Hurricane Lala caused severe flooding and damage in Hawaii, washing away roads and bridges and leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power. The storm weakened to a tropical storm but caused heavy rain, mudslides, and power outages that are still being repaired.
Key Facts
Hurricane Lala hit Hawaii with heavy rain and hurricane-force winds, then became a tropical storm as it moved west.
The northern coast of Hawaii Island received up to 42.69 inches of rain, with over 31 inches falling in 24 hours.
At least 100 homes were damaged or destroyed, and multiple islands suffered major infrastructure damage.
Floodwaters washed away roads and caused mudslides and flooding that trapped some residents.
About 178,400 customers remain without electricity across Hawaii, with the hardest hit on Oahu and Hawaii Island.
Restoration crews are working on major power lines but face challenges like flooding and unstable ground.
Emergency agencies warn of ongoing dangers from debris, contaminated water, and downed power lines.
Officials are investigating deaths during the storm to see if they were caused by Hurricane Lala.
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Russia has attacked Ukraine’s Naftogaz energy facilities 13 times in one week, causing serious damage. These strikes are part of a larger campaign to disrupt Ukraine’s power and utilities during winter. Both countries continue to use long-range drones and missiles in the ongoing conflict.
Key Facts
Russia struck Ukrainian energy facilities 13 times in a week and nearly 300 times since the start of 2026.
The attacks damaged equipment and reduced energy production, but no workers were injured.
Russia aims to weaken Ukraine by cutting off electricity, heating, and water during winter.
Both Russia and Ukraine are using more drones and long-range weapons in their fighting.
Ukrainian attacks killed seven people in Russia, while Russian strikes killed four civilians in Ukraine recently.
Ukraine has increased its own military production and launched over 800 drones at Russia on one day.
Russian forces have also hit homes, schools, and hospitals in Ukraine, killing nearly 17,000 civilians since the war began.
Ukraine is developing its own ballistic missiles and air defenses to counter Russian attacks.
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Heavy rains caused deadly landslides and flooding in southern South Korea and the Philippines. One person died and several were injured in South Korea, while flooding in the Philippines disrupted daily life and forced school closures.
Key Facts
One person died in a landslide in Geoje, South Korea.
Four others were injured in South Korea due to heavy rains.
About 390 people were evacuated, and around 3,580 homes lost power in South Korea.
In the Philippines, heavy monsoon rains flooded major streets in Manila and nearby provinces.
The Philippine government suspended work and canceled classes starting at noon due to flooding.
Schools in the Philippines were asked to switch to online learning because of the weather.
Recent rains and a storm in the Philippines killed at least 23 people and affected about 5 million people.
Nearly 25,000 people remain in emergency shelters in some northern provinces of the Philippines.
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A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Flores island in Indonesia, killing at least 68 people and injuring over 200. Thousands remain without aid, with many homes destroyed and rescue efforts ongoing.
Key Facts
The earthquake struck East Nusa Tenggara province, especially Flores island, on Saturday morning.
At least 68 people died, more than 200 were injured, and about 1,300 homes were damaged or destroyed.
Nearly 5,000 people have moved into temporary shelters due to unsafe conditions.
A 14-day state of emergency was declared by the provincial governor.
Over 1,500 military and police personnel are involved in rescue and aid efforts, supported by aircraft distributing 275 tons of relief supplies.
Aftershocks continue, with more than 1,500 recorded, but few are strongly felt.
Emergency hospitals were set up after local medical centers were damaged.
Roads were blocked by landslides, delaying aid to isolated communities, including remote Palue Island.
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In 2026, several strong earthquakes have caused many deaths in countries like Indonesia, Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, and the Philippines. Data shows that the number and size of earthquakes this year are similar to the average of the past decade, and earthquakes happen mainly because of movements in the Earth's tectonic plates.
Key Facts
About 20,000 earthquakes happen each year worldwide, but most are too weak to be felt.
Earthquakes of magnitude 6 or higher usually cause serious damage.
The strongest earthquake in 2026 was a 7.8 magnitude quake near the Philippines, causing over 100 deaths.
Venezuela experienced two powerful earthquakes in June 2026, causing more than 6,300 deaths.
From 2016 to 2025, the average number of earthquakes magnitude 6 or higher was 133 per year.
The number of big earthquakes in 2026 is slightly above the recent average but still normal.
Earthquake damage depends more on location, depth, and building strength than just magnitude.
Earthquakes mainly happen along the edges of tectonic plates, especially around the Pacific Ring of Fire, where about 90% of earthquakes occur.
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A very strong El Niño weather pattern is likely to develop in late 2026 and winter 2026-27, with over a 90% chance according to U.S. weather agencies. This could cause changes in snowfall across the United States, bringing more snow to the Southwest and southern Rockies, but less snow in some northern areas.
Key Facts
El Niño is when ocean temperatures rise unusually high in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean.
NOAA and the National Weather Service say there is a 69% chance this El Niño will be historic in strength, possibly a "super El Niño."
