At least five people, including a child, were killed in an attack on residential areas in South Kordofan, Sudan, by the rebel group SPLM-N. The attack worsened an already serious humanitarian crisis and followed other recent deadly attacks on minority communities in the region.
Key Facts
The attack happened in the town of Dilling in South Kordofan province.
The Sudan Doctors Network says the SPLM-N used artillery against civilians.
At least five people, including a child, died and several were injured.
Earlier attacks by SPLM-N killed over 21 people from the Otoro tribe, a minority group.
The SPLM-N is a breakaway group from South Sudan’s ruling party and is allied with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Fighting is linked to ethnic tensions and land disputes amid a larger civil war between Sudan's army and RSF.
A ceasefire was proposed by RSF but rejected by SPLM-N leader Abdel Aziz al-Hilu.
The United Nations warns that foreign involvement and external military supplies are worsening the conflict.
Since fighting began in April 2023, tens of thousands have died, 13 million people are displaced, and many face famine.
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Two senior officials from Britain's Reform UK party resigned after a hidden-camera investigation showed them discussing large foreign donations, including a £500,000 contribution from a US donor, which is illegal under UK law. Party leader Nigel Farage denied wrongdoing and called the investigation entrapment, while rivals reported the party to the police.
Key Facts
Two senior Reform UK officials stepped down after a Channel 4 News undercover investigation.
The investigation revealed plans to accept over £30,000 from a US company for opinion polls.
Discussions were recorded about securing a £500,000 donation from a US donor, banned by UK election law.
Undercover journalists posed as US donors with British ties and recorded meetings for a year.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage thanked the would-be donors on camera but denied illegal activity.
The party is already under investigation over a £5 million donation from a crypto billionaire in 2024.
Rival parties, including Labour, reported Reform UK to the police over the alleged foreign donations.
Reform UK officials resigned while an internal inquiry is underway to examine the scandal.
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A mudslide in eastern China caused by heavy rain from tropical storm Saudel killed one person and left 11 missing. The disaster damaged homes and forced many residents to evacuate to safer areas.
Key Facts
The mudslide happened early Saturday in Suichuan County, Jiangxi province.
One person was found dead, and two others were rescued alive.
About a dozen houses were damaged by the mudslide.
Tropical storm Saudel made multiple landfalls in Zhejiang and Fujian provinces, neighbors of Jiangxi.
Over 100 houses collapsed in Putian city, Fujian province, after heavy rain.
A dike broke in Fujian, causing flooding and trapping people.
Around 600,000 residents were evacuated from dangerous areas in Fujian.
Rescuers used inflatable boats to help stranded people in flooded streets.
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Actors Robert Pattinson and rock band Oasis members Noel and Liam Gallagher attended the Venice Film Festival for the premieres of their new movies. Pattinson stars in “Primetime,” a film about the TV series “To Catch a Predator,” while the Gallagher brothers appear in a documentary about their 2025 reunion tour. Both films will be released in U.S. theaters in September.
Key Facts
Robert Pattinson stars as Chris Hansen in the film “Primetime.”
“Primetime” explores a 2006 sting operation related to the show “To Catch a Predator.”
The film is based on an article by journalist Luke Dittrich published in “Esquire.”
Director Lance Oppenheim aimed to show the different ambitions of people involved in the TV sting operation.
Chris Hansen was not involved in making the film and criticized some aspects, declining to sign a non-disclosure agreement to watch it.
The Oasis documentary, titled “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” follows their 2025 reunion tour and explores the Gallagher brothers’ relationship.
The Venice Film Festival also honored George Clooney with a lifetime achievement award and included a strong performance by John Malkovich in “Wild Horse Nine.”
Both “Primetime” and the Oasis documentary will be released in U.S. theaters in September 2026.
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An explosion at a military barracks in Viacha, Bolivia, killed at least 10 people and injured many others. The blast happened where fireworks and other explosive materials were stored.
Key Facts
The explosion occurred at a military barracks in Viacha, Bolivia.
At least 10 people died because of the blast.
