A staff member from the Australian political party One Nation has been accused of pretending to be a leftwing social media content creator at anti-Pauline Hanson rallies. The person, working undercover, filmed videos designed to challenge protesters and make them look bad, while falsely claiming to be from a known leftwing social media page called Toilet Paper Australia.
Key Facts
One Nation posted videos showing a male host attending leftwing protests and interviewing protesters.
The host sometimes asked questions intended to embarrass or catch protesters off guard.
The host claimed to be from Toilet Paper Australia, a popular political meme page that opposes One Nation.
Toilet Paper Australia denied any connection with the person and said they do not represent them.
Protesters at rallies in Brisbane and other cities said the host did not raise suspicion and seemed like a typical media person.
One protester said the host introduced himself as being from Toilet Paper Australia before filming.
Some attendees said the host asked “leading questions,” which allowed them to criticize One Nation’s party.
Videos were published on One Nation’s social media accounts including Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter).
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Mali's President Assimi Goïta pardoned a French man named Yann Vézilier, who had been sentenced to 20 years in prison. Vézilier was accused by Mali's military government of taking part in a plan to destabilize the country.
Key Facts
Yann Vézilier is a French national sentenced to 20 years in prison in Mali.
He was accused by Mali’s military government of plotting to destabilize Mali.
President Assimi Goïta granted him a pardon on August 13, 2026.
The pardon does not question the facts of his trial, which reportedly respected legal defense rights.
Vézilier was immediately removed from Mali after the pardon.
Mali’s military government has been ruling the country since a coup.
The French foreign ministry had not commented on the pardon at the time of the report.
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Iran’s paramilitary Basij commander said Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz and manages its security, rejecting President Donald Trump’s claim that the US has full control of the waterway. Iran says no ship can pass through the strait without its permission and will not reopen it unless the US meets its commitments under a ceasefire deal.
Key Facts
Iran’s Basij commander said the Strait of Hormuz is under Iran’s control and management.
President Trump claimed the US has “total control” of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has effectively blocked the strait since the US-Israeli war on Iran started on February 28.
The US has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian shipping but says it will protect navigation for non-Iranian ships.
Iran’s military command said US claims about normal ship passage are lies.
Iran will not reopen the strait unless the US fulfills terms of an interim ceasefire deal.
Iran warned it would respond more strongly in any future conflict.
A 2024 ceasefire deal briefly ensured free navigation but broke down after Iranian attacks and US strikes.
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Israeli settlers have surrounded three homes in the West Bank, including one owned by a Palestinian American. The U.S. ambassador described this as a terrible act of terror. Israeli troops were sent to the area during this situation.
Key Facts
Three homes in the West Bank were besieged by Israeli settlers.
One of the homes belongs to a Palestinian American.
The U.S. ambassador called the siege a "horrific act of terror."
Israeli military forces were sent to respond to the settler siege.
This event is part of ongoing tensions in the region.
Allegra Pacheco, leader of the West Bank Protection Consortium, discussed the situation publicly.
The incident has drawn attention from international observers.
The West Bank is a region with frequent conflicts between Palestinians and Israeli settlers.
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Poland arrested a Russian citizen planning to kill a Ukrainian-American in Warsaw, according to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The attacker was reportedly recruited by Russia's secret services to target someone seen as a threat to the Putin regime.
Key Facts
The Russian suspect was detained on August 7 in Warsaw.
The planned victim held both Ukrainian and US passports.
Polish authorities stopped the attack just before it happened.
This is the first known attempt by Russia to attack an American citizen on NATO territory.
Poland has faced several acts of sabotage linked to Russia since the war in Ukraine began in 2022.
A Russian artist critical of Putin was killed earlier this year in Poland.
Poland is a NATO and EU member country on Russia’s eastern border.
Moscow denies involvement in attacks against its critics in Europe.
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Voters in Zambia went to the polls on August 13, 2026, to decide whether President Hakainde Hichilema should have a second term. The main issue in the election was the country’s economic difficulties, despite Zambia being rich in copper resources.
Key Facts
Zambia held a presidential election on August 13, 2026.
President Hakainde Hichilema is running for a second term.
The election focus was on economic challenges facing Zambia.
Zambia is a country known for its rich copper deposits.
Voters are weighing the president’s record on managing the economy.
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Poland stopped a Russian plan to kill a Ukrainian American citizen in Warsaw. The Polish prime minister said this was the first time Russia tried to attack an American in a NATO country.
Key Facts
A Russian plot targeted a Ukrainian American citizen in Warsaw, Poland.
Polish authorities stopped the plan before it could happen.
The incident was announced by Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
This is the first known Russian attempt to attack an American in a NATO country.
Warsaw is the capital city of Poland.
NATO is a group of countries that agree to protect each other.
The target was both Ukrainian and American.
Poland shared this information publicly on a Thursday.
