A gold mine collapsed on August 18 in Zamboye, Central African Republic, causing over 100 deaths and injuring several people. Authorities have started an investigation to find out what caused the collapse, identify victims, and check if anyone running the mine is legally responsible.
Key Facts
The collapse happened at a gold mine in Zamboye, Central African Republic.
More than 100 people have died due to the accident.
Several survivors were seriously hurt.
Officials have opened an investigation into the incident.
The investigation aims to discover the cause of the collapse.
Authorities also want to identify all the victims.
The probe will look into possible criminal responsibility of those managing the mine.
The event occurred on August 18, 2026.
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The wreckage of a steam tugboat called "Sava's Titanic" has appeared in Serbia. This happened because rivers in Europe are drying up due to low water levels.
Key Facts
The steam tugboat is known as "Sava's Titanic."
Its wreckage has become visible in Serbia.
Rivers in Europe are drying up, causing water levels to drop.
The low water levels have revealed parts of the shipwreck that were hidden underwater.
The situation highlights ongoing drought or reduced water flow in European rivers.
The discovery was reported by CBS News correspondent Michael George.
This visibility of the wreckage is unusual and linked to environmental changes.
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A railway line in East Sussex, England, where a train derailed on August 13, will reopen at the beginning of September. The derailment injured 30 people and was caused by a track defect, worsened by hot weather, with recovery crews now working to safely remove the damaged train carriages.
Key Facts
The derailment happened on August 13 on a Southern-operated train between Lewes and Haywards Heath.
Three carriages at the back of the train came off the tracks, injuring 30 passengers.
Twenty people were taken to hospital; two had serious but not life-threatening injuries.
An initial report found the track had buckled due to hot weather, with temperatures around 27°C (81°F).
Recovery work involves lifting the carriages by crane and is complicated by the location near the River Ouse.
The railway line will stay closed until September 1 to complete the recovery and keep evidence for investigation.
Rail bosses aim to reopen the line before the end of school holidays to minimize disruption for travelers.
Efforts are being made to protect the local environment and residents during the recovery process.
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Many parts of the United States, especially in the East, Midwest, Southeast, and southern Rockies, are expected to have high pollen levels this fall, causing allergies. Weed pollen will be the biggest issue, with grass pollen also affecting some populated areas. Weather conditions like warmth and rain are increasing pollen growth.
Key Facts
Weed pollen will be widespread and may stay in the air until October.
Grass pollen levels will be high in the mid-Atlantic and Midwest, including cities like New York City, Philadelphia, Detroit, and Chicago.
Warm temperatures and wet weather help increase pollen levels, especially in the eastern U.S.
The West and Southeast may see less grass pollen due to drier weather.
Rain from El Niño may promote weed growth in the Southeast and southern Rockies, including cities such as Raleigh, Nashville, Atlanta, Denver, and Salt Lake City.
Dry weather in northern parts of the U.S. might reduce weed pollen below average in some areas.
Pollen can cause allergy symptoms like sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and may worsen asthma.
The CDC recommends checking pollen forecasts, taking prescribed medicine, showering after being outdoors, closing windows, and using air filters to reduce allergy symptoms.
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President Donald Trump publicly stated that North Korea has about 57 nuclear warheads, a number close to expert estimates. He suggested that the United States is moving toward accepting North Korea as a nuclear power while stressing the importance of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Key Facts
North Korea reportedly has around 57 nuclear warheads, according to President Trump; experts estimate about 60, while South Korea suggests up to 120.
President Trump is the first U.S. president to openly state the number of North Korea’s nuclear weapons.
U.S. officials hint at a possible shift toward recognizing North Korea as a nuclear state despite ongoing denuclearization efforts.
Trump distinguishes North Korea from Iran by focusing on nuclear capability, emphasizing that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons.
Trump has expressed interest in missile defense systems to protect the U.S., including a "Golden Dome" concept.
His meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un were seen as attempts to lower tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Experts believe Trump treats leaders like Kim, Xi Jinping, and Vladimir Putin as equals to be dealt with through personal relationships and mutual respect.
Trump warned that having a smart president is crucial for managing relations with nuclear-armed adversaries like Kim Jong Un.
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A Russian missile attack on Kyiv killed at least 16 people and injured 40. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia had planned the attack for a long time.
Key Facts
Russian missiles struck Kyiv overnight on Thursday.
At least 16 people died and 40 others were wounded.
Explosions were heard across the Ukrainian capital.
President Zelensky stated the attack was premeditated by Russia.
The event happened amid ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Kyiv is the capital city of Ukraine.
The strike caused significant damage and casualties.
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Scientists and fishermen in the New England region are studying how warming oceans affect lobsters and other shellfish. Researchers are testing a method called ocean alkalinity enhancement, which involves adding alkaline substances to seawater to help it absorb more carbon dioxide and reduce ocean acidification.
Key Facts
The Gulf of Maine is warming faster than 99% of the world’s oceans.
