BBC News

Reform UK plan would overhaul welfare system with £50bn in savings
The party plans to release a full 50-page plan on Monday outlining their proposed changes were they to come to power.

Major incidents across UK putting firefighters under 'incredible pressure', fire chief says
Major incidents declared across England and Wales with blazes in Stourbridge, Sandwell and Pershore.

Morocco detains dozens of migrants trying to cross into Ceuta, reports say
Security had been stepped up amid suggestions on social media of a second mass crossing on Saturday.

Ariana Grande leaves problems at home as her tour hits the UK
The star plays the first of 10 dates in London, after which she will "step back" from public life.

Jason Arday death 'tragedy on so many levels' says PM
Andy Burnham says the former Cambridge professor's death is a "really sad, sad and sorry state of affairs".

Rescuers search for survivors of powerful Indonesia earthquake
Officials say a rapid assessment into the impact of the earthquake that destroyed hundreds of buildings and killed 47 is under way.

Hunt wins third gold as Asher-Smith makes history
Amy Hunt claims the third gold medal of her bid for a historic quadruple and Dina Asher-Smith makes history as Great Britain win two relay golds at the European Athletics Championships.

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.

From making friends to managing money: Students' advice for this year's freshers
BC News asked current students about the worries they had before arriving at university how they overcame them.

The influencers getting bitten while chasing the perfect shark shot
Tayane Dalazen was on a shark-diving trip in Brazil when she was attacked.

I survived two years as prime minister in a hit new game - then my cabinet deserted me
Mobile game No 10: Full Confidence recently ranked above Minecraft on the UK App Store paid games chart

Why is Australia's mushroom killer back in court this week?
The BBC’s Katy Watson explains why triple-murder Erin Patterson is back in court this week trying to overturn her conviction.

Unauthorised sites are growing but travellers say they are forced to break the law
The government says such developments are unacceptable – so why do they keep springing up?

The Papers: UK-made drones 'strike Russia' and 'phone theft Britain'
Ukraine uses UK British-made drones to strike Russia and 230 phones a day stolen in the UK lead the Sunday papers.

Britain's youngest Formula E driver says talent isn't enough anymore
Taylor Barnard, 22, says talented young drivers often get shut out because of financial issues.

US women in politics spark conversation about balancing family and career
The BBC spoke to working mothers about the challenges of a high-pressure career and making time for family.

Body found in search for UK student missing on Romania hike
A body is found during the search for George Smyth, who went missing while hiking in Romania.

'Fury' at Tarling death as cycling union calls for better helmets
The cyclists' union expresses "fury" over the death of British rider Fin Tarling during Friday's stage of the Volta a Portugal.

Hawaii braces for potential first direct hit by a hurricane in 34 years
In a worst-case scenario, category one Lala could dump up to 25in (63cm) of rain on Big Island.

'I started in my 20s and made £8,000': Why women are often better investors than men
Women can make higher returns but only about a quarter of UK women have investments, compared with about 40% of men.

The 101-year-old who created a dolls' house museum with her childhood toys
Val discovers her childhood toys in an attic and decides to put them on display.

Peter James returns to Sussex with his 57 animals
The Brighton-born Roy Grace author moves to a new home in Pulborough in West Sussex.

Why are 'human fridges' being sold in Japan?
As Japan swelters through extreme summer heat, BBC Tokyo correspondent Kurumi Mori tries out a new way to cool down.

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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?

Hunt wins third gold as Asher-Smith makes history
Amy Hunt claims the third gold medal of her bid for a historic quadruple and Dina Asher-Smith makes history as Great Britain win two relay golds at the European Athletics Championships.

Rashford returns as AC Milan highlight issues facing Carrick
Manchester United finish their pre-season campaign with a 4-2 defeat by Ruben Amorim's AC Milan in Poland, as Marcus Rashford returns to Red Devils action.

'Fury' at Tarling death as cycling union calls for better helmets
The cyclists' union expresses "fury" over the death of British rider Fin Tarling during Friday's stage of the Volta a Portugal.

Fernandez booed by Chelsea fans as Alonso offers glimpse of blueprint
Enzo Fernandez is booed by sections of the Chelsea support, Morgan Rogers scores on his first appearance and Xabi Alonso offers a glimpse of what could be his blueprint for the season.

