Photos obtained by CBS News appear to show destroyed aircraft, buildings and temporary structures at US sites in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The BBC said it has not independently verified the images, while a Pentagon watchdog separately reported hundreds of damaged or destroyed structures and billions of dollars in equipment losses.
Rights groups and analysts say Iranian authorities are increasingly confiscating property belonging to Baha’is, dissidents and critics at home and abroad. They describe the seizures as both a tool of intimidation and a source of limited revenue amid severe economic pressure.
Belarus has agreed to release 25 prisoners as the United States prepares to ease sanctions on two companies, US envoy John Coale said. The sides also plan further talks on additional releases and sanctions, while rights group Viasna says more than 900 political prisoners remain detained.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared before International Criminal Court judges for the first time in person as they considered claims about his memory and health. Duterte denies crimes-against-humanity charges linked to his anti-drug campaign; prosecutors say he is fit to exercise his trial rights.
The World Economic Forum says global gender parity has reached 69.2%, but full equality could still be 120 years away. Its 2026 report highlights declining female political representation, persistent gaps in senior leadership and a shortage of women in artificial-intelligence roles.
The US State Department has approved Aurelien Lechevallier, France’s choice as ambassador to Washington, after Paris apologised for criticism of US policy following a United Nations vote. Lechevallier is expected to take up the post in the coming weeks.
Raids, arrests and account blocks targeting LGBTQ+ activists and organizations in Turkey have prompted protests and condemnation from Turkish groups and EU officials. Authorities linked the operation to investigations into alleged obscene content and LGBTQ+ propaganda, while critics said it threatened fundamental rights.
Photos obtained by CBS News appear to show destroyed aircraft, buildings and temporary structures at US sites in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The BBC said it has not independently verified the images, while a Pentagon watchdog separately reported hundreds of damaged or destroyed structures and billions of dollars in equipment losses.
Crowds in Pristina and other Kosovo cities reacted with silence, protests and chants of support after the Kosovo Specialist Chambers convicted former President Hashim Thaci and three former KLA leaders of war crimes. Kosovo’s political leaders called the judgment unjust, while defense lawyers said the men would appeal.
At least 21 people, including six children, died when a war-damaged building collapsed in Gaza, according to authorities cited by DW. Rescue workers continued searching for survivors with limited equipment, while UN officials warned that hundreds of other damaged buildings could also collapse.
A Russian drone struck a passenger bus in southern Ukraine early Wednesday, killing five people and injuring at least seven, according to France 24. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the attack an “atrocity.”
Kosovo reacted with shock after the Kosovo Specialist Chambers convicted former President Hashim Thaci and three former KLA leaders of war crimes. Political leaders called the verdict unjust, while police intervened after protesters tried to damage an EULEX perimeter wall; defense lawyers said appeals would follow.
At least 20 people, including six children, were killed when a war-damaged building collapsed in Gaza, according to DW. Rescue workers continued searching for survivors with limited equipment, while officials warned that hundreds of other damaged structures could also collapse as wetter weather approaches.
The Houthis’ growing presence around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is putting pressure on Saudi Arabia while creating fresh economic risks for Egypt, whose Suez Canal income depends on maritime traffic. DW reports that Cairo is likely to favor diplomacy as it weighs its alliance with Riyadh against the dangers of further disruption.
The Democratic Republic of Congo declared its Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak on May 15, but evidence cited by DW suggests infections may have begun as early as February. Health authorities and international organizations faced criticism over delays in recognizing and responding to the outbreak.
At least 67 people were killed when the al-Zara gold mine collapsed in West Kordofan, according to a medical group and survivors cited by France 24. Rescue efforts were continuing, with people still reported missing or trapped beneath the rubble.
The United States has announced visa restrictions targeting South African nationals accused by Secretary of State Marco Rubio of promoting racial discrimination, inciting violence or enabling uncompensated land confiscation. Pretoria rejects claims that white South Africans face systemic discrimination, while Washington says the measures could expand.
Violence involving jihadist groups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger is set to reach historic levels, according to figures from Acled. The monitor recorded 2,145 such events this year so far, while analysts said the groups’ expanding territorial influence has not translated into a demonstrated capacity for attacks in Europe or the United States.
South African police are investigating eight women’s deaths reported over two months in locations across Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg. Authorities have not established whether the cases are connected, but similarities have prompted a public safety warning and intensified inquiries.
Residents of Piddington voted overwhelmingly in a nonbinding referendum to symbolically secede from the United Kingdom, protesting plans for an asylum reception center at a nearby former military base. The proposal remains under review, while officials and ministers say military facilities could help replace asylum hotels.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is under growing pressure after the CDU’s defeat in Saxony-Anhalt and weak polling ahead of an election in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Despite criticism over communication and policy, all eight CDU state premiers have declared their support, while no broadly accepted successor has emerged.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is seeking a “unique alliance” with the European Union as Canada looks to deepen ties beyond its existing trade agreement. Areas under discussion include defense, technology, energy, critical minerals and infrastructure, though experts say the partnership is unlikely to involve Canadian membership of the EU single market.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing growing doubts after the CDU’s defeat in Saxony-Anhalt and weak polling in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Government officials have criticized the coalition’s lack of public trust, but the CDU and CSU have no broadly supported alternative and all eight CDU state premiers have publicly backed him.