Lobster populations close to shore have declined over the past 15 years, forcing fishermen to go farther out to sea.
Ocean carbon removal is a new idea to help fight climate change by making oceans absorb more carbon dioxide.
Ocean alkalinity enhancement adds alkaline materials to seawater to increase its ability to absorb carbon.
Scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution tested this by adding sodium hydroxide to the Gulf of Maine.
Over £370 million has been invested worldwide in ocean carbon removal research and trials in the last five years.
US federal support for ocean science research was cut after President Donald Trump announced funding reductions.
The LOC-NESS program is one of the few remaining US projects working on ocean carbon removal.
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A senior Russian official warned that President Donald Trump’s new missile defense plan, called the Golden Dome, could start a harmful arms race in space. The United States plans to build a system with orbiting weapons to protect against fast missile attacks, but Russia and China say it threatens global stability.
Key Facts
The Golden Dome is a U.S. missile defense project involving interceptors and sensors in space.
Russia’s envoy to the UN, Gennady Gatilov, said turning space into a military battleground would have devastating effects.
Russia and China have called the Golden Dome a threat to strategic stability.
The U.S. says the system is needed to defend against fast missiles and hypersonic weapons from countries like Russia and China.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates the Golden Dome will cost about $1.2 trillion over 20 years, much more than the original $175 billion budget.
The system might work against small attacks but could be overwhelmed by a major attack from Russia or China.
Several defense companies, including Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, are competing to develop parts of the system.
The U.S. Space Force aims to have an initial version ready by 2028.
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Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities released two United Nations staff members after detaining them for more than a week, but did not explain the reason for their arrest. The U.N. is working to ensure the safety and freedom of its personnel in Afghanistan, where several other human rights workers remain detained.
Key Facts
Two U.N. staff members were detained by the Taliban in Herat on August 9 and released on August 17.
The U.N. said it was not officially informed about why the two employees were arrested.
The charges against the two U.N. staff were reportedly dropped.
The U.N. mission supports humanitarian aid, human rights, and women’s and girls’ equality in Afghanistan.
Human Rights Watch reported six staff of a local women’s and children’s rights group have been detained since July 18.
The Taliban have restricted women’s rights since taking power in August 2021, banning education beyond primary school and most female employment.
In June, at least 30 women were arrested in Herat for not following strict dress rules, leading to protests and violent police response.
The Taliban seized control of Afghanistan as U.S. and NATO forces withdrew after 20 years of conflict.
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Christopher Bodeen, an Associated Press reporter known for his detailed coverage of China’s rise and political issues in Asia, has died at age 55. He worked in China, Taiwan, and other regions, reporting on major events like earthquakes and political developments until his death from cancer and stroke complications.
Key Facts
Christopher Bodeen was a reporter for the Associated Press, covering China and Asia.
He died at 55 due to cancer and complications from a stroke.
Bodeen spoke fluent Mandarin with a Taiwanese accent.
He reported on China’s growth as an economic, political, and military power.
He provided important firsthand coverage of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake by sending texts from a damaged area.
Bodeen worked in AP bureaus in Shanghai, Beijing, and Taipei.
He was known for his strong knowledge of Chinese politics, military, and regional issues like Taiwan, Tibet, and Mongolia.
Bodeen grew up in many countries due to his parents’ diplomatic careers and graduated in history and Asian studies from Tufts University.
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Six million people in Somalia are facing severe hunger, but the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has only about 10% of the funds it had in 2022 to help. The WFP is providing basic nutrition support mainly to the most affected children but cannot expand aid due to cuts in international funding.
Key Facts
Six million Somalis are experiencing serious food shortages.
WFP only has one-tenth of the resources compared to 2022, when it helped prevent famine.
Around 1.9 million children under five are expected to suffer from severe malnutrition this year.
Nearly 500,000 children will need urgent treatment for severe malnutrition.
About 30% of Somalia’s population faces critical food insecurity.
Funding cuts come from donors reducing aid and shifting resources to other crises.
The current crisis is caused by drought, conflict, and displacement of people.
At a nutrition center near Mogadishu, many mothers bring malnourished children for treatment, but some cannot bring all their children due to the distance and their condition.
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An AP investigation found that many restricted goods like cigarettes, iPhones, fuel, and solar panels are being smuggled into Gaza despite Israeli control. The Hamas-led government in Gaza collects money from this trade, which helps fund social services and salaries. Israeli authorities have arrested some people involved, including soldiers, but the smuggling network remains large.
Key Facts
Restricted goods are smuggled into Gaza, including cigarettes, iPhones, fuel, and solar panels.
The Gaza government, run by Hamas, collects up to 20% of the price if merchants report smuggled goods and up to 80% if they don’t.
The government says it does not directly take part in smuggling or tax legally imported goods.
Money collected from smuggling helps pay for social services and government salaries in Gaza.
Israeli authorities arrested more than a dozen people involved in smuggling since late 2025, including reserve soldiers.
Smuggling operations are secret and hard to measure, but sources say the network is large.