O'Connor secures European gold in heptathlon
Kate O'Connor says her late grandmother "would have been jumping for joy" at the Irish athlete claims gold in the heptathlon at the European Championships in Birmingham.

West Ham break EFL record to sign Engels for £22m
West Ham United pay a £22m fee, a new EFL record, to sign Celtic's Belgium international midfielder Arne Engels.

'Absolutely miles ahead!' GB women win brilliant relay gold
Great Britain's Dina Asher-Smith, Amy Hunt, Success Eduan and Imani-Lara Lansiquot dominate the 4x100m relay to win a brilliant gold.

Al Jazeera

Al Jazeera journalist opens beach cafe in the Gaza she loves
Palestinian journalist Hind Khoudary has opened a Gaza beach cafe, hoping to revive a much-loved part of life in the war

As petrol prices soar, electric bikes gain ground in Nigeria
Riders say the switch is helping them cut fuel and maintenance costs.

Army drops roses on Syrian crowds in a far cry from war
Syrian army helicopters dropped roses on crowds at Damascus Citadel’s Summer Syria festival.

Hamas leader heads to Cairo for Gaza talks ahead of Kushner visit
Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya to meet Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad in Cairo amid ongoing Gaza tensions.

Iran war live: Talks on Hormuz Strait continue; Israel kills 11 in Lebanon
Israel kills 11 in deadliest attacks on Lebanon since June truce as Iran and Oman continue talks on Hormuz.

Yemen’s government says Houthi strikes hit residential areas in Marib
Yemen's Ministry of Information denounces attacks on Marib as 'escalation' that threatens lives and increases suffering.

At least five reported dead amid flooding in US state of Indiana
Indiana's state governor says that US government has promised assistance after a week of heavy rainfall.

Colombia asks Trump to suspend tariffs as country reels from earthquake
Post-earthquake reconstruction is expected to cost about $6.4bn, but Colombia has been hit by renewed US tariffs.

US Democrats finalise major shakeup to 2028 presidential primary calendar
South Carolina will again take centre stage as the first nominating contest, pushing Iowa from its top spot.

Why is the latest Ebola outbreak worsening?
Virus spreading in DRC faster than containment efforts.

Qatar denies Tehran’s claim it is detaining Iranian bomber pilots
Iran claims Qatar is holding three pilots who were shot down in March. Doha decries 'misleading statements'.

California tackles multiple wildfires as firefighter workforce faces strain
The federal wildland firefighting workforce, faced with low pay and cost of living issues, copes with Trump-era cuts.

Canadian petition to expel US ambassador gains over 170,000 signatures
The petition is set to be discussed by House of Commons in a sign of discontent with policies of US President Trump.

Moroccan police intercept migrants heading for Ceuta enclave
Security forces in Fnideq have stepped up operations to prevent migrants from crossing into Ceuta.

Moroccan police arrest over 100 migrants trying to reach Spanish enclave
A social media campaign encouraged people to flock to Ceuta just weeks after many died while making the crossing.

Death toll from Zimbabwe ferry disaster rises to 72
Police say 26 more bodies have been recovered from Lake Kariba after the overloaded vessel capsized on Tuesday.

La Liga: Real Madrid key talking points heading into new 2026-27 season
Real Madrid welcome back Jose Mourinho as manager as they attempt to stop a three-peat by Barcelona in La Liga.

Cleanup underway as Russian oil spill reaches Oman’s coastline
Cleanup crews are responding along 12 kilometres of Omani coastline following an oil spill from the grounded tanker.

US aircraft carrier expected to relieve USS Lincoln in Middle East
The USS Washington's movement comes amid reports of dire conditions on the USS Lincoln amid the ongoing Iran war.

Inter Milan sign England’s Djed Spence from Tottenham Hotspur
The 26-year-old, who has signed a five-year deal, cost the Italian champions about $40m, according to media reports.

Storm Lala strengthens into a Category 1 hurricane as it nears Hawaii
Authorities warn residents to take precautions as storm is expected to bring rain and strong winds to the island chain.

UK PM Burnham reacts to death of former Cambridge professor
Jason Arday was found dead on Friday, just days after resigning amid intense scrutiny over his academic work.

Erdogan says Egypt could join Turkiye-Saudi-Pakistan defence pact
Turkish president tells Al Jazeera that the recently signed agreement is open to new members as he pledges continued support.

