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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The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) has launched a new mission to reach Gaza by sea in October. The group aims to challenge what it calls Israel’s blockade of Gaza, despite past violence against flotilla participants and ongoing difficult conditions in Gaza.
Key Facts
The FFC is sending two ships, Handala II and Kate, which have stopped at several European ports and plan more stops before heading to Gaza.
The mission intends to pressure governments to ensure safe passage for the flotilla and demand an end to blockades on food, water, and medicine into Gaza.
Activists involved include human rights workers, peace advocates, medical staff, and elected officials.
Past flotillas faced violent Israeli interceptions, including the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident, which resulted in the death of 10 activists.
In recent years, Israel detained hundreds of flotilla participants, with reports of mistreatment such as sleep deprivation and denial of medical care.
Gaza’s humanitarian situation is severe, with most families lacking clean water and damaged sanitation systems.
The blockade and attacks have targeted hospitals, aid warehouses, and medical supplies despite a ceasefire.
The flotilla mission plans to continue despite known risks, emphasizing the urgent need for action on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza.
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President Donald Trump is sending envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow and Kyiv with a new plan to try to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. They will meet leaders in both capitals and explore if peace progress is possible after more than four years of conflict and recent increases in attacks.
Key Facts
The envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are traveling to Moscow on Saturday and Kyiv on Sunday.
President Trump says they have a proposal to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
The war started with Russia’s full invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and is Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II.
Ukraine’s President Zelensky proposed a ceasefire while the envoys are in the region, with no air strikes from either side.
The Kremlin has not commented on the envoys’ visit or the peace plan.
Witkoff and Kushner have previously attempted diplomacy in Moscow and have experience negotiating ceasefires in other conflicts like Gaza and Iran.
Recent fighting includes long-range missile and drone attacks, including a rare strike on Ukraine’s security headquarters in Kyiv.
The peace talks come amid stalled US diplomatic efforts and warnings from US intelligence to Russia.
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Romanian prosecutors have charged Andrew and Tristan Tate with new sex crimes involving coercion and trafficking. The brothers, now in a Miami jail and fighting extradition to the UK, deny all accusations and face ongoing investigations related to exploiting a minor.
Key Facts
Andrew Tate, 39, faces charges including trafficking minors, money laundering, and sex with a minor.
Tristan Tate, 38, is charged with helping in trafficking minors and money laundering.
Prosecutors say the brothers made over $1.2 million by forcing a girl to perform sex acts on video chats.
The main victim was allegedly recruited by Tristan at age 15 and exploited in both the UK and Romania.
Andrew Tate is accused of using control, surveillance, and violence to exploit the girl.
The prosecutors want to seize four luxury cars linked to the brothers, worth about £710,000.
The Tates are currently in a Miami jail, fighting extradition to the UK on other charges.
Their lawyer says these charges do not prove guilt and will be carefully challenged in court.
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Canada is involved in a growing trade conflict with the United States. Even though the US is the bigger trading partner, Canada still holds influence because it is a key customer for many US states.
Key Facts
Canada buys goods from 26 US states as the top customer.
It ranks among the top three customers for 45 out of 50 US states.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has some options to respond in the trade dispute.
The trade conflict includes rising tariffs, which are taxes on imported goods.
The tension between Canada and the US is increasing, affecting trade relationships.
The information comes from a BBC report with analysis by Jessica Murphy.
The trade war impacts states like Maine, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
The US President mentioned in the context is President Donald Trump.
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Sydney and parts of eastern Australia are experiencing unusually early and strong spring heat, with temperatures reaching record highs for this time of year. Meanwhile, southern New South Wales is seeing snowfall in the mountains, while other regions face high fire risks, strong winds, and flood threats due to a strong El Niño weather pattern.
Key Facts
Sydney is forecast to reach up to 33°C on a September day, much hotter than usual for early spring.
Early September temperatures in Sydney are expected to average 27°C, close to midsummer levels.
