French high schools are quickly working to enforce a ban on mobile phone use starting in September. President Macron supports this ban to reduce screen time among teenagers, after a related social media ban for children under 15 was rejected by France’s constitutional council.
Key Facts
The phone ban applies to lycées, where students are aged 15 to 18.
Primary and middle schools in France already ban mobile phone use.
Schools must change their internal rules to enforce the ban, which takes time and involves student consultation.
Students often use phones for essential school tasks like checking timetables or entering the canteen.
Some older students attend apprenticeships or higher education courses on high school campuses and also need phone access.
There are questions about where the ban will apply—inside classrooms, corridors, playgrounds, or the entire school.
President Macron’s proposed social media ban for under-15s was blocked due to constitutional concerns over freedom of expression and privacy.
The government is rewriting the social media law to try to pass it before Macron leaves office in May.
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A flash flood hit the Grand Canyon in Arizona on August 29, 2026, causing one death and leaving at least 14 people missing or unaccounted for. Rescue teams are evacuating stranded hikers by air, while several trails and campgrounds remain closed due to damage.
Key Facts
The flash flood occurred on Saturday afternoon in Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch.
One person died; their identity has not been released.
At least 14 people may be missing or unaccounted for after the flood.
Over 60 people were air evacuated from the affected areas.
The park’s water pipeline was damaged, leading to water conservation measures and restrictions on overnight stays starting Monday.
Several campgrounds and trails are closed indefinitely.
The National Park Service is asking for information about any hikers in the affected areas on August 29.
Further thunderstorms and heavy rain may cause more flash flooding and rockfalls in the coming days.
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French winemakers are moving to northern regions like Normandy and Brittany because climate change is making traditional vineyards in southern France harder to maintain. These northern areas, once known for cider, are becoming more suitable for growing grapes due to warmer temperatures, though challenges from climate shifts still exist.
Key Facts
Climate change is making southern French vineyards like those in the Loire Valley less reliable.
Winemakers like Sebastien Fricker have relocated north to Normandy to grow grapes.
Normandy and Brittany have cooler climates that are becoming warmer and more stable, helping grape cultivation.
Northern regions currently produce very little wine compared to Bordeaux, a major wine area in the southwest.
Since 2016, EU rules on planting grapevines have become less strict, encouraging vineyard expansion in northern France.
Producers in northern regions mainly sell their wine directly to customers.
Recent heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires in France have caused early grape harvests and affected wine quality.
Local experts say the main challenge now is producing high-quality wine in these new northern vineyards.
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A flash flood hit Grand Canyon National Park, forcing the evacuation of dozens of people and leaving around 15 missing. The flood caused large rocks and metal objects to crash into the Colorado River and damaged a water pipeline for tourists.
Key Facts
The flood occurred over the weekend at Grand Canyon National Park in the US.
About 15 people are reported missing due to the flood.
More than 60 people were airlifted out of the area for safety by August 30.
The flood moved large boulders and metal parts into the Colorado River.
A water pipeline that serves visitors in the park was destroyed by the flood.
Additional evacuations were planned following the initial rescue efforts.
The flood caused significant disruptions to the park’s natural and tourist infrastructure.
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Rescue teams in Nepal are trying to reach hundreds of people trapped after severe flash floods hit the region, leaving over 900 dead and thousands missing. The floods also affected nearby Tibet, and the disaster is believed to be linked to climate change. In a separate event, tensions between the US and Iran escalated with missile attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
Over 900 people have died in Nepal due to flash floods caused by a surge of ice, rock, mud, and debris.
More than 4,000 people are still missing in Nepal; an additional 500 are missing in Tibet.
Around 21,000 security personnel, along with civilians and volunteers, are involved in the rescue efforts in Nepal.
China sent over 2,100 rescue workers to assist in the disaster response.
The Red Cross estimates over 90,000 people have been affected by the floods.
The US attacked Iranian rocket launchers in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile strikes on airbases in Jordan and the UAE.
President Donald Trump claimed that Iran’s Kharg Island, a key oil export hub, was being destroyed but provided no further details.
