World
'Azadi': From Sedition Charge to Protest Anthem in India
A decade ago, student leaders in India were jailed for shouting 'Azadi' ('freedom'), but the word has since evolved into a widely used symbol of youth protest.
Al Jazeera · 15 Aug, 19:01

Ex-Syrian Police Chief Convicted in Austria of War Crimes Detained in Syria
Musab Abu Rukbah, a former Syrian police chief sentenced to eight years in Austria for crimes committed during Syria's civil war, has been detained in Syria after leaving Austria while appealing his conviction.
The New York Times · 15 Aug, 19:01

Lebanon reports 11 killed in fresh Israeli airstrikes
Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon killed at least 11 people on Saturday, the deadliest incident since a truce with Hezbollah began nearly two months ago, prompting the group to threaten retaliation.
Deutsche Welle · 15 Aug, 19:01

The mysterious MICH-2000: how a Chinese drone became a Ukrainian long-range weapon
Ukraine is using the MICH-2000 long-range drone, which traces its roots to civilian UAVs purchased in China. The system is now operated exclusively by Ukraine's Security Service Special Operations Centre Alpha for strikes deep inside Russia.
Ukrainska Pravda (EN) · 15 Aug, 19:00

Brazil man arrested after ChatGPT alerted authorities to alleged plot to kill his son
Brazilian police arrested a 36-year-old man who spent over two months discussing a plan to kill his eight-year-old son with ChatGPT, after the AI's safety system flagged the conversation to authorities. He was released after 54 days in detention but now faces strict restrictions.
Jauns.lv · 15 Aug, 18:58

Doctor questions White House claims about Trump's good health
Cardiologist Jonathan Reiner has publicly raised concerns about several signs that, in his view, cast doubt on White House assurances regarding President Donald Trump's health. He is calling for greater transparency around the president's medical information.
Latvijas Avīze · 15 Aug, 18:04

Russia warns Türkiye and US over relations amid Ukraine arms deal
Russia's Foreign Ministry has demanded explanations from Türkiye and the US regarding planned large-scale arms deliveries to Ukraine, warning of serious harm to bilateral ties.
Ukrainska Pravda (EN) · 15 Aug, 18:03

Thirty years after Tupac Shakur's death, murder-orchestration trial begins
A trial has opened in Las Vegas for former gang leader Duane Davis, accused of orchestrating the 1996 drive-by shooting that killed rapper Tupac Shakur. Prosecutors are relying heavily on Davis's own published memoir.
The Guardian World · 15 Aug, 18:01

NYT: France, Germany and UK working on plan for potential Ukraine-Russia peace talks
France, Germany and the UK are jointly preparing a plan to secure their involvement in possible peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia and to defend European interests, The New York Times reports, citing diplomats and experts.
Apollo.lv · 15 Aug, 18:00

Lebanon president says Israeli strikes that killed 11 send 'clear message' on negotiations
Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon killed at least 11 people on Saturday, prompting President Joseph Aoun to say the attacks send a clear signal about ongoing peace talks. Hezbollah warned of an appropriate response.
Euronews · 15 Aug, 18:00

Iran Says Qatar Captured Three of Its Pilots Early in War With U.S.
Iran says Qatar has been holding three of its fighter pilots since March 2, when their jets were shot down early in the war with the United States; Qatar has not commented.
The New York Times · 15 Aug, 18:00

Ukrainian forces strike Russian air defence system and drone warehouses
Ukraine's defence forces carried out strikes on Russian military targets in occupied territories on 14 August and overnight into 15 August, hitting an air defence system, warehouses and two command posts. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Ukrainska Pravda (EN) · 15 Aug, 17:05

Chad bans sand extraction along Chari River, sparking controversy
Chad's Ministry of Mines has banned sand extraction along the Chari River to protect the environment, but the decision is stirring controversy since thousands in the capital N'Djamena rely on the activity for their livelihoods.
France 24 · 15 Aug, 17:05
Afghans mark five years since Taliban's return to power
People gathered in Kabul to mark five years since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan. The gathering highlighted the passage of time since the shift in the country's leadership.
Al Jazeera · 15 Aug, 17:02

Record heat triggers rapid spread of toxic blue-green algae in the Baltic Sea
Prolonged heat has caused a sharp rise in toxic blue-green algae along Germany's Baltic coast and in several northern German lakes, prompting swimming bans and public warnings.
Jauns.lv · 15 Aug, 16:59

Germany warns citizens against travel to Ukraine ahead of Independence Day
Germany's Foreign Ministry has updated its travel advice, urging citizens not to travel to Ukraine in the near future amid a heightened risk of attacks before the 24 August Independence Day. The warning cites near-daily Russian strikes across the country.
Ukrainska Pravda (EN) · 15 Aug, 16:04
Afghan refugees face uncertain future amid Europe's political shift
Thousands of Afghans fled their country after the collapse of the former government in Kabul, with many settling in Europe, where a rightward political shift is now clouding their future.
Al Jazeera · 15 Aug, 16:03