Dozens of people were injured following the explosion.
The facility stored fireworks and other pyrotechnic materials.
The explosion caused significant damage in the area.
The incident is currently under investigation by local authorities.
Emergency services responded to treat the injured and secure the site.
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The U.S. Treasury Department has sanctioned a Turkish bank named Golden Global Bank and its subsidiaries due to alleged links with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and a shadow banking system moving Iran’s oil money. The Turkish bank denies the claims, says it follows all banking rules, and plans to fight the sanctions legally.
Key Facts
The U.S. Treasury accused Golden Global Bank of handling large amounts of money for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force.
The bank is said to help Iran move oil revenues from China to Turkey using gold and cash.
Golden Global Bank says it follows local and international banking rules and denies any wrongdoing.
The bank plans to take legal action against the U.S. sanctions.
The sanctions put Golden Global Bank and its subsidiaries on the U.S. Specially Designated Nationals list, blocking them from the U.S. financial system.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the sanctions are part of a stronger effort called Operation Economic Outcast to pressure Iran.
The U.S. Ambassador to Turkey said the sanctions target one bank and do not reflect on Turkey’s financial system as a whole.
The U.S. is also targeting other banks linked to Iran’s shadow banking system in a broader campaign.
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Families of eight Ecuadorian fishermen who disappeared at sea after reporting US surveillance are asking for explanations. They suspect the men might have been harmed by a US drone strike or detained by US forces.
Key Facts
Eight Ecuadorian fishermen went missing at sea.
The fishermen reported being watched by US surveillance before disappearing.
Families believe the fishermen may have been hit by a US drone strike.
There is also concern that the men could have been detained by US authorities.
The families are actively seeking answers about what happened to their loved ones.
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Israeli airstrikes in southern and eastern Lebanon killed at least three people and injured 23 others, according to Lebanon's health ministry. The strikes happened despite a ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah and targeted several locations including the southern Tyre, Nabatieh, and Beqaa regions.
Key Facts
At least three people were killed and 23 wounded by Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon.
The strikes hit five locations in southern Tyre, Nabatieh, and the Beqaa region.
Two young men were killed while riding a motorcycle in Nabatieh.
The Israeli army said it captured the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge from Hezbollah, who did not confirm this.
Some of the wounded included children, women, and rescuers in the Tyre area.
The clashes happened despite a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah.
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the capture of the strategic ridge.
The article also mentions ongoing conflict in Yemen and US political comments on the Iran war.
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British beekeepers have warned that the invasive Asian hornet is harming native bees and other pollinators, which threatens food production and biodiversity. They are calling for a national campaign in the UK to raise awareness, support public reporting, and help control the spread of the hornet.
Key Facts
The Asian hornet, originally from southeast Asia, arrived in Europe around 2004 and continues to spread.
Warmer springs and summers may be helping the hornet population grow.
At the end of summer, hornets produce new queens that start new nests in spring, increasing their numbers across Britain.
Asian hornets prey on native insects, including honeybees, damaging pollination and honey production.
The National Bee Unit (NBU) destroyed a record 161 nests in 2025 to limit the hornet’s spread.
Genetic tests in 2024 showed that hornet queens survived winter and established new nests.
Public help is vital: nearly 30,000 sightings were reported in 2024, leading to the discovery of 24 nests.
New technologies like radio transmitters and AI systems are being tested to find and control hornet nests faster.
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A fire broke out in a newborn nursery at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences hospital in Islamabad on August 26. Staff nurse Razia Noreen rescued one baby but 14 others died in the fire. The exact cause of the fire is still unknown.
Key Facts
The fire started at 6:38 am on August 26 in the newborn nursery of Pakistan’s largest public hospital.
There were 15 babies in the nursery; 14 died and only one survived, saved by nurse Razia Noreen.
Noreen tried to rescue more babies but thick smoke and fire blocked her way.
The fire likely began near an air-conditioning unit, but other possible causes include an incubator or electrical short circuit.
Power went out during the fire, making rescue efforts harder.
