Large wildfires are rapidly spreading in Washington and Oregon due to hot, dry, and windy weather. Firefighters are working to control many fires, especially the Wrights Spring Fire in Oregon and the Little Giant Fire in Washington, which have caused evacuations and damage to homes.
Key Facts
The Pacific Northwest is the most active wildfire region in the U.S. this summer.
There are 46 large, uncontained fires burning across Washington and Oregon.
Nearly 30,000 firefighters are battling 98 large fires nationwide.
The Wrights Spring Fire in Klamath County, Oregon, has burned 46,769 acres and is not yet contained.
The Wrights Spring Fire was caused by lightning and started on August 5.
The Little Giant Fire in Chelan County, Washington, has destroyed about 26 structures, including homes and cabins.
Evacuations and road closures are in effect in areas affected by the fires.
One firefighter, Jason Ensign, died while fighting the Wrights Spring Fire.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a peace plan proposed by President Donald Trump to advance a ceasefire in Gaza. Netanyahu said Israel will not withdraw from Gaza territory until the militant group Hamas is fully disarmed, delaying progress on the ceasefire and reconstruction efforts.
Key Facts
Netanyahu has a long history of balancing Israel’s security concerns with maintaining good relations with the U.S.
Netanyahu rejected Trump’s ceasefire plan less than three months before Israeli elections.
The plan involved Hamas gradually giving up weapons while Israel would stop attacks and withdraw forces.
Hamas accepted the plan but tied disarmament to the creation of a Palestinian state, which Israel opposes.
Israel controls about 60% of Gaza territory, with Hamas controlling the rest.
Netanyahu’s government refuses to pull back until Hamas is completely disarmed.
Since the ceasefire took effect, Israeli military strikes on Gaza have lessened, with over 1,250 Gaza deaths reported since.
Israeli military strike authority was reportedly limited to the army chief of staff as part of efforts to support the ceasefire.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have launched new attacks on Yemen’s government-held port city of Mokha and other areas, raising concerns about the possible return of civil war and threats to important shipping routes. At the same time, Iran insists it will not reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz until the United States meets certain demands, while President Donald Trump demands compensation from Iran for past attacks.
Key Facts
Houthi rebels attacked Yemen’s port city Mokha and the central region of Marib using missiles and drones.
The attacks have killed at least seven people, including government troops, and heightened fears of renewed civil war.
Mokha is a key port controlled by Yemen’s internationally recognized government and is important for shipping.
The Houthis also targeted oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, which supports Yemen’s government.
The Strait of Hormuz, a major oil shipping route, remains closed by Iran due to tensions with the U.S. and Israel.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz without U.S. lifting of blockades and other demands.
President Donald Trump has stated he wants compensation from Iran for Americans killed in past attacks.
The conflict affects critical shipping lanes that connect oil exports to the rest of the world.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Firefighters in Indonesia have mostly controlled a wildfire at Mount Bromo in East Java, which burned nearly 900 hectares of land in a national park. The fire has closed the popular tourist site and caused ongoing efforts to extinguish remaining hot spots while smoke from other fires in Indonesia has led to health problems and school closures.
Key Facts
The wildfire at Mount Bromo began last week and affected about 900 hectares (2,224 acres) of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.
The fire damaged areas of dry grass, vegetation, and protected edelweiss flowers.
Mount Bromo, a major tourist spot with volcanic landscapes, has been closed to visitors to prevent danger and the fire spreading.
Firefighters are still fighting hot spots in four park areas using ground crews and airplanes.
Indonesia faces a wider wildfire crisis during its dry season, with nearly 48,900 hectares (121,000 acres) of peatland burned across six provinces.
Peat fires are difficult to put out because they can burn underground and flare up again.
Smoke from peat fires causes haze, reducing air quality, harming health, and leading to school closures, such as in Pontianak city.
Indonesia’s government is using over 35 aircraft including helicopters and planes for firefighting in Sumatra and Borneo regions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A drone strike caused a large fire at Libya’s Zawiya oil refinery, and a car bomb killed a senior military officer in Benghazi, eastern Libya. These attacks occurred amid ongoing violence and division in Libya, a country with competing governments in the east and west.
