President Donald Trump has cut joint military exercises with South Korea, a move that aligns with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s goal to reduce military tensions and encourage dialogue with North Korea. This decision has caused mixed reactions in South Korea, with some worried it weakens security and others seeing it as a chance for peace talks.
Key Facts
In August last year, South Korean President Lee said he would help President Trump act as a peacemaker with North Korea.
Trump ended joint military drills with South Korea shortly before they were set to begin, announcing it on social media.
Lee wants South Korea to take more control of its own defense and develop its nuclear submarine program.
The move to cut drills is supported by South Korea’s political left but criticized by conservatives who call it a “security disaster.”
Some South Koreans worry that the cut weakens their defense and may strain the U.S.-South Korea alliance.
Progressive South Korean media see the decision as potentially helpful for dialogue with North Korea but regret the way Trump communicated it.
Trust in U.S. commitment to South Korea has been declining, especially under Trump, due to a more transactional view of alliances.
Many South Koreans support having their own nuclear deterrent as a backup to U.S. protection.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The chief executive of Catholic Schools NSW, Dallas McInerney, told the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) that he reset his work phone and iPad after his bank alerted him to possible fraud. The reset wiped data that may have contained important messages related to a corruption inquiry into the NSW Liberal Party. The inquiry also heard about efforts by McInerney and others to arrange meetings and fundraising activities connected to Liberal Party politicians.
Key Facts
Dallas McInerney performed a factory reset on his work phone and iPad after a bank warned him his account was compromised.
He denied wiping the devices to destroy evidence for the Icac corruption investigation.
McInerney was asked to provide messages with members of a Christian Liberal faction under investigation but said the messages were lost due to the reset.
The inquiry heard that McInerney tried to organize a meeting in 2020 between a faction member and Angus Taylor, a federal minister and Liberal politician.
Messages showed McInerney was persistent in arranging the meeting, which Ellis, the faction member, said was a success.
Ellis and Jeremy Greenwood were involved in fundraising for the Liberal party and Taylor’s electorate.
The inquiry is examining alleged illegal donations and factional deals within the NSW Liberal Party.
McInerney said the reset was motivated by banking concerns and that the corruption inquiry had been ongoing for several weeks before he wiped the devices.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
After President Bashar al-Assad fled Syria in December 2024, many former regime officials escaped to Lebanon, feeling safe there due to past connections. Recently, Lebanon has started arresting and extraditing these officials back to Syria to face charges for crimes during the Syrian uprising.
Key Facts
President Bashar al-Assad left Syria for Moscow as rebels took over Damascus in December 2024.
Many top former regime officials fled to Lebanon after the fall of Assad’s government.
Lebanon is now cooperating with Syria to extradite these officials accused of war crimes.
Adel Issa, a former Syrian major general, was arrested in Lebanon and is set to be sent back to Syria for trial.
Some officials felt secure in Lebanon due to ties with Hezbollah and connections from Syria’s past occupation of Lebanon.
Assad and close relatives were sentenced to death in Syria but remain protected in Moscow or the UAE.
Other former officials, like Jamil al-Hassan, are believed to still be in Lebanon and are wanted for arrest.
Many regime members have moved to other countries or returned secretly to Syria, making exact numbers uncertain.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Nigeria has started its presidential campaign for the January 2027 election, with current President Bola Tinubu seeking a second term. The election comes amid difficult economic and security problems, with many voters unhappy, but the opposition is divided into many candidates.
Key Facts
Nigeria’s presidential election will take place on January 16, 2027, along with parliamentary elections.
Gubernatorial (state governor) elections will follow on February 6, 2027.
President Bola Tinubu is running for reelection.
There are 18 opposition candidates, but the main challengers are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former governor Peter Obi.
Tinubu was first elected in 2023 but has faced criticism for poor handling of economic issues and security.
Many young voters are unhappy with Tinubu due to rising prices and hardships.
The opposition’s split vote could increase Tinubu’s chances of winning again.
An earlier effort to form an opposition coalition failed before the campaign started.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
In Israel, ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities are growing in numbers and political influence, leading to tensions with other groups in the country. A key issue is the debate over military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men, who prioritize religious study over army service, but some have volunteered to serve after recent attacks on Israel.
