BBC News

Multiple fires destroy homes and cause devastation in West Midlands
The region's fire chief says the service took thousands of 999 calls across "one of the most significant" incidents in its history.

Watch: Aerial footage shows homes engulfed in flames in Stourbridge
Multiple fires burned across the West Midlands and destroyed homes.

Two seriously hurt as passenger train derails in East Sussex
"It was pandemonium... I could feel the carriage rocking," says one passenger who was on the train with his six-year-old daughter.

Final day of heatwave for many before weekend cooldown
Heatwave conditions continue on Friday in south-east England but it is turning fresher for all into the weekend.

'Two out of four, baby' - Hunt wins 200m as she eyes historic quadruple
Britain's Amy Hunt charges to 200m glory to secure her second European Championships gold medal - but the sprinter has her sights set on a historic quadruple in Birmingham.

Engine parts smashed Ryanair window that man's head was sucked out of, report says
A preliminary report by US investigators says an engine fan blade broke on last month's flight from Greece to Germany.

Son of 102-year-old says father died after being 'pushed off stage'
Phillip Ormerod was taken to hospital in critical condition and later died, police have confirmed.

Palestinians told to leave homes in village where Israeli settlers besieged houses
The mayor of Qusra says Israeli troops have been telling families to leave their houses, using some as barracks.

Mangione lawyers to meet federal prosecutors amid reports of plea deal
Mangione faces two federal charges of stalking resulting in death, each carrying a maximum sentence of life in prison.

BBC Verify speaks to woman who filmed ICE agent pointing gun at her
BBC Verify has examined footage shared by a Virginia woman in which an ICE agent points his gun at her.

Why heatwaves hit women harder
Experts are calling for better awareness of the heat-related risks to women and more targeted efforts to protect them.

Six ways to keep your home and yourself cool in hot weather
Six simple things you can do to help keep your house cool when temperatures rise.

No air con? Here's how to get the most out of your electric fan
Point it at your face? Use a bowl of ice? Open a window? Our experts separate fact from fiction.

Your heatwave tips on how to cope in extreme temperatures
From what to wear to getting a restful night's sleep, you share your tips for beating the heat.

Count Binface has taken on three PMs and lost - but could this be his best ever performance?
The self-styled intergalactic space warrior wears a giant silver bin on his head and a silver cloak.

You got hold of eclipse glasses just in time - here's what to do with them now
Solar specs are tricky to recycle because of their lenses, so here are three things to do instead.

I got an £89 refund – how to cancel and avoid unwanted subscriptions
After the PM announced a crackdown on subscription traps, readers share how they got into and out of unwanted plans.

Weekly quiz: What was used to smuggle Donald Trump off Air Force One?
How much attention did you pay to what happened in the world over the past seven days?

The Papers: 'Houses burn and train derails on hottest day' and 'Britain on fire'
Many of today's papers lead coverage with the fires and train derailment under headlines about Thursday being the hottest day.

'I worked really hard and it paid off': Elation, nerves and proud parents as students get results
A Ukrainian refugee, a firefighter and triplets are among the students reacting to their results.

Who could replace White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt?
The job requires managing a complex relationship with the media - as well Trump's high expectations.

Big Issue says vendors struggling as sales hit by heatwaves
Sales have fallen by as much as 30% in some areas of the UK as people retreat from the heat.

US says dozens of countries helped China dodge Trump's tariffs
A new US report said China had moved goods through nations with lower tariffs to dodge higher levies.

Ice cream man hit with noise complaint over van's music
Mark Edwards says he will now beep his horn in the evenings, as he cannot play his music.

Conditions on US aircraft carrier at sea for more than 250 days raise alarms
Thousands of sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln have reportedly faced food shortages and broken plumbing, with some considering jumping overboard.

Romania shuts only nuclear plant as heat causes huge drop in Danube River level
The Cernavodă plant, which produces 20% of Romania's electricity, is not expected to be restarted within the next 10 days.

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

Andy Burnham's Emergency Cobra Meeting On Extreme Heat
Prime Minister Andy Burnham chairs an emergency Cobra committee meeting.