One killed, dozens injured after wildfire hits Croatian coast
At least one person was killed and around 42 others were injured after a violent wildfire hit a coastal town in Croatia.

Sudan’s al-Burhan pledges immunity for dialogue, rules out Hemedti return
Al-Burhan pledged temporary immunity and legal protections for participants in a Sudanese national dialogue.

Global Times

Xi to address late Chinese leader Jiang Zemin's centenary commemoration
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central ...

China's landmark Ecological and Environmental Code takes effect to drive green modernization
China took a major step toward green modernization on Saturday as its landmark Ecological and Environmental Code officially came into ...

New advances in lunar soil research offer scientific evidence to unravel mystery of moon's 'two faces'
Chinese scientists have made new progress in the study of lunar soil samples returned by the Chang'e-6 mission, providing fresh ...

Embassy rebuffs Teodoro's baseless claims on Chinese workers
China's embassy in the Philippines on Saturday questioned the arrest of Chinese workers at a steel mill, dismissing Philippine Defense ...

On August 15, admitting guilt is Japan's only way out: Global Times editorial

Gaining a correct understanding of China begins with comprehending 'Chinese characteristics': Hai Feng
Hai Feng

What message do these three New York Times reports send to Taiwan region?: Hai Feng
Hai Feng

Japanese 'ghost-worshippers' should be treated like rats scurrying across the street and reviled by all
Global Times

How China's new environmental code translates national ecological goals into everyday rules
A power drill starts in a neighboring apartment just as someone is trying to sleep. Cooking fumes from the restaurant downstairs drift through an open window. A modified car roars past a residential compound, while a food delivery arrives wrapped in layers of plastic. According to China's new ...

From the grove to the sky: Chinese team develops drone made of bamboo-based composites
China reports 522,000 new COVID-19 cases, one death in July amid fluctuating upward trend

China reports 522,000 new COVID-19 cases, one death in July amid fluctuating upward trend
From the grove to the sky: Chinese team develops drone made of bamboo-based composites

Levee breach sealed in China's flood-hit Henan
New advances in lunar soil research offer scientific evidence to unravel mystery of moon's 'two faces' Chinese scientists have made new progress in the study of lunar soil samples returned by the Chang'e-6 mission, providing fresh evidence to the striking differences between the moon's near and ... A levee breach in central China's Henan Province was successfully sealed on Friday night after nearly two days of emergency repair work, local authorities said. Warhammer 40,000 tie-in draws young donors, shows power of pop culture in public welfare Cosplayers in brightly colored power armor, carrying replica weapons, posed in front of displays featuring quotations and insignia from Warhammer 40,000, which is regarded as one of the world's best-known ...

Warhammer 40,000 tie-in draws young donors, shows power of pop culture in public welfare
New advances in lunar soil research offer scientific evidence to unravel mystery of moon's 'two faces' Chinese scientists have made new progress in the study of lunar soil samples returned by the Chang'e-6 mission, providing fresh evidence to the striking differences between the moon's near and ... Levee breach sealed in China's flood-hit Henan A levee breach in central China's Henan Province was successfully sealed on Friday night after nearly two days of emergency repair work, local authorities said. Cosplayers in brightly colored power armor, carrying replica weapons, posed in front of displays featuring quotations and insignia from Warhammer 40,000, which is regarded as one of the world's best-known ...

Heavy R&D investment, strong policy support, and global cooperation drive rapid growth of China's innovative drug industry
Chinese driverless technology firm to deploy over 2,000 robotaxis in Europe

Chinese driverless technology firm to deploy over 2,000 robotaxis in Europe
Heavy R&D investment, strong policy support, and global cooperation drive rapid growth of China's innovative drug industry

China handles record number of rail passenger trips in January-July
China handled a record 2.8 billion railway passenger trips in the first seven months of 2026, the country's railway operator said Saturday.

China's Wingtech posts H1 loss amid Dutch restrictions on Nexperia, signals further effort to recover losses
Chinese semiconductor firm Wingtech Technology on Friday reported a net loss of 406 million yuan ($56.7 million) for the first half of 2026, swinging from a profit of 474 million ... Robot-run noodle shop begins trial in Beijing, with robots taking orders, cooking and serving A robot-powered noodle shop began trial operations on Friday in Beijing, offering bowls priced between 16 ($2.37) and 19 yuan. Ordering, cooking and serving are all handled without human involvement, ... South China's Guangdong launches first 'token loan' as Chinese localities bolster support for token economy South China's Guangdong Province on Friday launched its first dedicated financial product for the token economy, the “Token Loan,” in Guangzhou's Haizhu district, amid a wave of local initiatives to ...