A strong north-westerly wind is pushing temperatures well above average along the NSW coast.
A total fire ban is in place in the greater Sydney area because of extreme fire danger.
Snowfall is falling in the Snowy Mountains town of Thredbo, although overall snow levels remain very low after a warm winter.
South Australia faces strong winds up to 110 km/h, and parts of Victoria and Tasmania are under flood watch after heavy rains.
The current El Niño weather event is the strongest on record and is likely to continue until early 2027.
El Niño typically brings hotter, drier weather to southern and eastern Australia, increasing heatwave, drought, and bushfire risks.
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Ecuador supported a recent US operation that sank three Ecuadorian vessels suspected of supporting drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific. Both countries said the ships were used to refuel boats moving drugs toward Mexico and the United States.
Key Facts
Ecuador and the US worked together in a drug-smuggling investigation in the Eastern Pacific.
Three Ecuadorian vessels were sunk by the US after being accused of aiding drug traffickers.
The US Southern Command said the vessels served as floating fuel stations for drug boats linked to the Los Choneros gang.
Ecuador's Interior Minister said the operation was part of international cooperation against drug trafficking.
Videos show US forces boarding and sinking one vessel, but the time and location are not independently confirmed.
Relatives of some crew members say the people on the boats were fishermen and no drugs were found; this claim isn’t verified.
The Ecuadorian navy received 28 crew members from the sunk vessels and brought them to Manta port.
This is part of President Trump’s continuing campaign against drug trafficking at sea, which has raised concerns in Latin America.
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Nigel Farage's political party, Reform U.K., is accused of trying to get money from foreign sources, which is against UK law. An undercover investigation recorded party leaders discussing this, but Reform U.K. says they did nothing wrong and that the investigation was a trick.
Key Facts
Reform U.K. is a political party led by Nigel Farage.
British law bans political parties from accepting money from foreign sources.
An undercover report claims senior Reform U.K. members talked about getting foreign funds.
Reform U.K. denies any illegal actions.
The party says the undercover investigation was a hoax designed to trap them.
This controversy is happening during Reform U.K.'s annual meeting.
CBS News reported on the investigation and party's response.
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Three new presenters—James Engelsman, Thomas Holland, and Francis Bourgeois—have started hosting the motoring show The Grand Tour on Amazon Prime Video. They face the challenge of following the original hosts Clarkson, Hammond, and May, who were well-loved by fans. The new team hopes viewers will give the show a chance despite mixed early reviews.
Key Facts
The Grand Tour is a motoring show originally hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May.
James Engelsman and Thomas Holland are YouTubers known for their car-focused channel Throttle House.
Francis Bourgeois is a social media star famous for his enthusiasm for trains.
The three presenters were chosen for their chemistry and car knowledge.
The new show includes trips to countries like Angola, Malaysia, and Wales.
Early reviews of the new series have been mixed.
The new hosts understand fans may be skeptical but ask viewers to watch before judging.
Engelsman and Holland were gradually involved in the show’s development before being officially chosen.
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The Indian state of Maharashtra has given taxi and tuk-tuk drivers an extra year to learn Marathi, the state's official language, after new rules triggered protests. Drivers must learn basic Marathi to improve communication with passengers, but many are migrant workers who need more time, according to state officials.
Key Facts
Maharashtra started testing drivers on their Marathi language skills on 20 August.
Drivers who failed were initially given one month to learn Marathi or risk losing their licenses.
Protests arose because many drivers are migrants from other states and worried about losing jobs.
The state extended the deadline by one year for drivers to learn Marathi.
Maharashtra has about 979,000 valid taxi and tuk-tuk permits, half in Mumbai.
The language rule aims to make travel safer and improve communication.
Marathi language and identity issues are deeply connected to job and migration politics in Maharashtra.
Maharashtra’s history includes political movements supporting Marathi speakers’ rights to jobs and language use.