Sea surface temperatures in the Pacific are already over 2°C above normal.
Strong El Niño winters often bring more storms and snow to the southern U.S. mountain regions.
Forecasts predict above-normal snowfall in California, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado.
Northern U.S. states like Washington might see less snow and warmer temperatures.
Warmer temperatures could mean some storms produce rain instead of snow at lower elevations.
El Niño impacts vary by region and do not guarantee the same weather everywhere.
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The Guardian is inviting people who lost loved ones in the 9/11 attacks to share their memories as the 25th anniversary approaches. Participants can submit their stories anonymously or with their names, and the submissions will be securely managed and used for a special feature.
Key Facts
The contribution request is for the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
People who lost someone in the attacks are encouraged to share memories.
Respondents must be 18 or older to participate.
Stories can be submitted anonymously if desired.
The submission form is encrypted to protect privacy.
The Guardian will only use personal data for this project and delete it afterward.
Participants can upload a photo and decide if their story can be published.
Contact details provided are kept confidential and used only to follow up if needed.
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President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to reduce the size of joint military drills with South Korea shortly before they began. Despite this, the exercises continued as scheduled, involving U.S. and South Korean forces.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to scale back military drills with South Korea.
The order came just hours before the exercises were set to start.
The drills proceeded as planned despite the President’s instruction.
The reduction was said to be a gesture of respect toward North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
The military exercises involve both U.S. and South Korean troops.
These drills often aim to maintain readiness against potential threats from North Korea.
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The office of the Prime Minister of Iraq’s Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) was attacked by drones, with no reported injuries. The drones were launched from Iran, and the attack also targeted the home of the head of the region’s security agency.
Key Facts
The drone attack targeted the private office of KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.
The residence of the head of the Kurdistan security and intelligence agency was also targeted.
No casualties were reported from the attacks.
The drones used were identified as Hadid-110 models.
The attack originated from Iranian territory, according to Kurdish security officials.
Prime Minister Barzani condemned the attack as a threat to the region’s security.
Iran has accused the KRG of sheltering Kurdish opposition groups that Iran views as threats.
Kurdish authorities deny that their region is used to threaten neighboring countries.
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A stampede occurred at a Hindu temple in Bihar, eastern India, during the holy month of Shravan, resulting in seven deaths and nineteen injuries. This is the second stampede at an Indian temple this year.
Key Facts
The stampede happened in Bihar, a state in eastern India.
It took place during Shravan, a sacred month for Hindus.
Seven people died in the stampede.
Nineteen people were injured.
This is the second temple stampede in India in 2024.
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South Korea welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to reduce joint military drills with South Korea, hoping it will lead to renewed talks between the U.S. and North Korea. President Trump said the exercises were costly and provocative, and he cited his good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a reason to scale back the drills.
Key Facts
President Trump ordered a substantial reduction of the annual joint military exercises with South Korea.
The Ulchi Freedom Shield drills started as scheduled but were scaled back in parts not specified.
Trump described the exercises as costly and sending a hostile signal to North Korea.
North Korea views the exercises as an invasion rehearsal and has threatened strong responses.
South Korea hopes the scaled-back drills will lead to U.S.-North Korea dialogue to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Experts say North Korea’s leader Kim may only return to talks if serious U.S. concessions are offered.
South Korea and the U.S. are discussing ways to maintain security and freedom of navigation in the region.
President Trump also mentioned tensions with other allies over support for his policies on Iran and Russia.
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A team of regional Indian politicians reported that China has blocked Indian army patrols and taken land in Arunachal Pradesh, a border state. India and China have disputed borders, and this report comes before a planned visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to India for the BRICS summit.
Key Facts
China allegedly stopped Indian soldiers from patrolling certain key points in Arunachal Pradesh.
The disputed area includes Upper Subansiri district, a remote and mountainous region.
The Indian forces reportedly cannot patrol the Taksing area from April to October due to bad weather, but Chinese troops remain active during this time.
Local residents say Indian forces abandoned a patrol post called Shera 5 after a clash with China’s army in 2023.
The People’s Party of Arunachal Pradesh sent a fact-finding team that linked these issues to the local BJP-led government’s handling of border security.
India and China disagree on the Line of Actual Control, which marks the current border control areas.
India’s army denied the media reports of Chinese encroachment, but the Foreign Ministry said the border is a serious issue discussed with China.
This report comes weeks before Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to India for the BRICS summit in September 2023.
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Yasser Ayad, a 16-year-old from Gaza, loved cooking with his parents before the conflict. After losing his father and home, he started sharing cooking videos on social media to keep his family’s cooking tradition alive, despite difficult living conditions and food shortages.
Key Facts
Yasser Ayad is 16 years old and lives in Gaza.
He enjoyed cooking with his parents before the war began.
His father was killed, and their home was destroyed in the conflict.
Yasser now lives in a tent with limited food supplies.
He creates and posts videos of traditional Palestinian dishes online.
His videos have made him one of Gaza’s best-known young chefs.