The recent military clashes between the US and Iran mark the first hostilities in a month, after a period of stalemate.
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Nepal has started burying bodies after deadly floods and mudslides caused many deaths and left over 4,200 people missing. The disaster also affected nearby parts of China and many workers on hydropower projects are among those missing.
Key Facts
Floods and mudslides in Nepal and China have caused more than 900 deaths.
Over 4,700 people are still missing.
Among the missing, 933 are workers on hydropower projects hit by the floods.
Morgues are full, so Nepal has begun burying bodies that have not been claimed.
Rescue efforts are ongoing despite dangerous conditions such as unstable river banks.
The disaster has impacted large communities, including those near rivers and hydropower tunnels.
Helicopters from the Nepal army are being used to rescue survivors and trapped people.
The event is one of the deadliest natural disasters in the region recently.
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The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is holding a summit in Kyrgyzstan with leaders from China, Russia, India, and other countries. The SCO is often seen as a group challenging U.S. global influence, but not all its members share that view. The summit marks 25 years since the organization was created.
Key Facts
The SCO summit is taking place in Kyrgyzstan.
Leaders from China, Russia, and India are attending.
The SCO was founded 25 years ago.
It is sometimes described as a way to balance U.S. influence in the world.
Some member countries do not see the SCO as opposing the U.S.
The organization includes countries from Asia and the Pacific region.
The summit will discuss economic and security issues.
The SCO was originally formed to improve regional cooperation on security and economic matters.
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Russian forces have continued intense drone and air attacks on Kyiv and nearby cities for five days, damaging warehouses and causing some supermarket shortages. Ukraine is working to stop fast jet-powered drones Russia uses, while civilians face disruptions and risks from ongoing strikes.
Key Facts
Russia has launched nearly 1,500 drones at Ukraine in a few days, around 800 of which are fast jet-powered drones.
These attacks have hit Kyiv and surrounding areas, damaging warehouses and food distribution centers.
Some Kyiv supermarkets have empty shelves due to disrupted supply chains.
Four companies in Ukraine are developing interceptor drones to counter the jet-powered drones.
Schools in Ukraine have air raid shelters and can switch to online classes amid the attacks.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said Russia’s goal is to wear down Ukraine’s people.
Ukraine has also targeted Russian online retailers and oil facilities to impact Russian civilians.
Casualties from recent attacks include dozens of civilians killed and wounded.
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A U.S. missile called the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) was used in southern Iran on February 28, 2026, killing at least 21 civilians, including children, in the city of Lamerd. An independent group named Airwars analyzed the strike and found that the missile’s blast affected a large area, causing damage far from the explosion site.
Key Facts
The PrSM is a new U.S. ballistic missile designed to explode in midair and spread metal pellets in all directions.
The missile was used for the first time in combat during the early stages of the Iran war.
Three missiles hit Lamerd, targeting areas near a sports complex and residential neighborhoods.
At least 21 civilians were killed, including seven children, according to Iranian officials.
Airwars reviewed photos, videos, and satellite images and concluded the strike’s damage pattern matches the PrSM.
U.S. military confirmed firing PrSMs into Iran but denied responsibility for the Lamerd attack.
Military experts advise against using this missile near populated areas because its blast covers a wide area.
It is unknown who the exact target was in Lamerd, and no damage was seen to a nearby military compound.
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Hurricane Karina has grown into a strong Category 4 hurricane in the Pacific Ocean but is far from land and not expected to cause direct harm. Another storm, Tropical Storm Lowell, is also developing east of Hawaii and may strengthen into a hurricane later this week without posing an immediate threat.
Key Facts
Hurricane Karina reached Category 4 strength with winds of 145 mph (233 kph).
Karina is about 1,020 miles west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, Mexico.
The storm is moving west and is fueled by warm ocean waters far offshore.
No coastal warnings or watches are in effect for Karina.
Waves from Karina may affect Mexico and possibly Southern California.
Tropical Storm Lowell is about 855 miles east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii, with winds of 60 mph (97 kph).