Robot-run noodle shop begins trial in Beijing, with robots taking orders, cooking and serving
China's Wingtech posts H1 loss amid Dutch restrictions on Nexperia, signals further effort to recover losses Chinese semiconductor firm Wingtech Technology on Friday reported a net loss of 406 million yuan ($56.7 million) for the first half of 2026, swinging from a profit of 474 million ... A robot-powered noodle shop began trial operations on Friday in Beijing, offering bowls priced between 16 ($2.37) and 19 yuan. Ordering, cooking and serving are all handled without human involvement, ... South China's Guangdong launches first 'token loan' as Chinese localities bolster support for token economy South China's Guangdong Province on Friday launched its first dedicated financial product for the token economy, the “Token Loan,” in Guangzhou's Haizhu district, amid a wave of local initiatives to ...

South China's Guangdong launches first 'token loan' as Chinese localities bolster support for token economy
China's Wingtech posts H1 loss amid Dutch restrictions on Nexperia, signals further effort to recover losses Chinese semiconductor firm Wingtech Technology on Friday reported a net loss of 406 million yuan ($56.7 million) for the first half of 2026, swinging from a profit of 474 million ... Robot-run noodle shop begins trial in Beijing, with robots taking orders, cooking and serving A robot-powered noodle shop began trial operations on Friday in Beijing, offering bowls priced between 16 ($2.37) and 19 yuan. Ordering, cooking and serving are all handled without human involvement, ... South China's Guangdong Province on Friday launched its first dedicated financial product for the token economy, the “Token Loan,” in Guangzhou's Haizhu district, amid a wave of local initiatives to ...

Sea turtles return to sea amid Singapore's conservation efforts
A sea turtle crawls toward the sea after being released on Small Sister's Island in Singapore, Aug. 14, 2026. Singapore's National Parks Board (NParks) launched a sea turtle conservation program ... Lake Songhua Resort in NE China turns into year-round tourism destination A drone photo taken on Aug. 12, 2026 shows tourists watching sunrise at the Lake Songhua Resort in Jilin City, northeast China's Jilin Province. The Lake Songhua Resort, located in ... In pics: red-crowned cranes at Zhalong National Nature Reserve in NE China Tourists view red-crowned cranes at Zhalong National Nature Reserve in Qiqihar, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Aug. 13, 2026.

Lake Songhua Resort in NE China turns into year-round tourism destination
Sea turtles return to sea amid Singapore's conservation efforts A sea turtle crawls toward the sea after being released on Small Sister's Island in Singapore, Aug. 14, 2026. Singapore's National Parks Board (NParks) launched a sea turtle conservation program ... A drone photo taken on Aug. 12, 2026 shows tourists watching sunrise at the Lake Songhua Resort in Jilin City, northeast China's Jilin Province. The Lake Songhua Resort, located in ... In pics: red-crowned cranes at Zhalong National Nature Reserve in NE China Tourists view red-crowned cranes at Zhalong National Nature Reserve in Qiqihar, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Aug. 13, 2026.

In pics: red-crowned cranes at Zhalong National Nature Reserve in NE China
Sea turtles return to sea amid Singapore's conservation efforts A sea turtle crawls toward the sea after being released on Small Sister's Island in Singapore, Aug. 14, 2026. Singapore's National Parks Board (NParks) launched a sea turtle conservation program ... Lake Songhua Resort in NE China turns into year-round tourism destination A drone photo taken on Aug. 12, 2026 shows tourists watching sunrise at the Lake Songhua Resort in Jilin City, northeast China's Jilin Province. The Lake Songhua Resort, located in ... Tourists view red-crowned cranes at Zhalong National Nature Reserve in Qiqihar, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Aug. 13, 2026.

Chinese animated hit "All Wishes Come True" makes North American premiere
Chinese animated fantasy-comedy "All Wishes Come True" held its North American premiere Thursday night in Los Angeles, ahead of its theatrical release across the United States and Canada on Friday.

