BBC News

Jason Arday, ex-Cambridge professor at centre of plagiarism row, found dead
His family said it was "in shock to have lost this amazing father, partner, brother, uncle and son" after the academic was found dead in London on Friday.

Fires prompt national alert as 19 homes destroyed
The prime minister said 37 fires were currently burning across England and Wales

Temporary ban on disposable BBQs as military deployed to help battle wildfires
Single-use grills pose a "significant risk to the public" in current drought and heatwave conditions, the government warns.

Five years after the Taliban swept to power, does the West have any influence?
Five years after the Taliban swept to power, many are asking whether the West has any bargaining chips left

Heathrow Airport warns of disruption following floods
Water in the central terminal area means passengers cannot use roads to the airport

BBC seeks to subpoena Trump's family members in Panorama lawsuit
The BBC's lawyers argue Trump's family members "have personal knowledge" of his intentions in the speech he gave outside the US Capitol on 6 January 2021.

At least 14 dead after 7.7-magnitude earthquake strikes Indonesia
The earthquake struck off Flores island in the country's east early on Saturday morning.

Europe's scorched landscapes seen from space after summer heatwaves
BBC Verify examines the impact of drought and extreme heat on western European rivers, fields and mountains.

Like Greg James, I lost my dog - and my grief was overwhelming and complicated
The grief of losing a pet is complicated and often comes with guilt, writes Helena Wilkinson.

I wish I had been a more rebellious teenager, says Bella Ramsey
Ramsey stars in a new film about a cancer survivor who attends “chemo camp” and finds friendship, love and freedom.

Many Canadians are boycotting the US, so this is where they're travelling instead
From exploring their own backyard to travelling abroad, many Canadians are spending their money elsewhere to send a message to the US president.

How is parkour helping these seniors avoid injuries?
In one of the world's fastest aging countries, older people are finding creative ways to stay healthy.

'I shot Mr Thompson'- What it was like inside court as Mangione pleaded guilty
It marked the first time a court had heard Mangione describe how he committed a crime that garnered worldwide attention.

The Papers: 'Row professor found dead' and 'barbecue ban'
Former Cambridge Professor Jason Arday's death and the ban on barbecues in Britain lead Saturday's papers.

Derailed Essex to London train leads to travel chaos
More than 60 patients were checked over by ambulance crews but all were discharged at the scene.

Activists try to deliver aid to Palestinians in homes besieged by Israeli settlers
Two families have been trapped in their homes in the occupied West Bank for several days.

Hodgkinson beaten to European gold by rival Werro
Keely Hodgkinson is forced to settle for European silver as Switzerland's Audrey Werro denies the Briton a third consecutive title in a thrilling 800m final.

Air India pilot's reported cannabis test: What it can and can't tell investigators
A reported cannabis-positive test involving an Air India pilot raises questions about what such a result can actually tell investigators.

Britain's Finlay Tarling dies in Volta a Portugal accident
British cyclist Finlay Tarling dies at the age of 19 in a serious accident during the eighth stage of the Volta a Portugal.

Bezos-backed consortium buys a third of Liverpool FC
Liverpool's owners agree to sell about a third of the club to a consortium including billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos - in a deal that values the Reds at more than £5bn.

Stephen Bear jailed over sex offender breaches
The TV personality posted in Brazil "the police will not be able to catch" him, a court hears.

Two dead after light aircraft crash
A plane travelling from England on Friday did not arrive at Caernarfon Airport as scheduled.

Builders unearth €9m gold stash sealed in walls of Belgian property
Construction workers found the stash in the walls of a cellar while drilling to lay sewage pipes.

Eurovision proposes new rules to reduce political voting
Organisers reportedly say politically motivated voting is "persistent" and is seen as "deeply worrying".

'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?

Fresh rivals & forced to settle for silver - but Hodgkinson up for fight
Keely Hodgkinson says she is proud of her ability to "continue to fight" after taking silver behind Audrey Werro at the European Athletics Championships.

Are fans now more invested in star names than clubs?
From Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham, are star names a bigger draw than clubs for young fans?

Britain's Finlay Tarling dies in Volta a Portugal accident
British cyclist Finlay Tarling dies at the age of 19 in a serious accident during the eighth stage of the Volta a Portugal.