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

Philomena Cunk examines life and existence
Mockumentary from Charlie Brooker starring Diane Morgan

In 1940s Australia, a young orphan is brought to a remote orphanage
The miracle is in the mystery. A nun's faith is challenged by an orphan at her monastery

'Two out of four, baby' - Hunt wins 200m as she eyes historic quadruple
Britain's Amy Hunt charges to 200m glory to secure her second European Championships gold medal - but the sprinter has her sights set on a historic quadruple in Birmingham.

What's going wrong for Rangers and McInnes?
After Rangers' Europa League qualifying defeat by Jagellonia Bialystok, what is going wrong for new manager Derek McInnes and his side so far this season?

'This is her stage!' - Hunt takes 200m gold
GB sprint star Amy Hunt takes her second gold of the 2026 European Athletics Championships in the women's 200m, with Rhasidat Adeleke second and Dina Asher-Smith in third.

Man City's Reijnders set for £52m Saudi move
Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders is set to leave following a year at the club after a £52m move was agreed with Saudi Pro-League side Al-Qadsiah.

LIV set to cancel season-ending Team Championship
LIV Golf players have been warned that the season-ending Team Championship later this month is set to be cancelled.

Rashford, Mainoo & transfers - Carrick calls for more signings
Before his first full season as Manchester United head coach, Michael Carrick explains why the club need more players, discusses why he is in a privileged position and talks Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo.

Heroic Leigh defence denies table-toppers Leeds
Leigh Leopards ruin Leeds Rhinos' perfect home record in Super League this season and pick up a vital two points in their hunt for a top-six spot.

Al Jazeera

Mali says 82 soldiers captured by armed groups have been freed
Malian army says the soldiers were held prisoner by Tuareg and al-Qaeda-linked armed groups in the northern region.

Oil slick from tanker carrying sanctioned Russian crude reaches Oman
An oil slick from the tanker the Caroline Bezengi has reached Oman’s coastline weeks after the vessel ran aground.

Why Osun’s election matters for Nigeria’s 2027 vote
The result could offer an early signal of shifting alliances and voter sentiment before the presidential race.

UN, Palestinian ministry condemn Israeli settler siege of West Bank homes
UN rights office and Palestine Foreign Ministry call days-long Israeli settler siege in Qusra 'criminal' and 'inhumane'.

Could Trump actually run for a third term as president?
Donald Trump says the law stopping him from seeking a third presidential term is ‘very strong’.

Bodycam captures lightning striking metres from US police officers
Bodycam video captured the moment lightning struck just metres from South Dakota Highway Patrol officers.

Talks between government and opposition mark a new chapter for Venezuela
The government of Delcy Rodriguez held its first talks with part of Venezuela's opposition. But what will they achieve?

AI escapes confinement
Over the course of two weeks, AI companies said that some of their AI models managed to hack systems.

Taiwan’s ‘White Wolf’ leads lonely crusade to ‘reunify’ with China
Taipei is seeking to dissolve the China Unification Promotion Party over its alleged ties to Beijing.

Colombia’s rescuers search rubble as hope fades on finding survivors
The crucial 72-hour window to find survivors has passed, but rescue teams in Colombia keep digging.

Norway’s FM tells Al Jazeera the US war on Iran was not ‘smart’
Norway’s FM Espen Barth Eide says the Iran war failed to achieve its initial aims and strengthened hardliners in Tehran.

Israel’s Katz hails settlers for ‘holding onto’ Palestinian land
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz praised radical Hilltop Youth settlers for ‘holding onto’ Palestinian land.

UAE accuses Iran of attacks on two ADNOC vessels in Strait of Hormuz
No injuries were reported in the attack, which the UAE called 'piracy' and a threat to global energy security.

Yemen faces highest risk of returning to war since 2022 truce, UN warns
Civilian and military casualties have been reported as fighting has flared across Yemeni front lines in recent days.

Iran war live: US eyes indefinite Iran naval blockade
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the US can sustain its blockade against Iran 'indefinitely'.

Gaza City police chief killed as Israel pushes on with deadly strikes
Latest Israeli attacks kill police official Jamal Abu Kamil in Gaza City and another person in Khan Younis.