Key Facts
Ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel wear distinctive traditional clothing and have large families.
They are increasing in population and political power.
Their religious belief emphasizes full-time study of the Torah as the highest duty.
They traditionally receive exemptions from military service to focus on religious study.
Proposed changes to end these exemptions have caused major protests.
Some ultra-Orthodox have volunteered for army service after attacks by Hamas in 2023.
Ultra-Orthodox political parties likely will hold significant power in upcoming national elections.
Yeshivas (religious schools) play a central role in ultra-Orthodox community life.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A former US State Department advisor says the better relationship between the United States and Syria is understandable. Both countries now share goals like keeping peace in the region and controlling armed groups.
Key Facts
A former US official who advised on Syria spoke to Al Jazeera’s show “This is America.”
The official described the shift in U.S.-Syria relations as “surreal.”
The relationship between Washington and Damascus has improved recently.
Syria’s current leadership focuses on regional stability.
The U.S. also aims to contain armed groups in the region.
These overlapping priorities help explain the closer ties.
The advisor believes this change in relations makes sense given shared interests.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A 17-year-old Thai girl named Tunchanok Donhomla died from suffocation after her body was found inside a suitcase in Pattaya, Thailand. Police arrested 45-year-old Australian Simon Peter Carman, who is accused of murder and other related crimes linked to her death.
Key Facts
Tunchanok Donhomla’s body was found in a suitcase near railway tracks in Pattaya on 27 June.
The autopsy showed she died from suffocation; brain injuries were not the cause of death.
DNA on her body matched Simon Peter Carman, who was arrested shortly before the body was found.
Carman faces charges of murder, moving or hiding the body, kidnapping a minor, and taking a minor for indecent acts.
CCTV footage shows Carman entering a condo with Tunchanok and later leaving alone with a large suitcase.
Carman denied the charges and claimed self-defense; he said they had an argument over payment for sexual services.
Tunchanok’s family said she traveled alone to Pattaya and expressed deep sadness over her death.
If found guilty, Carman could face the death penalty under Thai law.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Thousands of people in Gaza remain missing amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Families, like that of Ahmed al Madhoun who has been missing since May 2025, are searching for answers about their loved ones amid the destruction and wartime violence.
Key Facts
Ahmed al Madhoun, a 21-year-old man with Down's syndrome, went missing in Gaza during Israeli strikes in May 2025.
Over 73,000 people have died in Gaza since Israel’s military campaign began, including around 1,200 since a ceasefire last October.
Many missing people are not included in official death counts because their bodies may be buried under rubble.
The Red Cross has received more than 5,000 requests to locate missing people in Gaza.
Gaza’s Civil Defence estimates over 8,000 people are missing.
Israeli forces have detained around 7,000 Palestinians from Gaza during the conflict; about 1,300 remain held without charge or trial.
Families often are not informed when relatives are detained and must depend on lawyers and NGOs for information.
Recovering and identifying bodies in Gaza is difficult due to widespread destruction, lack of equipment, and restrictions on DNA testing supplies.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Georgina Grasso, the first Welsh winner of the Great British Bake Off, was recently diagnosed with bipolar 2 disorder and autism after previously being told she had ADHD. She shared that this new diagnosis was surprising but has helped her understand herself better while also raising concerns about managing her work and health.
Key Facts
Georgina Grasso is from Carmarthenshire and won the Great British Bake Off.
She was initially diagnosed with ADHD and became an advocate for that community.
A recent diagnosis changed her condition to bipolar 2 disorder and autism.
Bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings, from very high energy to very low moods.
Bipolar disorder can be hard to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other conditions like ADHD.
Grasso is starting new medication to help manage her condition and hopes to stay stable while working.
She has asked her followers for advice and support as she adjusts to this new diagnosis.
Bipolar disorder cannot be cured but can be managed with treatment.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Nearly 250 women in France have accused a senior civil servant, Christian Nègre, of drugging them during job interviews between 2009 and 2018. The women say he used drugs to make them lose control of their bodies, an act known as chemical submission, leading to humiliating experiences.
Key Facts
Christian Nègre is a senior civil servant at France’s Ministry of Culture.
The alleged incidents occurred during job interviews from 2009 to 2018.
About 250 women have come forward with accusations against Nègre.