'This is the right one' - Rohl on leaving Rangers for Salzburg
Danny Rohl explains why he left Rangers for Red Bull Salzburg - where he hopes to win trophies and help develop young players.

Scheffler equals course record to lead first play-off event
Scottie Scheffler equalls the course record with a nine-under 61 as he opens up a three-stroke lead at the end of the second round of the St Jude Championship in Memphis.

Al Jazeera

Small-scale projects offer hope for Gaza farmers rebuilding lives
Greenhouses and rented plots are lifelines for Gaza's farmers, helping them grow crops despite the extensive destruction

How a Sudanese refugee became a head teacher in a Chadian camp
Displaced by Sudan’s war, Sahra now leads a refugee school where education offers children safety and hope.

Morocco boosts Ceuta security amid calls for mass migrant crossing
Morocco has added barbed wire and more police near Spain’s Ceuta enclave after online calls for another mass crossing.

On the ground in Indonesia following 7.7 magnitude earthquake
A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck off eastern Indonesia early Saturday, killing at least five people.

Taiwan passes defence budget after record delay, retains drone funding
Taiwan parliament ends deadlock, ensuring vital drone programme funding amid rising cross-strait tensions with Beijing.

Iran says no decision yet on a return to talks with the US
FM Abbas Araghchi says Iran is working with Oman on routes, but Hormuz shipping depends on US meeting conditions.

What we know about the crisis aboard the USS Lincoln
The US President has brushed off reports of dire conditions and a mental health crisis aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.

Did the US really destroy Iran’s ballistic missile capability?
The US claims it destroyed Iran’s missile capability, but a former White House adviser calls that a “pipe dream".

India marks 80th Independence Day with military display
India marked its 80th Independence Day at Delhi’s historic Red Fort.

HRW says US civil rights enforcement reduced under Trump: What to know
A new report documents how federal agencies have reduced the number of civil rights cases they pursue as staffing falls.

US President Trump says he will declare Strait of Hormuz US territory
US President Donald Trump said he will “soon” declare the Strait of Hormuz a US territory.

Venezuela says 131 political prisoners freed amid post-Maduro talks
As detainees granted 'alternative' to imprisonment, US welcomes release as crucial step for Venezuela's reconciliation.

7.7-magnitude earthquake strikes eastern Indonesia
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Indonesia, damaging buildings and sending residents to higher ground.

At least 20 killed as magnitude 7.7 quake hits Indonesia
The death toll is expected to climb further as emergency teams continue search and rescue efforts.

Mangione pleads guilty as polarising CEO killing reaches new phase
Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty to federal charges over the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in 2024.

Buenaventura residents criticise state neglect after Colombia’s earthquake
Locals in impoverished areas say the insufficient government response after the earthquake speaks to a broader trend.

Lula holds slim lead over Flavio Bolsonaro ahead of Brazil election
A new poll shows Lula leading Bolsonaro, but the gap has closed ahead of Brazil's high-stakes presidential election.

UN urges support for Afghan women’s aid five years into Taliban rule
More than half of women’s organisations operating in Afghanistan could cease operations within next year: UN Women.

Families angered by slow search for loved ones after Colombia quake
Families are demanding answers over loved ones buried under rubble in Cali, Colombia after Monday’s 7.4 magnitude quake.

Iran war live: Trump vows to make Hormuz US territory ‘pretty soon’
US President Trump says that 'pretty soon' he will declare the Strait of Hormuz a US territory once Iran is defeated.

Lebanon’s PM urges timetable for Israeli withdrawal as Hezbollah slams deal
Hezbollah criticises Beirut’s approach, accusing officials of exposing the Lebanese army to risks and Israeli pressure.

Houthi attack on port kills four eroding truce with Yemen’s government
Six Houthi ballistic missiles struck Yemen's government-held al-Makha port, killing at least four.

Yemen’s government says Houthi attack on al-Makha kills at least four
Hostilities are rising between Iran-backed Houthis and Yemen's internationally recognised government.

Trump says he will declare Strait of Hormuz a US ‘territory’ amid Iran war
Control over the strait has been a sticking point in the ongoing ceasefire negotiations between the US and Iran.