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Parts of central and southern Europe are experiencing very high temperatures above 40°C, especially in Spain and France. This hot air will move briefly into the UK this weekend, bringing warmer weather before cooler conditions return next week.
Key Facts
Temperatures in Spain and France have reached over 40°C, with southwest Spain hitting 45.7°C recently.
The heat is caused by hot, dry air coming from North Africa.
Orange extreme heat warnings are active in parts of Spain, France, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia.
Some areas in Spain will continue to see temperatures above 40°C even in early September.
Southern France will have highs near 40°C, while Greece and Turkey are cooling but still warm.
Warmer air will reach the UK this weekend, with temperatures mostly in the low to mid 20s Celsius.
The south-east of England could see temperatures up to 27 or 28°C.
Cooler and wetter weather is expected in the UK next week, making a heatwave unlikely soon.
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The EU official in charge of enlargement, Marta Kos, cancelled her visit to Serbia because of the country's public praise of Ratko Mladic, a convicted war criminal. Mladic recently died and was honored by the Serbian government, despite his conviction for war crimes and genocide during the Bosnian War.
Key Facts
Marta Kos is the EU official responsible for managing EU expansion.
She cancelled her planned trip to Serbia due to celebrations honoring Ratko Mladic after his death.
Mladic was convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes by a UN court in 2017.
He died at age 84 while serving a life sentence in The Hague.
Serbia held a military honor ceremony for Mladic’s body when it was returned from The Hague.
Some people and government leaders in Serbia consider Mladic a hero despite his crimes.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic criticized Kos’s cancellation and supported the official funeral with state honors.
Serbia has been trying to join the EU since 2014, but progress has slowed partly due to issues linked to Mladic’s legacy.
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A 6,700-pound statue showing hands holding a piece of the World Trade Center is being moved to a public park in Pennsylvania. This move is happening before the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
Key Facts
The statue weighs 6,700 pounds.
It depicts hands holding up a beam from the World Trade Center.
The statue is being relocated to a public park in Pennsylvania.
This move is scheduled ahead of the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
The statue serves as a memorial to the events of September 11, 2001.
The 25th anniversary will take place in 2026.
The statue symbolizes the strength and memory of those affected by 9/11.
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Beyoncé is marking her birthday by releasing a special 20th anniversary deluxe edition of her album "B'Day." The new edition celebrates the success and impact of the album originally released twenty years ago.
Key Facts
Beyoncé's album "B'Day" is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
To honor this milestone, a deluxe edition of the album has been released.
The deluxe edition includes additional content not in the original release.
Beyoncé's birthday coincides with the launch of this special album edition.
SiriusXM Radio host Lamar Dawson discussed the album and related pop culture news on CBS News.
"B'Day" is known as one of Beyoncé's defining albums in her music career.
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On April 1, 2024, aid workers from World Central Kitchen (WCK) were unloading a large shipment of food in Gaza when their convoy was attacked by the Israeli military. The food shipment was part of a humanitarian effort coordinated with the Israeli army, but miscommunication led to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) wrongly identifying the convoy as being hijacked by Hamas. Several aid workers were killed in the attack.
Key Facts
WCK brought in food shipments to Gaza by sea, the first since 2007, to help with widespread hunger caused by the ongoing war.
The shipment on April 1 included enough food for over 1 million meals and Ramadan dates from the UAE.
The delivery was supposed to be protected by the Israeli army and was coordinated over several days.
Final Israeli security clearance delayed the convoy’s departure until nightfall.
Israeli drones surveilled the convoy but the overseeing soldiers were not fully informed of the convoy’s route and purpose.
Local armed guards, not normally allowed by WCK policy, accompanied the convoy unexpectedly.
An armed local man fired a shot into the air, which was misinterpreted by Israeli forces as a hijacking by Hamas.
Three WCK vehicles were hit by Israeli strikes within minutes, resulting in the deaths of aid workers.
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