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Israeli forces took action against settlers who were attacking Palestinians. At the same time, the U.S. ambassador strongly condemned the settlers’ actions as terrorism. Meanwhile, Israel opened a new settlement in the West Bank.
Key Facts
Israeli troops moved to stop settlers who were laying siege to Palestinians.
The U.S. ambassador called the settlers’ actions an "act of terror."
This criticism from the U.S. was unusually strong.
Despite these events, Israel officially opened a new settlement in the West Bank.
The West Bank is a disputed area with conflicts between Israelis and Palestinians.
The situation reflects ongoing tensions in the region.
The U.S. remains involved in commenting on the conflict.
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A judge in Miami will decide if Andrew and Tristan Tate should stay in jail while the U.S. deals with the request to send them back to the UK. The brothers face serious charges there including rape and sex trafficking.
Key Facts
Andrew and Tristan Tate are social media influencers.
They are currently in custody in Miami, Florida.
There is a legal process underway about their extradition to the United Kingdom.
They are accused in the UK of rape and sex trafficking.
A federal judge will hear arguments on whether they should remain in custody.
The case involves international legal cooperation between the U.S. and the UK.
The decision will affect whether the brothers can leave the U.S. while fighting the charges.
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Taiwan carried out internet and air raid drills to prepare for possible attacks from China. These exercises tested how well Taiwan can keep communication working during disruptions and defend its cities in emergencies.
Key Facts
Internet services were cut off for about 30 minutes in northern Taiwan during the drill.
A siren sounded at 2:30 p.m., telling people to take shelter for 30 minutes.
The drills are part of Taiwan’s annual Han Kuang military exercises.
This year’s exercises focused more on long-term fighting, city defense, and cooperation between civilians and the military.
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te said the drills help make society stronger and more stable.
China claims Taiwan as its territory and has increased military pressure, including air and naval operations near Taiwan.
Taiwan rejects China’s claim; most Taiwanese do not support unification with China.
This was the longest Han Kuang exercise on record, including new tests for medical evacuation and underground hospital operations during war.
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A large oil spill from the tanker Caroline Bezengi has reached the coast of Oman, threatening local beaches and marine life. The spill started after the tanker ran aground near Oman following suspected explosions on board in early June.
Key Facts
The Caroline Bezengi tanker began leaking oil after running aground about 41 km from Oman's coast near Sharbithat.
The spill has spread over 2,000 square kilometers of ocean and threatens 40 km of coastline near Ras Madraka and part of Masirah Island.
The tanker was carrying around 800,000 barrels of oil that are under Western sanctions.
Explosions on the tanker occurred off Yemen’s coast in early June, damaging the ship and causing it to take on water.
The tanker’s route included passing through conflict zones such as the Black Sea, Suez Canal, and near Yemen.
This ship is part of Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a group of vessels used to avoid sanctions, often with poor maintenance and safety records.
Oman’s Environment Authority and the UN’s International Maritime Organization are monitoring the spill and working to contain it.
The affected area includes marine reserves that protect rare species like sea turtles.
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Ukraine attacked Russia’s grain export terminals at the Novorossiysk port, while Russia targeted grain infrastructure in Ukraine’s Odesa region. These attacks between the two countries threaten the supply of grain to countries that depend on imports, increasing the risk of famine.
Key Facts
Ukraine damaged Russia’s grain export terminals at the Novorossiysk port.
Russia struck grain infrastructure in Ukraine’s Odesa region.
Both countries are major exporters of grain.
The attacks are a response to each other in ongoing conflict.
Damage to grain facilities puts food supply in vulnerable, import-dependent countries at risk.
These actions threaten global food security, especially in places facing famine.
The Black Sea is a key route for shipping grain from both countries.
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The Ebola outbreak in Congo has reached a new area called Bas-Uele province after a person who had traveled there died. This means the disease has now spread to six provinces in the country.
Key Facts
The Ebola outbreak in Congo has spread to Bas-Uele province for the first time.
A person who traveled from Isiro in Haut-Uele province to Buta, Bas-Uele’s capital, died from Ebola.
Bas-Uele was previously free of Ebola cases in this outbreak.
The head of Africa CDC, Jean Kaseya, announced the new spread.
This brings the total number of affected provinces in Congo to six.
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A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 hit Colombia, causing widespread damage and nearly 300 deaths. Rescue teams are working hard to find survivors and provide help to those affected.
Key Facts
The earthquake measured 7.4 on the Richter scale.
Nearly 300 people have died due to the quake.
Rescue operations are ongoing in Colombia.
The city of Pereira is among the areas affected.
Teams are searching for people trapped under debris.
Relief efforts include providing medical aid and supplies.
The earthquake caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure.
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Singer Becky G talked about growing up in the music industry and how she uses her songs to support important causes. She also discussed working with other famous artists.
Key Facts
Becky G signed with a record label when she was 14 years old.
She appeared on "CBS Mornings" to share her story.