Victims report being drugged with substances that caused uncontrollable urination and physical weakness.
The practice of drugging someone to control them is called chemical submission.
Police suspect Nègre used diuretics, drugs that make people urinate more.
One victim, Anaïs de Vos, described feeling weak and losing control of her bladder during an interview in 2011.
The case gained public attention after a similar crime involving sedatives in France in 2024.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
South Korea and the United States have shortened their joint military drills called Ulchi Freedom Shield from 11 days to 5 days following an order by President Donald Trump to reduce the war games. The changes were made without prior notice to South Korean officials and aim to maintain essential training while responding to Trump’s efforts to improve relations with North Korea.
Key Facts
The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise started on August 17 and will now end on August 21, shorter than originally planned.
President Trump ordered a “substantial reduction” in the annual US-South Korea military drills.
Some field training and live exercises were scaled back, with some replaced by simulations.
South Korean officials were not informed in advance about Trump’s decision to reduce the drills.
Trump linked the reduction to his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korea’s refusal to join the US and Israel in the Iran conflict.
North Korea called the drills rehearsals for an invasion and condemned the exercises again.
The US has about 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea as part of a long-standing military alliance.
President Trump is reportedly seeking a new meeting with Kim Jong Un in the near future to improve ties.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A fire broke out early Wednesday at a hotel in Kolkata, India, killing at least nine people and injuring six. Firefighters and rescue teams worked to control the blaze and save people trapped inside, but the cause of the fire is still unknown.
Key Facts
The fire happened around 1:45 a.m. at a hotel in central Kolkata, near the West Bengal Fire Department headquarters.
Five fire engines were used to fight the fire.
Rescue teams focused on saving people trapped on the upper floors amid thick smoke.
Nine people died, and six were injured and taken to a hospital.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.
Fires are common in India, often caused by electrical problems or gas explosions.
Previous deadly fires have been linked to safety rule violations and poor enforcement.
A similar hotel fire occurred in West Bengal on Monday, killing at least seven people.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A storm that moved away from Hawaii has quickly become a Category 3 hurricane. It is currently far south of Maro Reef and is expected to stay a hurricane for several days while slowly weakening.
Key Facts
The storm is now a Category 3 hurricane, which means it has very strong winds.
It is about 335 miles south-southeast of Maro Reef.
The storm is moving west-northwest at 125 mph.
This is the first major hurricane of 2026 in the Central Pacific.
Forecasters expect the hurricane to get stronger before it begins to weaken slowly.
A hurricane warning is in effect for the uninhabited Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
The storm had passed near parts of Hawaii on Sunday, causing damage and power outages but did not make landfall.
Cleanup and power restoration crews are working in Hawaii after the storm passed.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Palestinian-American man named Louai Abu Ridi raised the US flag outside his home in the West Bank after Israeli settlers blocked access to food and supplies for over a week. The US government criticized the settlers' actions and asked Israel to intervene, while Israeli soldiers have been present but not actively stopping the settlers.
Key Facts
Louai Abu Ridi is a Palestinian-American who returned from Ohio to his home in Qusra, West Bank.
His home has been under siege by Israeli settlers who blocked food and supplies for more than a week.
Abu Ridi raised the US flag to draw attention to the situation and called on the US embassy to act.
Israeli military ordered settlers removed and took down their tent, but settlers kept returning.
Israeli soldiers are present but have not stopped the settlers effectively.
The US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, called for action and condemned the siege.
Settlers have increased harassment of Palestinians in the West Bank recently.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government supports Jewish settlements ahead of national elections.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
John Irvin, a British film director known for the BBC miniseries Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and several Hollywood films, has died at age 86. He worked across TV, documentaries, and movies during a 50-year career and passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family.
Key Facts
John Irvin was born in 1940 in Wallasey, Cheshire, England.
He directed the Bafta-winning BBC miniseries Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, starring Alec Guinness.
Irvin’s career included TV dramas, documentaries, and Hollywood action films like Raw Deal and Hamburger Hill.
He directed films with well-known actors such as Fred Astaire, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Patrick Swayze.
His first film was a documentary released in 1963, and he won his first Bafta for a 1963 short narrated by Richard Burton.
Irvin also directed a 1991 Robin Hood film released shortly before the more famous Kevin Costner version.