Key Facts
A drone hit a gasoline tank at the Zawiya oil refinery, starting a fire that burned overnight.
The Zawiya facility holds critical energy infrastructure, including the country's largest oil refinery.
No casualties were reported from the fire at Zawiya.
Another drone attack nearby caused no damage or injuries.
A car bomb in Benghazi killed Maj. Gen. Fawzy al-Mansouri, a senior military intelligence officer.
The Libyan National Army, led by Khalifa Hifter, controls the eastern part of Libya.
Libya remains divided between rival governments and armed groups in the east and west.
These attacks highlight ongoing insecurity in the country years after the 2011 civil war.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Zambia is preparing for its 8th general election since it returned to multi-party democracy. President Hakainde Hichilema is running for a second term, and voters will also elect lawmakers and local councilors.
Key Facts
Zambia will hold a general election on Thursday.
This is the 8th election since Zambia returned to multi-party democracy.
President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking re-election for a second term.
The election includes choosing members of parliament and local councilors.
Zambia is known for having rich copper reserves and important minerals.
The country is located in southern Africa.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
At least 2,011 people have died in Congo's fastest-spreading Ebola outbreak, with a total of 4,381 confirmed cases since May 15. The outbreak, caused by a rare Ebola virus type without approved vaccines, is difficult to control due to rebel conflicts, poor roads, and unpaid health workers striking.
Key Facts
The outbreak has caused 2,011 deaths and 4,381 confirmed cases as of August 2026.
It is the second-largest Ebola outbreak ever, after the 2014-2016 West Africa epidemic.
The virus involved is the rare Bundibugyo type, which currently has no approved vaccines or treatments.
Clinical trials for vaccines and treatments have started in the hardest-hit province of Ituri.
The outbreak began likely in February but was only detected in May.
Conflicts, difficult roads, and health workers’ strikes slow down the response efforts.
Most new cases are outside of the tracked contacts, making containment harder.
The World Health Organization declared this outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
China has been a world leader in green technology and robotics. However, its economic growth has slowed recently, causing some people to feel left behind and unhappy with the government.
Key Facts
China has a long-standing deal where citizens accept government control in exchange for economic progress.
China leads the world in green technology and robotics industries.
Recently, China's economic growth has slowed down.
This slowdown has caused some signs of unrest and dissatisfaction among citizens.
The government is facing challenges in maintaining the economic benefits promised to its people.
The BBC spoke with Chinese citizens who feel they are not benefiting from the country's progress.
The story was reported by BBC’s China correspondent Laura Bicker.
A photo shows workers on a factory production line in Guangzhou, China, dated July 27, 2026.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Zacarias Moussaoui, considered by many as the "20th" hijacker in the 9/11 attacks, arrived in Minnesota in August 2001 to train as a pilot but raised suspicion at a flight school. Despite his arrest on immigration charges, the FBI and intelligence agencies failed to understand the seriousness of the threat before the attacks.
Key Facts
Moussaoui arrived in Minnesota on August 11, 2001, to attend flight simulation training.
He was paying cash and showed unusual behavior that made the flight school suspicious.
He admitted he did not want a pilot’s license and only wanted to learn to fly, but not take off or land.
The flight school reported him to the FBI, resulting in his arrest on immigration charges on August 16.
Moussaoui had ties to al-Qaeda but no proof he met other 9/11 hijackers or was planned to be in the September 11 attack.
Prior to Minnesota, he attended flight school in Oklahoma but left before completing the course.
He trained at an al-Qaeda camp in Afghanistan before coming to the U.S.
The FBI and intelligence agencies did not respond strongly to Moussaoui’s arrest, missing a chance to prevent the attack.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Syrian court sentenced ousted President Bashar Assad, his brother Maher, and their cousin Atef Najib to death in a trial held without Assad present. They were charged with crimes against humanity and war crimes during Syria’s long civil war that caused about 500,000 deaths.
Key Facts
The court sentenced Assad, his brother Maher, and cousin Atef Najib to death.
The charges include crimes against humanity and war crimes during the 14-year Syrian conflict.
The war resulted in around half a million deaths.
Atef Najib was held responsible for leading a violent crackdown in Daraa province, which triggered the uprising.