Lowell could become a hurricane by Monday night or Tuesday.
Lowell currently does not threaten land but may approach the Hawaiian Islands later this week.
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Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said there is no proof that the Moroccan government caused the large group of migrants to enter Ceuta last month. About 70,000 people crossed into Ceuta, creating a political and humanitarian challenge, but Spain is working with Morocco to handle the situation.
Key Facts
Around 70,000 migrants entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta at the end of July.
Approximately 141 people died trying to enter Ceuta during this event.
Most migrants have returned to Morocco, but about 1,500 remain in Ceuta, including 1,200 minors.
Sánchez stated no evidence shows Morocco was behind the mass crossing.
The prime minister blamed criminal gangs and false information spread on social media for encouraging migration.
Tensions continue in Ceuta, with clashes between residents, migrants, and police.
Spain’s opposition parties criticize the government for not controlling the border crisis effectively.
Sánchez emphasized the need for cooperation between Spain and Morocco to solve the crisis.
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Heavy floods in Nepal have caused severe damage in the Rasuwa district, destroying villages like Syfrubesi. The national disaster agency reports that more than 4,200 people are missing after the floods.
Key Facts
Over 4,200 people are reported missing in Nepal due to floods.
The Rasuwa district is one of the areas hit hardest by the disaster.
Villages such as Syfrubesi have been left in ruins.
The BBC visited the affected area to report on the damage.
Local residents are shocked by the destruction caused by the floods.
The situation is part of a broader flooding event affecting the Nepal-Tibet region.
The national disaster agency is monitoring the ongoing crisis.
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Pakistan and China have said they will not follow new tough US sanctions on Iran, which aim to isolate Iran economically. The sanctions target Iran’s oil exports and financial connections, but several countries oppose them, and experts doubt they will force Iran to change its policies.
Key Facts
The US introduced very strict sanctions on Iran called “Operation Economic Outcast.”
Pakistan and China announced they will keep trading with Iran despite the sanctions.
The US says the sanctions are meant to cause serious economic harm if countries help Iran.
The sanctions focus on stopping Iran’s oil sales and limiting its access to global banks.
China buys over 80% of Iran’s oil exports and has threatened to respond with its own trade restrictions.
China previously limited exports of rare earth minerals, which are important for manufacturing electronics and cars.
The US has pulled out of many international organizations and often acts alone, ignoring UN decisions.
Many countries are worried that relying on US-controlled financial systems makes them vulnerable to US pressure.
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A South African airline flew two jets very close together at low height over a packed stadium before a rugby match between South Africa and New Zealand. The airline said the stunt was carefully planned and done with experienced pilots, following safety rules, despite some people calling it risky.
Key Facts
Two Airlink planes flew in close formation over Cape Town’s DHL stadium before the rugby match.
The jets flew less than 50 feet (15 meters) above the stadium roof, according to flight tracking data.
The stunt used flares and was meant as part of the pre-game event.
Airlink said the flight was planned with aviation authorities’ approval and followed safety speed and altitude limits.
Each plane was operated by three senior captains to ensure safety and precision.
Some people criticized the low flyover as dangerous, while others praised the pilots’ skill and saw it as a point of national pride.
Low-altitude flybys have been part of South African sports tradition since at least 1995.
The historical 1995 flyover linked with South Africa’s first black president Nelson Mandela and was symbolic of unity after apartheid.
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Rescue teams in Nepal are searching for thousands of people missing after flash floods caused by a glacier collapse in the Himalayas. Over 900 people have died, and nearly 5,000 are missing across Nepal and Tibet, with many trapped in tunnels damaged by the floods.
Key Facts
The floods began on August 26 when a glacier near Langtang Lirung peak collapsed, sending ice, rock, and water down into Nepal.
The flood affected Nepal’s Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts, causing major destruction.
More than 900 people have died, and about 5,000 are missing in Nepal and Tibet.
Around 21,000 security personnel, volunteers, and civilian workers are involved in rescue efforts in Nepal.
Nepal recently accepted help from China and India after initially rejecting foreign aid.