Rescue teams had to break windows and grills to enter the ward.
Nurse Noreen received an award from Pakistan’s Prime Minister for her courage during the fire.
An official government inquiry into the fire has been started but the cause remains unconfirmed.
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Dolly Parton and Gloria Steinem, two influential figures connected to women's rights and feminism, died eight days apart, causing worldwide reflection on their impact. Steinem was known for her political activism and founding Ms. Magazine, while Parton used her music and public persona to support women without calling herself a feminist.
Key Facts
Dolly Parton and Gloria Steinem, both icons linked to women’s rights, died days apart.
Steinem was a political activist who worked undercover as a Playboy bunny and founded Ms. Magazine.
Parton was a famous singer and storyteller who did not identify as a feminist but supported women.
Steinem praised Parton for empowering women and using her success to help poor communities in Tennessee.
Both women believed in women making their own choices and supporting each other.
Parton avoided public political statements to maintain fans on both sides of political issues.
Steinem wrote in 1987 that feminism is about finding your own power, which she felt Parton embodied.
Their deaths led many to wonder who will continue leading efforts for women’s rights.
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The Metropolitan Opera in New York held auditions to select a snake for a role in their new production of Mozart’s opera “Così fan tutte.” A boa constrictor named Princess was chosen to perform alongside the snake charmer played by Zoe Ziegfeld in a 1950s Coney Island-themed adaptation.
Key Facts
The Metropolitan Opera is adapting Mozart’s 1790 opera “Così fan tutte” with a 1950s Coney Island carnival setting.
Zoe Ziegfeld, a performer turned opera actor, plays the snake charmer and is responsible for selecting the snake.
Snakes were auditioned by having them slither, wrap around, and be comfortable with people on stage.
Princess, a large yellow-peach boa constrictor, was chosen for the snake role.
A smaller brown boa named Nala will be Princess’ understudy for the performances.
This is the third time Zoe Ziegfeld has played the snake charmer role in the Met’s productions.
The opera’s original story is about two soldiers testing their lovers’ faithfulness through disguise and seduction.
The auditions took place in New York on August 28, 2026.
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The United Nations General Assembly approved a resolution to use maps that show Africa’s true size more accurately. The current Mercator map, used for centuries, makes some countries look bigger or smaller than they really are.
Key Facts
The UN General Assembly passed a resolution about map accuracy.
The resolution focuses on showing Africa’s correct size on maps.
The Mercator map is widely used but distorts country sizes.
The Mercator map was created centuries ago.
Changing to better maps helps people understand the real size of countries.
The new maps aim to improve global awareness of geography.
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Russian forces called Africa Corps helped Niger’s government stop a mutiny at a military base in Niamey last weekend. This shows Russia’s growing role in protecting military rulers in Niger and other Sahel countries, beyond just fighting extremist groups.
Key Facts
Mutinous soldiers tried to seize a key military base in Niger’s capital, Niamey.
Russia’s Africa Corps supported Nigerien loyalist forces to retake the base.
Africa Corps is controlled by Russia’s defense ministry and has about 200-300 troops in Niger.
Russia’s ambassador confirmed Russian forces helped stop the mutiny.
Africa Corps also helped repel an extremist attack at the same airport in January 2024.
The military government in Niger is reliant on Russia for security as jihadist violence continues.
Military leaders in Niger took power in a 2023 coup, blaming previous civilian leaders and Western partners for failing to control the violence.
Inside Niger’s military, some soldiers feel they lack sufficient support and equipment to fight ongoing insurgent attacks.
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Two explosions happened at a military base in Viacha, Bolivia, killing at least 10 people and injuring many others. The blasts happened in a place where fireworks were kept, and the cause of the explosions is still being investigated.
Key Facts
The explosions occurred at a military facility about 30 km from La Paz, Bolivia.
At least 10 people died and around 62 were injured in the blasts.
Fourteen injured people were taken to hospitals in La Paz, including a girl with serious burns.
Seven people were reported missing after the explosions.