He aims to keep his family’s cooking tradition alive during hard times.
The region is facing famine and violence while he works on his cooking.
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Over 670,000 French taxpayers have been informed that their personal and tax information was stolen in a large hacking attack and may have been put online. French authorities warn that this stolen data could be used for scams and identity theft. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is holding a meeting to discuss strengthening digital security for government systems.
Key Facts
More than 670,000 French taxpayers’ personal and tax data was stolen in a major hack.
The stolen information was reportedly offered online, increasing the risk of misuse.
Authorities warn that criminals might use this data to commit scams or steal identities.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is organizing a meeting focused on protecting government digital security.
The hack highlights ongoing cybersecurity challenges faced by French public institutions.
Romania is noted for its role in fighting hacking in Europe, though it is separate from this incident.
The incident was made public on August 17, 2026.
There are concerns about the safety and privacy of citizens’ information after the breach.
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British Prime Minister Andy Burnham exchanged messages with someone pretending to be Susie Wiles, who is President Donald Trump's chief of staff. The impersonation raised concerns about possible hacking, and the U.K. government reported the incident to the White House, which is investigating similar cybersecurity issues.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham became British Prime Minister in July.
Burnham sent messages to a person pretending to be Susie Wiles, President Trump's chief of staff.
Burnham grew suspicious during the conversation, which was only a text exchange, not a phone call.
The details of the messages and timing have not been shared publicly.
Earlier, unknown people accessed Wiles’ personal phone and contacted officials pretending to be her.
The FBI started an investigation into Wiles’ phone breach.
The incident raised concerns within the British government about possible new hacking.
The U.K. Embassy in Washington informed the White House about the incident.
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Michael Marra and Joe Fagan are the only candidates running to become the next leader of Scottish Labour after Monica Lennon did not get enough nominations. The election follows Anas Sarwar's decision to step down as leader and MSP to join Andy Burnham's government.
Key Facts
Anas Sarwar has led Scottish Labour since 2021 and stood down in July 2026.
Marra and Fagan met the nomination threshold, but Monica Lennon did not.
Members and affiliated supporters will vote between 28 August and 17 September.
The winner will be announced on 19 September.
Sarwar left his Holyrood seat, but no by-election will occur because he was elected via a regional list.
Monica Lennon served in the Scottish Parliament for ten years but was not re-elected in May 2026.
Both Marra and Fagan have expressed doubts about recent changes to legal gender recognition laws in Scotland.
Sarwar warned candidates to avoid internal party conflicts as they compete for the leadership position.
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A strong 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Indonesia last week. The quake killed dozens, injured hundreds, and damaged over 900 buildings. Nearly 13,000 people lost their homes and are living in tents while rescue teams continue to search for survivors and hospitals treat the injured.
Key Facts
The earthquake measured 7.7 in magnitude.
Dozens of people died because of the quake.
Hundreds of people were injured.
More than 900 buildings were damaged.
About 13,000 people were forced to leave their homes.
Many displaced people are staying in tents.
Rescue operations are still ongoing.
Hospitals are caring for those who were hurt.
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President Donald Trump asked to reduce the size of planned military drills between the US and South Korea, calling North Korea "unthreatening and respectful." South Korea hopes that President Trump’s good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un can encourage North Korea to return to peace talks.
Key Facts
The US and South Korea planned to hold joint military drills.
President Trump called to scale back these drills just hours before they started.
Trump described North Korea as not a threat and respectful.
South Korea expressed hope that Trump's personal ties with Kim Jong Un will help negotiations.
North Korea has a growing nuclear weapons program and close ties with Russia.
The article discusses North Korea’s military power and regional security concerns.
The drills proceed despite the US President’s request to reduce them.
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France has started its yearly "rentrée littéraire," a time when many new books are released across the country. This comes while the French publishing industry is facing economic challenges. A French bookseller in London shared insights about current trends and difficulties in the publishing world.
Key Facts
The "rentrée littéraire" is an annual event in France when thousands of new books come out.
This literary season is important for the French book market and culture.
The publishing industry in France is currently experiencing a crisis affecting its stability.
Isabelle Claret Lemarchand, a French bookseller based in London, talks about the new books and compares French and British literary trends.
She also discusses the main challenges that publishers and booksellers face today.
The article mentions related French news topics but focuses mainly on the literary season.
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The Trump administration is intensifying efforts to create a peace plan for Gaza. US envoy Jared Kushner will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to seek his support for the proposal amid Netanyahu's political challenges ahead of possible re-election.
Key Facts
The Trump administration wants to secure a peace plan for the Gaza Strip.
Jared Kushner, a US envoy, will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The meeting aims to persuade Netanyahu to back the US peace proposal.
Netanyahu faces significant political and personal challenges before an expected re-election.
The situation affects Israel, Gaza, and broader Middle East peace efforts.
The conflict and aid issues in the West Bank and southern Lebanon are ongoing concerns.
The US is urging Netanyahu to condemn settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
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