China has sent over 2,100 rescue workers and $33 million in relief, plus equipment to detect survivors.
India has sent army officers skilled in tunnel rescues, forensic teams for DNA identification, and supplies including portable generators and bridges.
Many missing people are believed to be trapped in tunnels of hydropower projects damaged or buried by flood debris.
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A recent flood in Nepal’s Rasuwa and Nuwakot regions has left more than 4,700 people missing and many behind in recovery efforts. The disaster was triggered by a large ice-and-rock collapse in the Himalayas, causing a surge of water and debris and creating a new lake that may cause another flood. Nepal urgently needs better early-warning systems, disaster risk planning, and climate-resilient infrastructure, with support from wealthy countries.
Key Facts
Over 4,700 people are missing after floods hit Nepal’s Rasuwa and Nuwakot areas.
A collapse of ice and rock in the high Himalayas caused flooding by sending water, rock, and sediment downstream.
A new lake has formed near the Nepal-Tibet border, posing a risk of a second flood.
Nepal lacks strong early-warning systems and preparedness for floods and glacial hazards.
Improved monitoring of glaciers, lakes, and rivers, plus better communication with communities, is urgently needed.
Infrastructure like roads, bridges, and public buildings must be built to resist floods and landslides.
Climate change is making Himalayan glaciers and mountain slopes more unstable, increasing disaster risk.
Wealthier nations should provide quick and direct financial aid to help Nepal recover and prepare for future disasters.
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Trade talks between the United States and Canada have broken down, risking a trade war between the two neighboring countries. The talks stalled over disputes that include protections for the French language in Canada and tariffs on steel, aluminum, and cars.
Key Facts
Jamieson Greer is the US trade representative handling the talks with Canada.
Canada accused US negotiators of wanting to weaken laws protecting the French language, especially in Quebec.
Canada requires streaming and online companies to promote Canadian content and the French language.
Greer denied the claim that the US is attacking French language protections, saying he supports French-speaking communities.
President Trump signed an executive order renaming Lake Ontario to "Lake America," escalating tensions.
The trade talks also involved disagreements over tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and cars.
Howard Lutnick, US commerce secretary, opposed reducing tariffs as much as proposed.
Greer is described as calm and experienced, but his ability to influence President Trump’s aggressive trade approach is uncertain.
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Hydro One, a major Canadian power company, apologized after its outage map showed Lake Ontario labeled as “Lake America.” This mistake happened because of a third-party map using the new U.S. name following President Trump’s executive order to rename Lake Ontario in U.S. government systems.
Key Facts
Hydro One is the largest electricity provider in Ontario, Canada.
The company’s outage map mistakenly labeled Lake Ontario as “Lake America.”
The error came from a third-party mapping service, not Hydro One itself.
The U.S. government renamed Lake Ontario as “Lake America” through an executive order by President Donald Trump on August 27.
Google Maps shows “Lake America” to U.S. users but keeps “Lake Ontario” for Canadian users.
Canadian authorities and Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford reject the name change.
The rename is part of a broader dispute between the U.S. and Canada over trade tensions.
The name change has symbolic meaning and reflects strained U.S.-Canada relations.
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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Russia and Israel spread false information about the recent large number of migrants arriving in Ceuta, a Spanish territory in North Africa. He mentioned that these actions aimed to criticize Spain and create division in Europe, and he denied that Morocco played a role in causing the migrant influx.
Key Facts
Over 70,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta from Morocco in late July.
Most migrants returned to Morocco quickly, but thousands remain in Ceuta.
Sanchez accused Russia and Israel of spreading false information on social media during the crisis.
The false information included claims that migrants entering by swimming could not be deported.
Sanchez said no intelligence showed Moroccan authorities were involved in the migrant influx.
Spain plans to give 168 million euros ($195 million) in aid to help Ceuta handle the crisis.
Residents of Ceuta have protested, citing security and hygiene problems linked to migrants.
Spain’s government estimates 3,500 to 7,000 migrants remain; local right-wing politicians say the number is at least 10,000.
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