Najib appeared in court in a prisoner’s uniform inside a cage during the sentencing.
Assad and Maher Assad fled to Russia in December 2014 after rebels entered Damascus.
Najib was later detained and became one of the highest-ranking officials tried in the case.
Najib was a brigadier general and headed the Political Security Branch in Daraa in 2011.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Russian forces attacked several cities in Ukraine with missiles, drones, and glide bombs, killing at least nine civilians. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said Russia is receiving more ballistic missiles and military support from North Korea and preparing to increase its forces for further conflict.
Key Facts
Russia attacked Ukrainian cities including Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk with missiles and drones.
At least nine civilians were killed, including a 15-year-old boy.
Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy said Russia used ballistic missiles supplied by North Korea.
Zelenskyy warned that North Korea is sending more troops and weapons to assist Russia.
Russia and North Korea have a strategic partnership agreement signed over two years ago.
Experts say North Korea is gaining battlefield experience that could increase its regional threats.
Russia is increasing missile production to overcome Ukraine’s shortage of Patriot air defense systems.
Russian attacks also hit parts of Kyiv, including near a children’s hospital, but no injuries were reported there.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 struck western Colombia on August 10, 2026, killing at least 111 people and damaging or destroying around 1,600 buildings. Rescue teams and volunteers are searching through rubble for survivors, while thousands of people remain missing.
Key Facts
The earthquake affected multiple cities including Cali, Quibdó, Pereira, and others.
Over 1,600 buildings were damaged or collapsed by the quake.
At least 111 deaths were confirmed by President Abelardo de la Espriella.
More than 2,700 people were reported missing after the earthquake.
The town of El Cairo had about 80% damage, and many homes there are fragile.
The Chocó region, near the earthquake epicenter, is poor and hard to access.
The Colombian government deployed military, police, rescue teams, and search dogs to help.
The U.S. government pledged $15.5 million to provide emergency shelters, food, and aid.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Syrian court sentenced President Bashar al-Assad and his maternal cousin to death for war crimes and crimes against humanity during Syria’s long civil war. The court trial happened without Assad being present, as he and his brother fled to Russia after rebels entered Damascus in December 2024.
Key Facts
The sentence was given by a Syrian court on Tuesday for crimes during a 14-year civil war.
President Bashar al-Assad was sentenced to death in absentia, meaning he was not at the trial.
Assad’s maternal cousin, Atef Najib, was also sentenced to death; he was involved in the crackdown in Daraa province that sparked the war.
Najib was held in a cage wearing a prisoner’s uniform during the trial.
Assad and his brother Maher left Syria and went to Russia after opposition forces entered Damascus in late 2024.
Atef Najib is a former army brigadier general and was head of political security in southern Syria in 2011.
The trial is part of new cases started by Syria’s transitional authorities against former government figures.
This is the first ruling of its kind by the current transitional government.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Andy Burnham, prime minister, is working on changes to a prisoner early release scheme to stop the killers of police officer Andrew Harper from being freed early. He has asked the justice secretary to create a new plan with options like sending more foreign prisoners home and using more prison space, aiming to present it to parliament soon.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham has expressed concern about early release of offenders involved in PC Andrew Harper’s killing.
He is confident the early release scheme can be revised to keep these offenders in jail.
Burnham has asked the justice secretary to speed up a new plan for parliament next month.
The plan includes speeding up removal of foreign prisoners to their countries.
It also aims to resolve issues with IPP sentences, possibly allowing lower-risk prisoners’ release.
Burnham wants to better use all prison spaces, including female prisons for male offenders.
Murderers, rapists, serious child sex offenders, and groomers are already exempt from early release.
Police Federation chair welcomed Burnham’s decision and noted strong public support against early release.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 hit western Colombia, killing at least 132 people and damaging many buildings. Rescue teams, soldiers, and local people are working together to find survivors, while thousands of people are still reported missing.
Key Facts
The earthquake struck on Monday and affected cities including Cali, Quibdo, and Pereira.
About 1,600 buildings have been damaged or collapsed due to the quake.
More than 2,700 people were reported missing by Monday night.
In El Cairo, near the quake's center, 80% of the town's buildings were damaged.