Hamas officials say no funds from smuggling go to their military wing.
Smuggling helps residents in Gaza get everyday items despite the ongoing war and blockade.
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Heavy rain has caused flooding in parts of Indiana, leading to debris collecting along the curbs. The rain continues, making flooding problems worse in the area.
Key Facts
Indiana is experiencing ongoing heavy rain.
Flooding is affecting several areas in the state.
Debris, such as leaves and branches, is gathering along street curbs.
The continued rain is worsening flood conditions.
Local authorities and residents are dealing with the impacts of flooding.
CBS News reporter Lana Zak covered the situation.
Flooding can lead to road closures and challenges for daily travel.
No specific damage or injuries were mentioned in the report.
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Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, are planning to move back to the United Kingdom after living in California for six years. They have spent time in the U.S. away from the British royal family.
Key Facts
Prince Harry and Meghan have lived in California for six years.
They are planning to return to the United Kingdom.
Their move marks a change after years spent outside the UK.
Meghan holds the title Duchess of Sussex.
Prince Harry is a member of the British royal family.
They have stepped back from official royal duties during their time in the U.S.
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A funeral was held in Gaza for 50 Palestinians whose bodies were found in the rubble after Israeli attacks. Israel is still blocking heavy machines needed to clear the debris, even though allowing them in was part of the ceasefire agreement.
Key Facts
A funeral took place in Gaza for 50 Palestinians recently found in rubble.
These bodies were recovered following Israeli attacks in the area.
Israel is preventing heavy machinery from entering Gaza to clear debris.
Allowing heavy machinery in was a part of the ceasefire deal.
The blockade on machinery is causing delays in clearing the rubble.
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President Donald Trump said he plans to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this year. This announcement came shortly after North Korea launched many missiles into the sea and President Trump reduced joint military exercises with South Korea.
Key Facts
President Trump announced plans to meet with Kim Jong Un in 2024.
The announcement followed North Korea's missile launches toward the sea.
North Korea fired several missiles just one day after the U.S. and South Korea canceled some joint military exercises.
President Trump decided to reduce the size or frequency of these military drills with South Korea.
The missile launches increased tensions in the region.
The move to meet Kim Jong Un aims to continue diplomatic talks.
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Two fishermen who were missing at sea for five days were found alive floating on a cooler in the Pacific Ocean. The Mexican navy rescued them about 150 miles off the coast of Chiapas and provided medical care before reuniting them with their families.
Key Facts
The fishermen were last heard from on August 14 while on a ship named Camaronera.
Their fishing cooperative sent a distress call when they lost contact.
The Mexican navy used ships and aircraft to search for the men.
The fishermen were found floating on a blue cooler about 150 miles from Chiapas.
After rescue, the men were medically evaluated and airlifted to port.
One fisherman was seen on a stretcher and later in a wheelchair.
The navy highlighted its role in saving lives at sea and urged people to seek help in emergencies.
The fishermen were reunited with their families after treatment.
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A small plane crashed into a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter that was hovering close to the ground during a routine training exercise at a small airport. The pilot of the small plane died, while the state police officers on the helicopter only had minor injuries.
Key Facts
The crash happened near a small airport in Pennsylvania.
The helicopter was part of the Pennsylvania State Police.
The helicopter was hovering a few feet above the ground during a training exercise.
A small plane collided with the helicopter.
The pilot of the small plane was killed in the crash.
The state police officers on the helicopter had minor injuries.
The incident is under investigation to determine the cause.
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Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s former defence minister, has called for holding presidential elections during the ongoing war with Russia. His suggestion challenges the current plan to wait until after the conflict ends and has gained some support from other Ukrainian officials.
Key Facts
Fedorov served as Ukraine’s defence minister from January to July 2026 before being dismissed by President Zelenskyy.
He focused on logistics, technology, anti-corruption, and securing Western aid rather than direct military command.
Fedorov helped organize cyberattacks and drone strikes against Russian targets during his tenure.
He recently posted a video urging a presidential election during the war, arguing that Russia should not control Ukraine’s election timing.
Former Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba also supports holding elections before the war ends.
A poll showed Fedorov is the second-most trusted potential presidential candidate in Ukraine, just behind a former general.
President Zelenskyy currently has lower public trust and has faced corruption scandals involving his allies.
Fedorov was known for introducing the Diia app, a digital government service that simplified many bureaucratic processes for Ukrainians.
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Many migrants who crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta at the end of July are still facing unsafe living conditions. Many are sleeping in dangerous places, including many children without parents, while families outside Ceuta have little information about their loved ones.
Key Facts
Migrants crossed into Ceuta, a Spanish area in North Africa, at the end of July.
Many migrants remaining there live in unsafe situations.
A large number of those migrants are unaccompanied minors (children traveling alone).
Families of migrants who tried to cross have very little news about what happened to them.
The situation highlights ongoing migration challenges between Spain and Morocco.
The report was produced by France 24 journalist Hamza Hahboub after visiting the area.
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