The United States has used its Alien Terrorist Removal Court for the first time since it was created, deporting Afghan permanent resident Nazira Haji Zada after she waived an appeal. Legal experts and her attorneys questioned the court’s secrecy and said its constitutional validity remains untested.
The Centre for a Better Britain is reportedly preparing proposals to abolish inheritance tax, phase out capital gains tax and reduce financial-sector regulation. The thinktank says reports based on an early draft contain inaccuracies and insists its final document will not propose unfunded tax cuts.
The US Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 25 basis points, citing persistently high inflation, according to DW. The move could draw criticism from President Donald Trump, who has called for lower rates.
A liter mug of beer at Munich’s Oktoberfest will cost an average of €15.61 this year, according to DW. UniCredit economist Andreas Rees found prices have increased about 400% since 1985, compared with roughly 120% growth in German consumer prices, although this year’s rise is 2.4%.
Saudi Arabia has not commented on reports that crude shipments to some European refiners were cancelled or delayed after drone strikes prompted a precautionary shutdown of its East-West pipeline. Argus reported that at least three refiners faced postponed cargoes, while the overall impact remained unclear.
Fuel prices in Germany have surged, with motorists facing sharp increases and limited alternatives in rural areas. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has promised action, but coalition partners remain divided over tax relief, direct payments, price caps and a possible excess-profits tax.
Economists expect UK consumer-price inflation to increase to about 3.1% in August, from 2.9% in July, putting it further above the Bank of England’s 2% target. Higher fuel prices are cited as a key driver, while Pantheon Macroeconomics says increased electronics costs linked to chip shortages could also contribute.
Fortescue has appealed a Federal Court order to pay $150.3 million to Yindjibarndi traditional owners over damage linked to four iron-ore mines in Western Australia. The Yindjibarndi body and WA government have also filed appeals, challenging different aspects of the judgment; no hearing date has been set.
GSMA says 3.4 billion people remain offline despite access to mobile broadband, as rising memory and chipset costs make entry-level smartphones less affordable. The industry body is urging manufacturers and component makers to cut prices and improve availability to prevent poorer populations from being excluded from emerging digital services.
The UK Advertising Standards Authority banned five Meta-platform adverts for AI companion and image-generation apps, saying they promoted sexualised content, objectification and harmful gender stereotypes. The regulator said some ads encouraged users to create explicit material from women’s images without consent, while one depicted a sexualised person under 18.
OpenAI, Anthropic and Google are working on a proposed self-regulatory body amid warnings about AI safety. DW reports that President Donald Trump has rejected calls for tighter controls, while concerns persist over industry influence and the lack of congressional action.
Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang said AI companies should decide whether new systems are safe to release, arguing that new laws and regulations are unnecessary. His position contrasts with Anthropic leaders, AI researchers and others calling for slower development and government oversight.
Australian-owned computing company Sharon AI has bought the former Visy paper mill site at Ettamogah, north of Albury. Residents and local representatives are seeking clarity about possible development, while the company says it will conduct community consultation but has not disclosed its intentions.
London Gatwick is testing robots that collect and park vehicles in a secured long-stay facility. The service costs about €6 to €12 more than standard parking and is designed to accommodate roughly 95% of vehicles, subject to size and weight limits.
Evidence reviewed by WHO, Africa CDC and researchers suggests Ebola may have circulated in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo from February, months before authorities declared the outbreak on May 15. Delays in recognizing and reporting cases may have allowed wider spread, although some early deaths cannot be definitively linked to the virus.
Investigators and health officials say Ebola may have circulated in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo from February, well before the outbreak was declared on May 15. Delays in recognizing and reporting cases may have allowed the disease to spread, according to the Africa CDC, WHO and other cited sources.
South Australia’s only Bureau of Meteorology wave buoy is expected to be redeployed this week after a likely lightning strike caused its latest outage. The buoy has been operational for about 10 months over the past two years, prompting calls from the federal opposition for a more permanent solution.
Following the death of a 16-year-old Sydney girl, sexual health educators are urging parents to discuss strangulation, consent and body safety with children. They recommend age-appropriate conversations that explain the physical risks and challenge messages young people may encounter in pornography and other media.
Dr John Gibbs, who worked at the Countess of Chester Hospital during Lucy Letby’s crimes, says consultants should have escalated their suspicions to police sooner. He accepted collective responsibility for failings identified by the Thirlwall Inquiry and apologised to the affected families.
Experts say presenteeism is shaped by job insecurity, workplace culture and how closely people tie work to their identity. Psychologists argue that mental health should be treated like physical illness when deciding whether someone is fit to work.
Research cited by DW links a warming climate to higher household expenses, weaker productivity and disruption across supply chains. Analysts say adaptation and emissions cuts are both needed to limit further economic damage.
The Climate Change Committee says Heathrow expansion is incompatible with the UK’s net-zero target unless aviation funds cleaner fuels and carbon-removal technology. The government is considering the advice before a Commons vote expected later this year, while airlines warn the proposed costs could make flying unaffordable.