Many houses made of sticks and mud fell during the earthquake.
President Abelardo de la Espriella has deployed the military, police, engineers, rescue teams, and search dogs.
The United States offered $15.5 million in emergency aid.
The affected region is one of Colombia’s poorest and hardest to reach areas.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Turkey’s parliament approved a new law that offers a conditional pardon to thousands of Kurdish militants linked to the PKK group. This move aims to support the government’s efforts to create peace with the Kurdish insurgents.
Key Facts
Turkey’s parliament passed a law granting conditional pardons to many PKK militants.
The PKK is a Kurdish militant group involved in a long-running conflict with Turkey.
The pardon is part of a government plan to promote peace and reduce violence.
The law was approved on Monday, August 11, 2026.
This is a significant step in Turkey’s peace initiative with Kurdish groups.
The pardon is “conditional,” meaning certain rules or requirements must be met for release.
The decision follows years of conflict between Turkey and Kurdish militants.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Thousands of young people in India protested in New Delhi to demand changes to medical entrance exams after a leak caused several deaths. The protests led to the resignation of the Education Minister and forced the government to change the exam system. Some protesters, like Kunal Choudhary, come from families that support the ruling party and its close ideological group, the RSS.
Key Facts
Protests in India were sparked by leaked medical exam papers, linked to over 20 student suicides.
The Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned following the protests.
The government promised changes to entrance exams after public outrage.
Kunal Choudhary, a 19-year-old law student, joined the protests even though his family supports the BJP and RSS.
The RSS is a Hindu nationalist group founded in 1925, which influences the BJP party.
RSS members often take part in weekly meetings with martial drills and ideological training.
The RSS was banned briefly in 1948 after an alleged member killed Mahatma Gandhi but was reinstated and became politically active through the BJP.
Some youth critics say the RSS promotes hate against Muslims and Dalits, India’s marginalized caste group.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A large fire broke out at Libya’s biggest oil refinery in Zawiya after unknown attackers used drones to hit fuel tanks. Emergency teams are working to control the blaze, and so far no serious injuries have been reported. The situation shows ongoing instability as rival groups in Libya continue to struggle for power.
Key Facts
The Zawiya oil refinery west of Tripoli was struck by drones multiple times over two days.
A fuel tank holding about 4.5 million liters was hit and collapsed after catching fire.
Libya’s National Oil Corporation may stop refinery operations if attacks keep happening.
No serious injuries; most treated for smoke inhalation.
The refinery produces around 120,000 barrels of oil each day.
Similar attacks targeted a naphtha storage tank and a water desalination plant recently.
Libya remains divided between two main power groups since the fall of leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
The current conflict involves forces in the east led by Khalifa Haftar and the western government based in Tripoli.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Syria’s former president Bashar al-Assad and Atef Najib, a former security official, were sentenced to death by a court in Damascus. They were found guilty of murder and torture linked to violent actions during Syria’s civil war in 2011.
Key Facts
Bashar al-Assad was sentenced to death for premeditated murder.
Atef Najib was sentenced to death for premeditated murder and torture.
The court ruled the actions in Deraa province were crimes against humanity.
The trial took place in Damascus, Syria’s capital.
The crimes occurred during the early stages of the Syrian civil war in 2011.
Ataf Najib was the former head of political security in Deraa province.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A 29-year-old man has been arrested in Glasgow in connection with a racist attack on delivery driver Muhammad Jawad Yaqoob during protests last month. The man faces charges of racially-aggravated assault after throwing a traffic cone at Yaqoob, who was targeted with racial abuse. Police continue to investigate and plan more arrests.
Key Facts
The attack happened on 25 July during protests at Glasgow Green.
Yaqoob, a 31-year-old delivery driver from Pakistan, was hit by a traffic cone thrown by the suspect.
The incident was recorded and widely shared on social media.
Fifteen people were arrested during the protests, and more arrests are expected.
The protests involved anti-immigration and anti-racism groups leading to violent and hate-related incidents.
Yaqoob said he felt unsafe returning to work after the attack but had to continue due to financial needs.
Police Scotland deployed a major investigation team to identify other suspects.
The clashes coincided with the opening weekend of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