Tate supporters rally for brothers ahead of bail hearing in Miami
Supporters of Andrew and Tristan Tate gathered outside a Miami detention centre ahead of their bail hearing.

Israeli strikes in Gaza kill two, including police chief
Israeli drone strikes killed at least 2 people and wounded several others in Gaza on Thursday.

Mexico says Colombia rejected its earthquake rescue team
Colombia denies politics played a role after Mexico said its military rescuers were refused entry.

What’s at stake in Zambia’s elections?
The economy dominates voter concerns in the southern African country.

Kennedy Center votes to restore Trump’s name to venue, close for two years
Trustees condemn Kennedy Center’s move to re-add Trump’s name and shut down for extensive renovations.

Multiple houses ablaze as wildfire sweeps into UK town
At least six homes were set alight by an extensive wildfire in Stourbridge

Huge explosion rocks Italian munitions factory south of Rome
A powerful explosion tore through a munitions faction south of the Italian capital Rome on Thursday.

Photos: Cuba marks Fidel Castro’s 100th birthday
Fidel Castro would have turned 100 on Thursday and his legacy continues to overshadow the island. 

Are We in the Singularity?
Sam Altman just said AI has entered "the singularity."

Global Times

China advances global AI governance on all fronts, turning principles into deeper, more concrete action
In the intelligent era, we share the same planet and must pull together. Standing at the forefront of the times ...

Former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji passes away at 98
Former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji died of illness at the age of 98 in Beijing at 11:06 a.m. Wednesday.

US soybean exports projected to grow 5%, China market remains key: industry council
US soybean exports are projected to grow by 5 percent in the 2026/27 marketing year, driven by rising demand across ...

Poll shows US youth favor China engagement, reject restrictive policies; Washington's China containment narratives lose traction: expert
A US public opinion survey indicated that most younger Americans don't see China as a critical threat to the US ...

Issuing 'digital passport' in Panama – US overreach goes too far: Global Times editorial

Lai Ching-te, pro-DPP media stage double act, but their rumor skills worse than schoolchildren's: Hai Feng
Hai Feng

Fabricator of false history: Algorithmic-powered Japanese revisionism carry greater peril
Qu Yanping

GT Voice: What are China's tech giants betting on with AI spending?
Global Times

4,220-year-old rock art in SW China's Yunnan reveals early cultural links with Southeast Asia
Chinese researchers have obtained the first absolute dates for rock paintings at the Mangguan rock art site in Southwest China's Yunnan Province, pushing the known history of rock art created by prehistoric settled communities in the region back to about 4,220 years ago. The paintings also suggest cultural ...

DPP's absurd 'mobile‑network disruption drill' reveals intention to stoke cross‑Straits tensions: expert
Chinese, Thai police bust transnational credit card fraud ring, arrest nine suspects

Chinese, Thai police bust transnational credit card fraud ring, arrest nine suspects
DPP's absurd 'mobile‑network disruption drill' reveals intention to stoke cross‑Straits tensions: expert

Takaichi reportedly mulls skipping visit to notorious Yasukuni Shrine on anniversary of WWII surrender; experts see political maneuvering, not historical remorse
Due to concerns about fueling tension with China and South Korea, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is considering refraining from visiting the notorious Yasukuni Shrine, a symbol of Japanese militarism ... China's national carbon emissions market sees trading volume top 930 mln tonnes The cumulative trading volume of China's national carbon emissions rights trading market had exceeded 930 million tonnes by the end of July, Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu said ... China registers 3.275 million marriages in H1, down 264,000 year-on-year: official data China registered 3.275 million marriages in the first half of this year, down 264,000 from the same period last year, while 1.383 million divorces were recorded, according to data released ...