A clown, an apple, and 6 million likes: Chinese acrobatics finds a new generation
Chinese real estate entrepreneur wins Korean literary award, 'atypical writer' turns Everest experiences into literature

Chinese real estate entrepreneur wins Korean literary award, 'atypical writer' turns Everest experiences into literature
A clown, an apple, and 6 million likes: Chinese acrobatics finds a new generation

Svoboda.org

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

В Италии нашли украденные картины Ренуара, Сезанна и Матисса
По делу проходят девять молдавских граждан

ФСБ арестовала петербуржца по делу о подготовке теракта в Ставрополе
Его обвиняют в подготовке поджога железнодорожных цистерн

Банк Swissquote в Швейцарии закрывает счета россиян, в том числе с ПМЖ
Речь идет о необанке Yuh

Белый дом: Трамп сосредоточен на пополнении американских арсеналов
Президент США Дональд Трамп сосредоточен на восстановлении американских арсеналов, а не на передаче боеприпасов другим странам. Об этом заявила пресс-секретарь Белого дома Кэролайн Левитт, отвечая на вопрос журналистов о просьбе Киева предоставить вооружения. "Президент с первого дня сосредоточился на восстановлении нашего арсенала", – сказала Левитт. Она назвала "трагичной" политику предшественника Трампа Джо Байдена в отношении поставок оружия другим странам. При этом представитель...

В Днепропетровской области в результате атаки дронов погиб младенец
В Одесской области целями атаки России были порты

Дроны атаковали промышленное предприятие в Самарской области
Украинские источники сообщают об ударе по космическому центру "Прогресс"

Трамп заявил, что объявит Ормузский пролив "территорией США"
Это произойдёт после поражения Ирана

Судят участника войны, призывавшего военных РФ сдаваться в плен
Его обвиняют в том числе в госизмене

Суд не допустил кандидата от КПРФ Матвеева на выборы в Госдуму
Он "нарушил авторские права", использовав в агитации шрифты Microsoft

В Москве на Пушкинской площади задержали журналистов
Они планировали освещать несостоявшийся пикет за "Яблоко"

На жителя Кургана составили протокол: он слушал песню в интернете
Песня оказалась внесена в список "экстремистских"

Лавров объяснил отказ РФ замораживать конфликт "подвигом дедов"
Лавров признал, что "всё больше и больше голосов призывают немедленно остановиться"

Минюст России признал нежелательными ещё пять организаций
Из США, Германии, Италии и Грузии

Во Франции заблокировали решение о запрете соцсетей для детей
Конституционный совет счёл ограничения несоразмерными

Africanews

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.

France opens disciplinary proceedings against ambassador to Central African Republic
The case comes at a sensitive time for French diplomacy. Paris has been working to restore ties with the Central African Republic after relations deteriorated in recent years as Russia expanded its influence in the country through the Wagner paramilitary group

Zambians vote as Hichilema’s economic record faces crucial test
Zambians began voting Thursday in a presidential election testing President Hakainde Hichilema’s economic record amid widespread frustration over the cost of living. Millions are also choosing lawmakers and local councillors in a one-day vote expected to produce results on Monday.

Iran says Strait of Hormuz will stay blocked despite Trump’s claim of ‘total control’
The Strait of Hormuz remains blocked and Iran says it will stay that way until its conditions are accepted.

South Africa seeks reimbursement from African countries for migrant repatriations
South African law enforcement officials said last week they would intensify operations targeting illegal migration and related offenses.

RSF claims key victory in Sudan’s Blue Nile region
Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, say they have taken full control of Geissan, in the Blue Nile region, near the Ethiopian border.

Putin watches Russian navy drills off Russia's Sakhalin Island
Russia's President Vladimir Putin observed naval exercises off Sakhalin Island on Thursday before travelling to the disputed Kuril Islands, prompting a strong protest from Japan.

Russian drone strikes passenger train in Odesa region, killing driver
A Russian Shahed drone struck a passenger train in Ukraine’s Odesa region on 13 August 2026, killing the driver and his assistant and forcing the evacuation of 340 passengers, including 67 children, in the Berezivka district.

West Africa: gold rush reshapes the mining market [Business Africa]
Soaring gold prices are reshaping the investment landscape across West Africa. In the first quarter of 2026, global demand reached 1,231 tonnes, representing a record $193 billion market up 74% year-on-year.