Wildfires rage across Europe as heatwaves drive record temperatures
Wildfires fuelled by record heat are ravaging Europe, burning around 500,000 hectares and forcing thousands to flee.

Global Times

GT Exclusive: Testimony across 80 years
"April 7, 1946. Cloudy. Very cool." In Nanjing, David Nelson Sutton, a US assistant prosecutor at the Tokyo Trial, wrote ...

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 ...

China blasts Japanese politicians paying respects to Yasukuni war shrine on 81st anniversary of its unconditional surrender
China strongly deplores Japan's negative moves related to the Yasukuni war shrine, and has lodged serious protests against Japan, a ...

US cyberattack push risks fueling 'privateer-style' cyber piracy, disrupts global cyberspace order, expert warns
The US government is encouraging American companies to launch their own cyberattacks against criminal hackers, a move that certain US ...

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

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

GT Voice: What are China's tech giants betting on with AI spending?
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
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 ... On eve of 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender, China's MND warns against neo-militarism resurgence as Tokyo eyes record defense budget China's Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Friday warned of the dangers posed by Japan's neo-militarism, as Tokyo continues to expand its defense budget, develop offensive capabilities and aggressively expanded ...

Warhammer 40,000 tie-in draws young donors, shows power of pop culture in public welfare
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 ... On eve of 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender, China's MND warns against neo-militarism resurgence as Tokyo eyes record defense budget China's Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Friday warned of the dangers posed by Japan's neo-militarism, as Tokyo continues to expand its defense budget, develop offensive capabilities and aggressively expanded ...

On eve of 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender, China's MND warns against neo-militarism resurgence as Tokyo eyes record defense budget
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. 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 ... China's Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Friday warned of the dangers posed by Japan's neo-militarism, as Tokyo continues to expand its defense budget, develop offensive capabilities and aggressively expanded ...

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

Chinese chip giant SMIC's Q2 net profit jumps nearly 262% on AI demand surge
Chinese chipmaker Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) reported a jump of 261.7 percent in its second-quarter net profit, with revenue topping $3 billion. SMIC co-CEO Zhao Haijun on Friday attributed the sharp growth to surging demand for artificial intelligence (AI)-related supporting chips.

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.

A clown, an apple, and 6 million likes: Chinese acrobatics finds a new generation
At an amusement park in Beijing, a young female clown tossed an apple into the air several times, catching it each time and taking bites out of it along the way. The seemingly simple routine delighted visitors, many of whom pulled out their phones to film it. Videos ...

Chinese animated hit "All Wishes Come True" makes North American premiere
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
Chinese animated hit "All Wishes Come True" makes North American premiere

Svoboda.org

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

"Яблоко" подало апелляцию на решение об отстранении от выборов
Её рассмотрят 17 августа

Жертвой покушения в Польше должен был стать рэпер Киевстонер
ФСБ считает, что рэпер причастен к подготовке диверсий СБУ

В странах Центральной Азии масштабное отключение электричества
Пострадали Казахстан, Узбекистан, Таджикистан и Кыргызстан.

Более 1200 россиян осудили за "терроризм" в первую половину 2026 года
В день выносят по 10 приговоров

Суд арестовал обвиняемую в подрыве российского офицера в Севастополе
Маргарите Реутт 32 года, ранее её штрафовали за "дискредитацию армии"

Политик Борис Надеждин рассказал, почему решил уехать из России
По словам политика, он предпочёл эмиграцию тюрьме

Пентагон: на восстановление энергетики Украины потребуется до года
Документ охватывает период с 1 апреля по 30 июня 2026 года

ФСБ: осуждённый на 23 года Георгий Пирогов работал на разведку Польши
В 2024 году при невыясненных обстоятельствах он пропал в Узбекистане

Политику Льву Шлосбергу запросили 12 лет колонии
По делу о повторной дискредитации армии

Украину атаковали более 100 беспилотников. Есть погибшие
На Краматорск сброшены авиабомбы

Глава Башкортостана заявил, что бронзовую версию памятника Салавату Юлаеву планируют установить в октябре 2027 года
Ранее власти республики решили не восстанавливать на прежнем месте демонтированный в прошлом году памятник.

В Тверской области во время атаки БПЛА повреждён склад Wildberries
В Ленобласти целью атаки стал порт Усть-Луги

Africanews

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.

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.