Becky G combines her music career with advocacy for causes she cares about.
She has collaborated with other well-known musicians.
The interview was exclusive to CBS News.
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The Ebola outbreak in Congo has spread to a sixth province, Bas-Uele, after a man died there following travel from another affected province. This outbreak is the fastest-growing and deadliest in the region since Ebola first appeared, with over 2,100 deaths and no approved vaccine or treatment for the specific virus involved.
Key Facts
Ebola has reached Bas-Uele province, the sixth province affected in Congo.
The infected man traveled from Haut-Uele province to Bas-Uele before he died.
Over 2,100 people have died out of more than 4,500 cases recorded so far.
This outbreak is spreading faster than the 2014-16 West Africa Ebola outbreak.
There are no approved vaccines or treatments for the Bundibugyo virus causing this outbreak.
Health workers in one treatment center went on strike due to unpaid wages, temporarily closing the facility.
The outbreak began in February but was officially declared in May.
The disease spreads through contact with bodily fluids and contaminated objects and is often deadly.
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France has started disciplinary action against its ambassador to the Central African Republic (CAR) after reports he brought many young women into his official home, causing security worries. The investigation took place as France works to improve relations with CAR amid growing Russian influence in the country.
Key Facts
The French ambassador to CAR is Bruno Foucher, aged 65.
Reports say he hosted about 30 women aged 20 to 30 in his residence between January 2024 and March 2026, some overnight.
The ambassador admitted to having sexual relations with two of the women.
French officials launched an investigation in CAR in 2026 and later began formal disciplinary proceedings.
Foucher has been ambassador to CAR since 2023 and previously served in Lebanon, Iran, and Chad.
The ambassador reportedly told staff to let one woman stay at the residence when he was away.
Russia has a strong presence in CAR, mainly through the Wagner paramilitary group, and influences the country’s security.
France is trying to rebuild ties with CAR, which weakened as Russia’s role grew stronger.
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Meghan Markle’s online shop, As Ever, receives more website visits than King Charles III’s Highgrove Gardens shop but fewer than the main Royal Family website. Web traffic to As Ever has generally decreased in 2026, while Highgrove Gardens shop reports annual revenue and profit that support King Charles’s charity.
Key Facts
Meghan Markle launched As Ever in 2025 as a lifestyle brand connected to her Netflix show.
As Ever’s website traffic dropped from about 268,200 visits in January 2026 to 126,655 visits in July 2026.
Around 31% of As Ever’s July visitors came from the U.S., which is its only shipping market.
About 26% of As Ever’s visitors were returning customers in July 2026.
King Charles’s Highgrove Gardens shop had about 48,326 website visits in July, with a higher rate of returning visitors.
Highgrove Gardens shop made £5.7 million (~$7.7 million) in sales in 2025, with £591,000 profit supporting The King’s Foundation charity.
Highgrove sells products both online and in physical stores, unlike Meghan’s As Ever, which sells only online.
The official Royal Family website had many more visitors but does not directly relate to sales or revenues.
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A new study found that the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) started from a new transmission of the virus from animals to humans, not from previous human outbreaks. The outbreak has killed over 2,000 people and is spreading faster than health workers can control.
Key Facts
The Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC has caused more than 2,000 deaths out of 4,449 cases.
Genetic analysis shows the virus strain is different from previous outbreaks in 2007 and 2012.
The current outbreak began with an animal-to-human transmission, also called a zoonotic spillover.
The animal source of the virus has not yet been identified.
This outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, for which no vaccine exists yet.
The virus spreads mainly through human-to-human contact after the initial animal transmission.
WHO warns this outbreak could become the deadliest Ebola epidemic in history.
The outbreak was officially declared in May 2023 but the virus circulated from February.
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Ukraine attacked three Russian warships at Russia's Novorossiysk port in the Black Sea, damaging two frigates and a patrol ship. Ukraine said it has damaged about one-third of Russia's Black Sea fleet using drones and missiles. The attacks also hit port facilities, caused civilian damage, and resulted in casualties in the Krasnodar region.
Key Facts
Ukraine struck the Russian warships Admiral Essen, Admiral Makarov, and the patrol ship Vasily Bykov at Novorossiysk port.
The Russian frigates carry Kalibr cruise missiles, which have been used in attacks against Ukraine.
Ukraine claims to have damaged or destroyed about one-third of Russia's Black Sea fleet by 2026 using drones and domestic missiles.
Russia previously lost its Black Sea flagship Moskva and a submarine in Sevastopol, Crimea.
Russia moved many ships from Crimea to Novorossiysk due to increased dangers near Ukraine.
Ukrainian attacks also targeted oil and grain facilities, damaging a radar and causing damage to residential buildings.
Russian officials reported casualties, including three deaths and 24 injuries, from the drone attacks on Krasnodar region.
Russia claims to have intercepted over 500 Ukrainian drones across several regions including Krasnodar and Crimea.
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