Irish teenager's electrocution death in Greek shower prompts calls for safety checks
A 17-year-old Irish boy died after being electrocuted while showering on the Greek island of Kimolos, prompting calls for stricter safety checks on appliances in tourist accommodation.
The Guardian World · 15 Aug, 16:02

Iran: Strait of Hormuz Will Remain Iranian Despite Trump's Statement
Iran has sharply rejected US President Donald Trump's statement about plans to declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory, insisting the naval blockade will continue. The dispute flares up even as both sides had signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at resolving the conflict.
ERR (rus) · 15 Aug, 16:01

Several injured in shooting at Virginia State University
Virginia State University was closed on Saturday after a shooting involving multiple attackers left several people wounded. Further details about the victims and circumstances remain unknown.
TVNET · 15 Aug, 16:01

South Korea proposes talks with North Korea to formally end the war
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has called for talks with North Korea to formally end their decades-long war and curb Pyongyang's nuclear program. North Korea has not yet responded to the proposal.
Jauns.lv · 15 Aug, 15:58

False social media claims about Ceuta border opening spark migrant gatherings
False posts on social media claiming Morocco would open its border with the Spanish enclave of Ceuta for the Assumption holiday have prompted migrants to gather near the crossing. Morocco has warned that those spreading the false information could face legal consequences.
France 24 · 15 Aug, 15:58

Lindsay Clancy trial: prosecutors highlight searches suggesting staged suicide attempt
Prosecutors in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial this week pointed to internet searches and personal notes they say show premeditation, while the defense maintains she suffered postpartum psychosis.
The Guardian World · 15 Aug, 15:07
Could China copy Iran's blockade tactics against Taiwan?
An Al Jazeera program examines whether the wars in Iran and Ukraine suggest China might pursue a naval blockade of Taiwan rather than a direct invasion. Taiwan has long prepared for a military invasion, but recent conflicts point to other potential threats.
Al Jazeera · 15 Aug, 15:04

Latin America's right-wing leaders warm ties with Israel, aligning with Trump's foreign policy
Several Latin American governments have recently restored or strengthened relations with Israel, a shift analysts link to the region's rising radical right and closer alignment with US foreign policy. Brazil and, to a lesser extent, Mexico remain more critical or neutral.
Deutsche Welle · 15 Aug, 15:03

Five years since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan: key questions examined
August 15 marks five years since the Islamist Taliban movement returned to power in Afghanistan. LSM reviews how the country's situation has changed across several key areas during this period.
LSM · 15 Aug, 14:59

Russia Claims 19 Settlements Captured in Southeastern Ukraine Over Summer
Russia's Defense Ministry says its forces took control of 19 settlements in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions during a summer campaign, though frontline advances have slowed this year.
The Moscow Times · 15 Aug, 14:03
At Least Seven Killed in Israeli Strike on Family Home in Southern Lebanon
An overnight Israeli strike hit a family home in the village of Ansar in southern Lebanon, killing at least seven people. Rescue workers are at the scene assessing the aftermath.
Al Jazeera · 15 Aug, 14:03

Ukraine strikes Russia's largest online marketplace Wildberries in two-pronged campaign
Ukrainian hackers have disrupted the payment and customer-service systems of Russia's largest online marketplace, Wildberries, Ukraine's military intelligence agency HUR reports.
Euromaidan Press · 15 Aug, 14:02

Major wildfire forces evacuation of about 1,200 people in Croatia
A fast-spreading wildfire on Croatia's coast has forced the evacuation of roughly 1,200 residents and tourists. One person died and about 40 were injured.
Latvijas Avīze · 15 Aug, 14:01

Powerful earthquake strikes Indonesia's Flores Island, killing dozens
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Indonesia's popular tourist destination Flores Island on Saturday, killing at least 38 people and displacing thousands. A tsunami warning issued afterward was later lifted.
Jauns.lv · 15 Aug, 14:01

Israeli strikes kill nine in south Lebanon in deadliest toll since June ceasefire
Two Israeli airstrikes on south Lebanon on Saturday killed nine people, including three children, and wounded 11, marking the worst casualty toll since a June truce with Hezbollah.
The Guardian World · 15 Aug, 14:00

Post-Brexit residency rights being stripped from elderly Britons in Sweden
Several long-term British residents of Sweden, including elderly and vulnerable people, are facing deportation after missing the deadline to apply for post-Brexit residency status. Campaigners say Sweden's refusal rate is far higher than in any other EU country.
The Guardian World · 15 Aug, 13:05
The Iranian YouTube Show That Dares to Ask Uncomfortable Questions
A popular Iranian online debate program called Azad has been tackling subjects that test the limits of the country's authoritarian system, leaving observers wondering how it has managed to keep broadcasting.
The New York Times · 15 Aug, 13:04

Powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Indonesia kills at least 20
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia's Flores region on Saturday, killing at least 20 people. A tsunami warning issued afterward was later lifted.
Euronews · 15 Aug, 13:03

Russia begins criminal treason cases over photos of soldiers' graves
Russian authorities have opened treason cases against people in several regions for photographing the graves of soldiers killed in the war against Ukraine, alleging the images were passed to Ukrainian intelligence.
ERR (rus) · 15 Aug, 13:00