China's national carbon emissions market sees trading volume top 930 mln tonnes
Takaichi reportedly mulls skipping visit to notorious Yasukuni Shrine on anniversary of WWII surrender; experts see political maneuvering, not historical remorse Due to concerns about fueling tension with China and South Korea, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is considering refraining from visiting the notorious Yasukuni Shrine, a symbol of Japanese militarism ... The cumulative trading volume of China's national carbon emissions rights trading market had exceeded 930 million tonnes by the end of July, Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu said ... China registers 3.275 million marriages in H1, down 264,000 year-on-year: official data China registered 3.275 million marriages in the first half of this year, down 264,000 from the same period last year, while 1.383 million divorces were recorded, according to data released ...

China registers 3.275 million marriages in H1, down 264,000 year-on-year: official data
Takaichi reportedly mulls skipping visit to notorious Yasukuni Shrine on anniversary of WWII surrender; experts see political maneuvering, not historical remorse Due to concerns about fueling tension with China and South Korea, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is considering refraining from visiting the notorious Yasukuni Shrine, a symbol of Japanese militarism ... China's national carbon emissions market sees trading volume top 930 mln tonnes The cumulative trading volume of China's national carbon emissions rights trading market had exceeded 930 million tonnes by the end of July, Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu said ... China registered 3.275 million marriages in the first half of this year, down 264,000 from the same period last year, while 1.383 million divorces were recorded, according to data released ...

China-bound summer bookings surge 105% for South Korean travel agency
Key oil pipeline commissioned in E.China, can carry than 18m tons of crude per year

Key oil pipeline commissioned in E.China, can carry more than 18m tons of crude per year
China-bound summer bookings surge 105% for South Korean travel agency

Guangdong's foreign trade surges 20.5% from Jan-Jul, imports up 37.4%
The foreign trade of South China's Guangdong Province, the country's manufacturing and transportation hub, stood at 6.49 trillion yuan ($960 billion) in the first seven months of the year, rising ... Spanish govt's support for SAIC EV plant to advance local electrification agenda: Chinese experts The Spanish government's backing for a planned electric vehicle (EV) factory by China's SAIC Motor, despite some concerns, shows that rational commercial logic overrides unwarranted security fears. This move would ... Does large exports and a big surplus equal 'overcapacity'?: People's Daily For some time, certain economies, anxious about their own industrial competitiveness, have shifted blame for domestic structural problems onto China. They have promoted the one-sided claim that "large export volumes ...

Spanish govt's support for SAIC EV plant to advance local electrification agenda: Chinese experts
Guangdong's foreign trade surges 20.5% from Jan-Jul, imports up 37.4% The foreign trade of South China's Guangdong Province, the country's manufacturing and transportation hub, stood at 6.49 trillion yuan ($960 billion) in the first seven months of the year, rising ... The Spanish government's backing for a planned electric vehicle (EV) factory by China's SAIC Motor, despite some concerns, shows that rational commercial logic overrides unwarranted security fears. This move would ... Does large exports and a big surplus equal 'overcapacity'?: People's Daily For some time, certain economies, anxious about their own industrial competitiveness, have shifted blame for domestic structural problems onto China. They have promoted the one-sided claim that "large export volumes ...

Does large exports and a big surplus equal 'overcapacity'?: People's Daily
Guangdong's foreign trade surges 20.5% from Jan-Jul, imports up 37.4% The foreign trade of South China's Guangdong Province, the country's manufacturing and transportation hub, stood at 6.49 trillion yuan ($960 billion) in the first seven months of the year, rising ... Spanish govt's support for SAIC EV plant to advance local electrification agenda: Chinese experts The Spanish government's backing for a planned electric vehicle (EV) factory by China's SAIC Motor, despite some concerns, shows that rational commercial logic overrides unwarranted security fears. This move would ... For some time, certain economies, anxious about their own industrial competitiveness, have shifted blame for domestic structural problems onto China. They have promoted the one-sided claim that "large export volumes ...

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. 2026 Sziget Festival held in Budapest, Hungary Artists stage a performance during the 2026 Sziget Festival in Budapest, Hungary, Aug. 10, 2026. The event officially opened to the public on Tuesday on Budapest's Obuda Island, bringing together ...

In pics: red-crowned cranes at Zhalong National Nature Reserve in NE China
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. 2026 Sziget Festival held in Budapest, Hungary Artists stage a performance during the 2026 Sziget Festival in Budapest, Hungary, Aug. 10, 2026. The event officially opened to the public on Tuesday on Budapest's Obuda Island, bringing together ...