Fireworks were stored at the base, and officials are investigating how they exploded.
Nearby homes were damaged, and many civilians were hurt by broken glass.
Authorities warn of a heat source at the site and advise people to stay at least 150 meters away.
An official investigation is ongoing to find the cause and check for responsibility.
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Malaysia declared a state of emergency in the Serian district of Sarawak because wildfires in Indonesia caused dangerously high air pollution. Schools and many workplaces there will close while cloud-seeding efforts try to bring rain and reduce the haze.
Key Facts
The declaration covers Serian Division in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, due to hazardous air pollution levels.
King Sultan Ibrahim approved the emergency after the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee requested it.
647 schools will close from Monday until at least the end of next week; many offices and construction sites will also close.
Only essential services will continue operating during the emergency.
A cloud-seeding operation to encourage rain began Thursday and may extend through Monday.
The haze comes from wildfires in Indonesia’s Kalimantan region and Sumatra island, worsening air quality across Southeast Asia.
Neighboring areas like Sabah, Peninsular Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, and the Philippines are also affected by the smoke.
Scientists warn that peak temperatures this month may worsen the wildfires due to hotter, drier conditions.
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Scientists say that damage to Gaza’s sewage system, caused by Israeli actions, might have made an algae bloom in the Mediterranean Sea worse. This algae bloom has caused most Israeli water desalination plants to stop working, affecting water supply in Israel.
Key Facts
Israel damaged Gaza’s sewage system.
This damage may have contributed to a larger algae bloom in the Mediterranean Sea.
Algae blooms are large growths of algae that can harm water quality.
The Mediterranean algae bloom has affected Israel’s water supply.
Five out of six Israeli desalination plants have stopped working because of this bloom.
Israel relies heavily on desalination plants to get fresh water due to its dry climate.
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President Donald Trump has sent envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Russia and Ukraine with a new plan to try to end the war in Ukraine. The proposal may offer Ukraine security guarantees and suggest a first step toward a ceasefire.
Key Facts
President Trump sent Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Moscow and Kyiv as envoys.
Their mission is to share a new peace plan for the war in Ukraine.
The plan might include guarantees to keep Ukraine safe.
It may also propose an initial ceasefire between the fighting sides.
The effort aims to help bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine.
The news was reported by Al Jazeera journalist Kimberly Halkett.
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Ethiopia’s federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) signed the Pretoria Agreement in November 2022 to end the war and disarm Tigrayan forces. However, fighting has not fully stopped, and the TPLF has rebuilt its political power and kept some military strength, raising doubts about lasting peace.
Key Facts
The Pretoria Agreement aimed to stop fighting, disarm Tigrayan forces, and allow displaced people to return.
Tigrayan forces handed over heavy weapons and some fighters joined disarmament programs after the agreement.
The peace deal required the TPLF to stop recruiting and preparing for war, but reports in 2026 suggest renewed recruitment and clashes.
The TPLF has strengthened its political position in Tigray, with leadership changes and the regional council electing a new president.
The conflict’s underlying political and territorial issues remain unresolved.
Many Tigrayan civilians want peace and fear a return to war due to reports of recruitment.
The TPLF has developed new relationships, including contacts with Eritrean officials.
The Pretoria Agreement ended large-scale war but did not fully create lasting peace or stability in the region.
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An explosion happened at a military barracks in Viacha, Bolivia, killing at least two people and injuring many others. The blast was caused by stored pyrotechnic material, and authorities are still investigating the exact cause.
Key Facts
The explosion occurred around 14:30 local time at an artillery regiment barracks in Viacha, 30 km from La Paz.
At least two people have died, but some officials estimate the death toll could be between 10 and 15.
About 58 people were injured by the blast.
The explosion damaged many nearby homes, mainly breaking windows.
Emergency workers are searching through rubble for more victims.
Officials warned of possible further explosions and advised people to stay at least 150 meters away from the barracks.
Police said fireworks were stored at the barracks, but the cause of the blast is still being investigated.
The local government declared three days of mourning after the incident.
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