac trial for long-awaited closure
Emmy-nominated director Alexandria Stapleton is hoping the trial of a man accused of orchestrating Tupac Shakur’s 1996 killing will bring answers and “some sort of closure” to the rapper’s family, friends and fans.

Chad's president pardons opposition leader and former prime minister Succes Masra
The presidency has not provided further details on the reasons behind the pardon, and it remains unclear whether the move could open the door to renewed political dialogue between the government and the opposition.

Activists attempt to deliver supplies to besieged Palestinian families
Three homes in the village of Qusra in the occupied West Bank have been under an almost week-long siege by Israeli settlers.

From Research to the Field: Transforming Africa’s Seed Systems
On the occasion of its 20th anniversary, AGRA looks back on a transformation that starts with a seed, but goes far beyond it.

In quake-hit Cali, ‘hugs here’ station brings comfort amid rubble
In quake-hit Cali, residents find comfort at a “hugs here” station, as Andres Solomon and volunteers share solidarity while rescuers clear rubble.

Turkey urges Egypt to join its defence pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan
The trilateral deal signed last week stipulates that an attack on any of the three states will be treated as an attack on all.

Vietnam police seize nearly 1.2 tonnes of ivory hidden in timber logs
Vietnamese police have seized nearly 1.2 tonnes of ivory at Quy Nhon port, in Gia Lai province.

Colombia earthquake: Dog rescued alive as 72-hour window closes
Colombia rescuers treated a dog pulled alive from earthquake rubble in Cali on Thursday, as emergency teams made a final push to find survivors before the critical 72-hour window closed.

Nigeria’s Muslim and Christian leaders sign new peace accord
More than 50 Muslim and Christian leaders have signed a new peace accord in Nigeria, aiming to ease religious tensions and promote harmony.

Burkina Faso: Appeal delays trial of Norbert Zongo murder accused
The Attorney General said three prominent figures were to go on trial to answer to charges of murder, aggravated destruction of property, and complicity in murder.

Unprecedented rainfall in Japan leaves at least four dead in Chiba prefecture
Unprecedented rainfall battered Japan on Thursday, leaving at least four people dead and flooding parts of Chiba prefecture, east of Tokyo. Authorities issued the region’s highest-level rain warning for the first time, while landslide alerts and power cuts affected thousands of residents.

France wildfire forces 525 people to flee as Landes forest burns
France evacuated about 500 people from the village of Luglon on Thursday, 13 August, as a fast-moving wildfire swept through drought-hit pine forest in the Landes.

DR Congo's fastest-growing ebola outbreak spreads to sixth province
The World Health Organization says it on track to surpass the deadliest in history, which killed over 11,000 people a decade ago.

Wildfire forces evacuation of 1,000 as flames sweep Croatia’s coast
Croatia is battling a wildfire that swept through vegetation and homes in Lokva Rogoznica on Thursday, 13 August, forcing about 1,000 residents and tourists to evacuate.

Cuba marks 100th anniversary of Fidel Castro's birth amid energy crisis
Cubans are facing food and water shortages, and chronic power cuts, exacerbated by a US oil embargo, with some asking whether his successors are up to the job.

Vote counting underway in Zambia after presidential election
Vote counting is underway after Zambians cast ballots Thursday in a presidential election testing incumbent Hakainde Hichilema’s economic record against widespread frustration over the cost of living. About 8 million voters were registered, with results expected Monday.

Zimbabwe's Kariba ferry disaster victims honoured as death toll reaches 44
Hundreds gathered for a memorial service in northern Zimbabwe on Thursday to honour victims of the Lake Kariba ferry disaster, which killed at least 44 people. Survivors recalled a desperate struggle for life as the vessel capsized in rough waters.

Mali frees 82 soldiers held by militants, pardons French embassy official
Mali says 82 soldiers held captive since deadly attacks in April have been freed by armed groups, in a rare breakthrough as the country battles jihadist and rebel insurgencies. The junta also pardoned a French embassy official accused of spying and ordered his expulsion.

Displaced families and hospitals struggle as Sudan's war ravages El-Obeid
The war, which began in April 2023, has killed at least 59,000 people, displaced around 13 million, and pushed large parts of Sudan into famine.

Doku commits to Manchester City until 2031 in five-year deal
Jérémy Doku has signed a new five-year contract with Manchester City, keeping the Belgium winger at the Etihad until 2031. The 24-year-old has become a key part of the squad since joining from Rennes in 2023.

One dead, several injured in Rotterdam port blast at Gunvor refinery
The Netherlands is investigating an explosion at the port of Rotterdam that killed one person and injured several others on Thursday, 13 August. The blast happened at about 11:30 a.m. at an oil facility in the Europoort industrial section of Europe’s largest port.

Brussels unveils giant flower carpet inspired by Hokusai masterpiece
Brussels has transformed its historic Grand Place into a giant floral version of Japan’s Great Wave off Kanagawa, using around 500,000 dahlias laid out over 1,300 square metres of cobblestones.

Ecuador police seize 370kg of cocaine near Colombian border
Ecuadorian police have seized hundreds of kilograms of cocainee in an area known as Guagua Negro near the Colombian border. Anti-narcotics officers spotted a suspicious truck during an operation and moved in.