2026 Sziget Festival held in Budapest, Hungary
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. Artists stage a performance during the 2026 Sziget Festival in Budapest, Hungary, Aug. 10, 2026. The event officially opened to the public on Tuesday on Budapest's Obuda Island, bringing together ...

Chinese anti-war film casts US as invader, outperforms Hollywood, through a human, kitchen-centered view of Middle East conflict
Years after tackling social issues in the breakout hit film Dying to Survive, Chinese director Wen Muye returns with Once Upon a Time in the Middle East. The film opened nationwide in China on Tuesday, and, including advanced screenings, crossed 200 million yuan ($29.6 million) at the box ...

Out-of-work Chinese actors turn to theme parks as immersive characters after AI squeezes short-drama jobs
Guo Lanying, China's 'People's Artist' and voice of 'My Motherland,' passes away at 97

Guo Lanying, China's 'People's Artist' and voice of 'My Motherland,' passes away at 97
Out-of-work Chinese actors turn to theme parks as immersive characters after AI squeezes short-drama jobs

Svoboda.org

В Калужской области меняют порядок продажи бензина
Решение власти связали с новыми очередями на заправках

Потери Wildberries и его продавцов могут составить 600-800 млрд рублей
Общие потери крупнейшего российского маркетплейса Wildberries и работающих с ним продавцов от ударов российских беспилотников могут составить 600-800 млрд рублей. Об этом в четверг пишет Forbes со ссылкой на оценку ведущего аналитика исследовательского агентства Data Insight Сергея Семко. По подсчетам эксперта, восстановление складов и инфраструктуры может стоить компании RWB от 147 до 223 млрд рублей. В том случае если потребуется полный демонтаж, вывоз отходов и рекультивация территории,...

В Италии произошёл взрыв на заводе оборонного холдинга KNDS
Причина мощного взрыва выясняется

Комик Саша Долгополов заочно арестован по делу о реабилитации нацизма
Об этом сообщает "Медиазона"

Власти Польши сообщили об аресте россиянина за подготовку убийства
По словам премьера Туска, арестованный дйествовал по заданию Москвы

В Новосибирске арестована активистка "Аграрного совета"
Ранее в четверг у Ларисы Михайловой прошли обыски

Ремонт НПЗ в Орске после атаки дронов может занять около полугода
Власти уже ввели ограничения на продажу топлива

В Севастополе в результате взрыва погиб военнослужащий Минобороны РФ
Подозреваемая задержана

На Северном Кавказе зафиксировали самые низкие среднедушевые доходы в России
В четырёх регионах Северо-Кавказского федерального округа (СКФО) зафиксировали самые низкие среднедушевые доходы в России. Худшая ситуация – в Ингушетии, где показатель составляет 24,7 тысячи рублей в месяц. Это почти в три раза меньше среднего значения по стране и почти в десять раз меньше, чем у лидера рейтинга – Чукотского автономного округа. Карачаево-Черкесия заняла третье место с конца – там среднедушевые доходы населения составили 34 тысячи рублей. На пятой строчке Дагестан с...

В Севастополе при обезвреживании снаряда погибли пять человек
Четыре сотрудника МЧС и охранник

Россия и Украина обменялись телами погибших военных
Российская сторона передала 261 тело погибших, украинская – 24

На Трампа подали в суд из-за продажи раннего доступа к его постам
Согласно иску, месячная подписка составляет 100 тысяч долларов

Япония выразила протест в связи с визитом Путина на Курилы
Российский президент впервые посетил остров Итуруп

ВСУ: Украину атаковали более 130 дронов. Есть погибшие и раненые
Часть Измаила осталась без электроснабжения

22-летний житель Чечни осуждён на шесть лет колонии за комментарии о Путине

После атаки дронов горит НПЗ "Газпром нефтехим Салават" в Башкортостане
Также атакован склад Wildberries

Зеленский сообщил об освобождении 26 сёл в нынешнем году
Проект DeepState обновил карту, показав успехи ВСУ

Генштаб ВСУ: при атаке на Новороссийск поражены 4 корабля РФ
Украинские военные в ночь на 12 августа в ходе удара по Новороссийску поразили четыре российских военных корабля, утверждает Генштаб ВСУ. По предварительным данным, повреждены фрегаты "Адмирал Макаров" и "Адмирал Эссен", малый ракетный корабль "Буян-М" и сторожевой корабль "Василий Быков". Независимых подтверждений этого пока нет, однако известно, что в порту Новороссийска после ночной атаки отмечены пожары на нефтяном терминале и в Военной гавани, где расположены стоянки российских...