Later in life, he focused on independent films and his last movie was Mandela’s Gun (2016).
He died on August 11, 2023, at home with family and is survived by three children and two grandchildren.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
At least 25 people were killed in a village in central Nigeria’s Plateau state. The attackers went from house to house, and most of the victims were women and children.
Key Facts
The attack happened in a village in Plateau state, central Nigeria.
At least 25 people died in the attack.
Attackers moved from house to house during the attack.
Most of the victims were women and children.
The incident caused significant loss and fear among local residents.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ukrainian forces used long-range drones to attack a large warehouse near Moscow, causing a major fire that continued into the next day. Ukrainian drone crews are rapidly preparing and launching more drone strikes targeting Russian military, industrial, and logistics sites far inside Russia.
Key Facts
Ukrainian drones attacked a large logistics warehouse near Moscow, which was still burning the following morning.
The attacks were carried out by the Ukrainian 413th Separate Regiment of Unmanned Systems, known as “Raid.”
Ukrainian drones are designed for long-range missions to strike deep inside Russian territory.
Ukraine has increased drone and missile attacks on Russian military sites, energy facilities, and major warehouses this year.
One of the targeted sites is a large Wildberries retail warehouse, causing significant damage and losses.
These attacks have affected Russian air defenses, airports, fuel supplies, and morale.
Ukrainian drone teams prepare and launch new attacks shortly after previous ones end.
The ongoing drone campaign brings the war closer to Russian civilians and stretches Russia’s military defenses.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Jellyfish Museum in Pompano Beach, Florida, is the first museum in the US focused only on jellyfish. It was opened in spring 2026 by a couple who previously founded a jellyfish museum in Ukraine before moving to the US.
Key Facts
The museum is located in Pompano Beach, Florida, near Fort Lauderdale.
It features about 20 different species of jellyfish from Florida and other parts of the world.
Founders Alex and Yana Yanovsky created the museum after fleeing Ukraine due to the 2022 Russian invasion.
The museum uses dark lighting and glowing tanks to showcase the jellyfish's pulsing movements.
Jellyfish have existed for over 500 million years, longer than dinosaurs or trees.
Jellyfish have no brain or heart, mainly consist of water, and move in hypnotic, meditative ways.
The couple’s experience includes developing aquariums and a jellyfish museum in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Experts note the popularity of jellyfish exhibits began with the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Camilla spoke about how hard it was to keep King Charles’s cancer diagnosis secret before it was made public in February 2024. She shared her experience visiting a Maggie’s cancer support centre shortly after his diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of the charity’s work for cancer patients and their families.
Key Facts
King Charles was diagnosed with cancer and treated for an enlarged prostate before the public announcement on February 5, 2024.
Camilla visited a Maggie’s cancer support centre in London in early 2024, after Charles’s diagnosis but before it was announced.
She struggled with wanting to share the news but knew it was not the right time.
Maggie’s offers free emotional and practical support to cancer patients and their families at 27 centres near NHS hospitals across the UK.
Camilla highlighted how important Maggie’s services are, especially for relatives and men who may avoid seeking help.
King Charles resumed public duties in April 2024, showing determination to continue despite his illness.
The film with Camilla was made to mark Maggie’s 30th anniversary and promote the charity’s support services.
Maggie’s centres provide care without appointments and help hundreds of thousands of people affected by cancer each year.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Hundreds of tourists crowded a mountain hut in the Italian Dolomites to buy a traditional pastry called krapfen, drawn by food bloggers' online posts. This surge in visitors caused long lines and raised concerns about the impact of social media on mountain tourism and the environment.
Key Facts
The mountain hut is called the Friedrich August refuge, located at 2,300 meters in the Dolomites.
Visitors lined up early and even camped overnight to buy krapfen, a German-style doughnut costing up to €4.
Food bloggers and social media influencers promoted the pastries with videos showing the mountain views.
The large crowds created long queues on narrow paths to the hut.
Local workers and mountain community leaders criticized the sudden influx caused by social media.
They said this "image-driven" tourism harms the natural environment and disturbs the true mountain experience.
Similar social media-driven tourism spikes occurred earlier in Roccaraso, another Italian mountain area.
Officials highlighted that many visitors come without understanding or respecting mountain nature.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