Azerbaijan has earmarked up to €540 million for climate-resilient irrigation between 2026 and 2030, with the investment representing nearly 40% of its climate-adaptation agricultural budget. It has also introduced an FAO-developed scoring system to direct advance subsidies towards smallholders using water-saving and soil-restoring methods.
Groundwater depletion is causing land subsidence in Iran’s Rafsanjan region and California’s Central Valley, threatening pistachio production. DW reports that California is pursuing recharge and pumping-management measures, while Iranian researchers warn that regulation and more efficient irrigation are urgently needed.
The European Space Agency has launched the Flex and Sentinel-3C satellites to improve observation of climate-related changes. Flex will study plant health and stress, while Sentinel-3C will monitor ocean conditions and land cover.
The US Environmental Protection Agency has repealed Biden-era limits on carbon emissions from coal- and gas-fired power plants. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the move would lower regulatory burdens and electricity prices, while environmental and legal experts warned it could harm public health and face court challenges.
Bonnie Greer, the Chicago-born playwright and author who became a prominent voice in British cultural and political debate, has died aged 77. Her husband, David Hutchins, said she died after a brief illness and remembered her as a warm, generous and unifying presence.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa opened the Arab Media Summit in Dubai, which organisers describe as the event’s largest edition. The summit also featured the UAE’s account of cyber-attacks during this year’s crisis and new figures showing growth in Dubai’s media sector.
“Blindspot Berlin” dramatizes the investigation into Anis Amri before his 2016 truck attack at Berlin’s Breitscheidplatz. Based on the case and a parliamentary inquiry, the series focuses on missed warnings, poor coordination and institutional shortcomings while avoiding unsupported speculation, its producers told DW.
Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Lukas Graham and Finneas have withdrawn from Ed Sheeran’s North and South American Loop Tour after Macklemore said he was removed over his pro-Palestinian stance. Sheeran said promoters, not he, made the decision, while Robert Kraft cited what he called antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.
The heritage-listed Cornwall Hotel in Western Australia’s Goldfields has been put up for sale after surviving riots, fire and an earthquake. Restoration costs, heritage requirements and a shortage of skilled tradespeople may complicate efforts to give the 128-year-old building a new use, ABC News Australia reports.
Ed Sheeran said the promoter of his US tour dropped Macklemore after venues threatened to withdraw future shows over the rapper’s pro-Palestinian comments. Several artists later left the tour, while Patriots owner Robert Kraft said he had pressured Sheeran to remove Macklemore from a Massachusetts performance.
Sunderland and AZ named their lineups for an 8pm BST Europa League match, while Milan and Benfica also prepared for a high-profile fixture, The Guardian reported. Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka said his team wanted to play with intensity as the club began another European campaign.
The Guardian’s live coverage lists four third-round matches, including Manchester United against Brighton and Coventry City against Aston Villa. United’s lineup includes Karl Darlow on his debut, while the report says 15-year-old JJ Gabriel is considering his future amid interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Manuel Neuer’s departure from international football has left Germany searching for a new first-choice goalkeeper. DW says Jonas Urbig, Marc-André ter Stegen, Oliver Baumann and several younger candidates are under consideration, with club playing time, age and Jürgen Klopp’s tactical preferences likely to shape the decision.
Matt Renshaw says batting at number six helped him feel comfortable as he made his first ODI century in Australia’s 59-run win over Zimbabwe. He suggested the milestone might not have happened had he opened the innings.
NBC Sports reported that referees’ group Pro Ref acknowledged an error involving Erling Haaland’s goal in the Manchester derby. The supplied material provides no further details about the decision or the circumstances of the admission.
Sturt and Norwood will meet in the SANFL grand final nearly five decades after Norwood’s one-point victory was shaped by a disputed decision involving Phil Gallagher. ABC News Australia reports that the old controversy remains part of the rivalry as Norwood enters Sunday’s match as favourite and Sturt seeks to defend its 2025 premiership.
PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp says the circuit is not considering another returning-member program for LIV Golf players after LIV filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in New Jersey. Brooks Koepka used a limited-time pathway to return in January, but other players’ futures remain uncertain.
The County Championship’s penultimate round began with promotion, title and relegation contests still unresolved. Nottinghamshire added India seamer Mukesh Kumar, while Somerset face a difficult assignment against Yorkshire and in-form spinner Kuldeep Yadav at Headingley.
Hyrox has apologised for allowing a race to continue after an athlete soiled herself. The incident prompted concerns about hygiene, while some people praised the competitor’s determination to finish despite the difficult circumstances.
India’s women’s cricket team defeated Sri Lanka to secure a record eighth Asia Cup title. The players did not attend the trophy presentation with Pakistani minister Mohsin Naqvi, according to DW.
Kimi Antonelli is close to becoming the youngest Formula One champion in history. His nearest rival has acknowledged that he is no longer in contention for the title.
Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), 5-7, 6-2 to win the 2026 US Open. The victory marks the German’s second Grand Slam title and denied Shelton a chance to become the first American man since 2003 to win a major.