Сценарист Павел Тетерский покинул Россию, отбыв арест
У него дома также прошёл "осмотр помещения"

Путин пригрозил "зеркальными мерами" - захватом европейских судов
В ответ на задержания судов теневого флота

Africanews

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.

Nigeria's rescued kidnap victims face physical and psychological toll
Fifty-seven residents of Woro, rescued earlier this month, are being treated at a hospital in Ilorin, with most of the suffering notably from malnutrition.

Meet the main contenders in Zambia's presidential vote
An incumbent, two former ministers and a veteran journalist are among 14 candidates vying to become Zambia's president in an election Thursday.

Cameroon defeat Morocco 3-1 to reach Women’s AFCON final
Cameroon are through to the Women’s AFCON final after a dramatic penalty shootout against hosts Morocco. The two sides couldn’t be separated after 120 minutes, with Morocco missing a huge chance to seal the win when Fatima Tagnaout saw her penalty saved in the 118th minute.

Thousands watch partial solar eclipse in north of Algeria
It was in a zone that experience almost 98 per cent of totality as the moon passed between the Earth and the sun.

Fewer children, more seniors as fertility drops across Maghreb
Economic pressures and changing social norms are driving couples in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia to have fewer babies, with a recent study saying Maghreb fertility was at a historic low. Across all three Maghreb countries, fertility rates fell by more than half since the 1970s.

Soaring stingray numbers off California beaches drive record injuries
California is seeing unusually large numbers of round stingrays near its beaches, as warmer coastal waters and an expected strong El Niño draw the animals closer to shore.

Colombia: "scene of horror" as Pereira rescuers search rubble
Colombia's earthquake death toll rose to 265 in Pereira by 12 August 2026, with almost 500 still missing. Rescuers described scenes of horror as the critical 72-hour survival window closed.

Zambia: Polls open in elections expected to favour incumbent president
President Hakainde Hichilema is running on his economic record even as households face a cost of living crisis.

Half a million visitors flock to Spain’s path of total solar eclipse
Spain witnessed its first total solar eclipse in more than a century on Wednesday 12 August, drawing millions of people to viewing sites across the north of the country as the Moon passed directly in front of the Sun.

Moroccan authorities say they have beefed up security at Ceuta border
The annoucement comes as calls resurfaced on social media for mass crossings into the Spanish enclave in North Africa.

DRC: World Health Organisation Chief sounds alarm on ebola outbreak
Having returned from a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo, the world health organisaiton chief is sounding the alarm on the ebola outbreak.

Tunisia: Sidi Bou Said residents welcome UNESCO inscription
It's been two weeks since Tunisia's Sidi Bou Said was inscribed on the UNESCO world heritage list, much to the delight of residents.

Chef preserves Hatay's culinary heritage after devastating earthquake
Chef preserves Hatay's culinary heritage after devastating earthquake

Zambia: Hakainde Hichilema expected to win upcoming vote
14 candidates are throwing their hats in the ring to become Zambia’s next president in the upcoming election. Among them is main opposition challenger Brian Mundubile, seeking to defeat president Hakainde Hichilema.

Europe swelters through record heat as drought and wildfires intensify
Western Europe has endured its hottest June-July period on record, with extreme heat, drought and wildfires gripping parts of the Northern Hemisphere. The WMO says the warming climate is making heatwaves more frequent, intense, longer and more widespread.

Ebola outbreak takes heavy toll on Bunia's economy and public health
Health officials say misinformation and delayed treatment continue to fuel the outbreak.

HYROX fever sweeps Bangkok as fitness craze takes Asia by storm
HYROX is gaining momentum across Asia, drawing everyone from elite athletes to first-time competitors into a fast-growing fitness phenomenon. In Bangkok, packed training sessions are preparing participants for a race combining running and functional workouts.

WAFCON: Morocco to face Cameroon Wednesday evening
Women's Africa Cup of Nations tournament hosts Morocco and Cameroon will face each other Wednesday evening at the Moulay El Hassan stadium.

Meta faces major US trial over alleged youth social media addiction
Meta faces a high-stakes trial in California over allegations that Facebook and Instagram were deliberately designed to keep minors hooked. A coalition of U.S. states is seeking sweeping changes to the platforms and potentially up to $1.4 trillion in penalties.

Hichilema rallies thousands as Zambia heads to presidential vote
Tens of thousands of supporters gathered in Lusaka for President Hakainde Hichilema’s final campaign rally ahead of Thursday’s election, as the incumbent seeks a second term amid concerns over jobs, living costs and allegations of opposition intimidation.

Quake leaves Colombian towns in ruins as Valle del Cauca counts dead
Western Colombia hit by deadly quake as Zarzal, Roldanillo and El Cairo report widespread damage.

Colombia quake rescuers save woman after 36 hours trapped in rubble
A 32-year-old woman has been rescued alive in Pereira after spending 36 hours trapped beneath a collapsed building. Rescuers located her 10 hours before reaching her.

Rescued kidnap victims in Nigeria recount ordeal during 6 months of captivity
After six months in captivity, victims of a mass kipnapping in Nigeria’s Kwara state have been recounting their ordeal. More than 100 people abducted from the Woro community were rescued by government forces earlier this month.

Cristiano Ronaldo marries long-time partner Georgina Rodriguez
Together, the couple command hundreds of millions of social media followers and have expanded their brand beyond football through investments in fashion, hospitality and other business venture

Funeral held for Libya’s military intelligence chief killed in car bombing
Senior Libyan National Army officials gathered in Benghazi on Tuesday for the funeral of military intelligence chief Fawzi al-Mansouri, killed in a car bombing a day earlier as he left a mosque. His assassination has raised fresh security concerns in Libya’s divided east.

Death toll in Zimbabwe ferry disaster rises to 44: police
At least 44 people lost their lives when a ferry sank on Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba on Tuesday, the Zimbabwe Republic Police said, releasing an updated toll.

Kenya bids to become first African nation to host World Athletics Championships
Kenya Bids to Become First African Nation to Host World Athletics Championships

Moment Cali hospital collapses after powerful Colombia earthquake
A 7.4 quake in Colombia partially collapsed the Hospital Universitario del Valle in Cali on Monday, forcing patients outside as rescuers search for hundreds feared trapped.

Europe scrambles for eclipse glasses as solar power output set to dip
Shops and opticians across Europe are running short of certified eclipse glasses ahead of Wednesday’s total solar eclipse, with queues forming in Paris, London and Brussels as demand surges.

US Senate votes to extend AGOA trade programme for 32 African nations
The United States Senate has approved a two-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, maintaining duty-free access on more than 1,800 products from eligible countries.

At least 14 artisanal miners killed after illegal mine collapses
At least 14 artisanal miners were killed and eight others injured when the walls of an illegal mine collapsed in on them, South African police said on Tuesday.

At least 18 killed in Egypt truck crash, many children
At least 18 people, many of them children aged 13 to 14, were killed on Tuesday in northern Egypt when two pick-up trucks carrying agricultural day labourers crashed, a local medical source told AFP.

Libya oil company says blazes contained after drone attacks on complex
A major gasoline reservoir in Libya's Zawiya, west of Tripoli, caught fire and collapsed on Monday after what authorities said was an attack by unknown perpetrators.

DR Congo Ebola death toll surpasses 2,000 as scientists trace likely origin
Adding to scientists' understanding of the crisis, a new study has found that the outbreak was most likely triggered by a new spillover of the virus from animals to humans, rather than continued transmission from a previous Ebola outbreak.