(2026-08-19). Correcting the Trump delusions about the Strait of Hormuz. asiapacificreport.nz 
COMMENTARY: Special correspondent American President Donald Trump posted an image on his Truth Social today. An AI-generated image. It has the Strait of Hormuz circled, and above it, in large letters: NEW U.S. TERRITORY I wrote that line in capitals on purpose. Because this is not something said in a speech. This is a picture.
(2026-08-19). On cam: Qatar tries to save US-Iran talks as Trump and Tehran clash over control Of Strait of Hormuz. hindustantimes.com Qatar is stepping in to help revive U.S.-Iran negotiations as Washington and Tehran remain sharply divided over control of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The diplomatic push comes amid rising tensions and growing concerns over the impact of the standoff on regional security and global shipping.
(2026-08-19). One Hormuz Strait, two realities: Trump declares 'open,' Iran claims 'closed'… Who is bluffing. hindustantimes.com The Strait of Hormuz has become the center of a growing confrontation between Donald Trump and Iran. Iran says the strategic waterway is closed, while Trump says Hormuz is open and operating, despite a U.S. naval blockade. Trump also claimed that all water mines had been removed or detonated and rejected reports of talks with Tehran. His statement came as he spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan about Gulf security and the latest Middle East developments. This video examines the competing claims over Hormuz, the U.S. naval presence, Iran's position, and what the dispute means for shipping an…
(2026-08-19). US' biggest alliance crisis: Trump scolds Seoul, China's top diplomat lands almost immediately. hindustantimes.com South Korea is facing a fresh strategic test as China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi prepares to visit Seoul, days after Donald Trump defended scaling back joint U.S.-South Korea military drills. Wang's visit is expected to focus on bilateral and regional issues as Seoul looks to manage ties with both Washington and Beijing.
(2026-08-19). West can't reach Putin's Caspian route? Russia sending TNT & drone parts to rebuild Iran's arsenal. hindustantimes.com Russia is reportedly shipping explosives, ammunition and drone components to Iran through the Caspian Sea, according to an exclusive NBC News report. A European government document allegedly lists TNT among the cargo, while a Western official reportedly confirmed its contents. The shipments could help Iran rebuild military capabilities damaged by U.S. and Israeli strikes. The reported transfers also mark a striking reversal in the Russia-Iran drone relationship, after years of Iranian Shahed-style drones and technical support flowing to Moscow. This video examines Putin's Caspian supply route, why the shipments m…
(2026-08-19). UAE suspends all trade, financial transactions with Iran after missile attack. geo.tv UAE flag flies over a boat at Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. — Reuters/File UAE halts trade activities with Iran until further notice.Missiles targeted "maritime traffic": defence ministry.Iran urges "regional parties" to avoid claims against Iran.
(2026-08-19). Is Gulf War Back? Hours After Trump-MBZ Call, Angry Mojtaba Fires Two Ballistic Missiles Toward UAE. hindustantimes.com Iran has reportedly launched two ballistic missiles toward the UAE, with Abu Dhabi confirming the projectiles and saying both were intercepted. The reported attack comes shortly after a Trump-Mohammed bin Zayed call, as tensions between Tehran and the U.S. and its Gulf allies continue to escalate.
(2026-08-19). Trump turns screws on South Korea to join Iran war. wsws.org Incensed by South Korea's refusal to join the US war of aggression against Iran, Trump has unilaterally reduced major joint war games that began Monday and announced plans for talks with North Korea.
(2026-08-19). Monday 8/24: "American Doctors" : Gaza Genocide Frontline Hospitals Film & Panel w/ Filmmaker & Doctors. indybay.org Roxie Movie Theater SF | 3125 16th Street, | San Francisco, CA 94103…
(2026-08-19). Friday 9/4: BABA G presents a Fundraiser: Water is Life – Let Gaza Live. indybay.org San Jose Peace & Justice Center | 48 S Seventh St, Unit 101, San Jose, CA 95112, United States…
(2026-08-19). Tuesday 8/25: "American Doctors" Gaza Genocide Frontline Hospitals – Film & Panel w/ Filmmaker & Doctors. indybay.org Roxie Movie Theater SF | 3125 16th Street, | San Francisco, CA 94103…
(2026-08-19). Venezuela 2026, Argentina 1955, Chavismo and Peronism. unitedworldint.com The events that unfolded in Venezuela after January 3rd have profoundly shaken the country's political landscape. Beyond the search for culprits and traitors—mostly unfounded and driven by emotional responses to the pain and helplessness caused by the murder of hundreds of Cubans and Venezuelans and the kidnapping of President Maduro and his wife—the truth is …
(2026-08-19). Senador granadino ratifica apoyo sindical a Cuba. radiohc.cu La voluntad de los trabajadores de la isla caribeña de Granada para continuar acompañando a la mayor de las Antillas fue el pilar de un nuevo encuentro que sostuvo Yadiryz Echenique Paz, embajadora cubana en ese país, y el senador granadino Andrés Lewis. | La disposición de fortalecer los vínculos de solidaridad frente al cerco imperialista recrudecido fue ratificada por ambas partes durante el encuentro, informó Cubaminrex. | Durante el intercambio Lewis, también presidente de Grenada Trade Union Council, ratificó el compromiso de los sindicatos granadinos de acompañar a Cuba en su resistencia contra las medidas…
(2026-08-19). That Time the US President threatened, "A Whole Civilization will die tonight" juancole.com
(2026-08-19). Hamas accuses Netanyahu of undermining talks, ceasefire deal after Gaza strike. tribune.com.pk 
Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday of deliberately undermining ceasefire talks while reaffirming its commitment to the Gaza ceasefire deal and urging the United States and mediators to pressure Israel to honour it. | The Palestinian group issued the statement after an Israeli strike on a cafe at the port in Gaza City killed six Palestinians, including a child, and injured others. | It said the "new massacre" represented "a deliberate escalation" and accused Israel of seeking to undermine efforts to consolidate the ceasefire and advance implementation of the agreement. "The timin…
(2026-08-19). Fresh EU help for war industry. electronicintifada.net Border mission in Gaza serves as a figleaf for an illegal occupation.
(2026-08-19). Israel and the occupied territories: ICRC facilitates voluntary return of 88 individuals to Gaza. icrc.org
(2026-08-19). The daily struggle for a dignified life continues for Palestinians in Gaza. icrc.org
(2026-08-19). Sunday 9/20: Paws: A Benefit for the Sulala Animal Rescue in Gaza. indybay.org Berkeley Animal Rights Center – 2414 Sixth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710…
(2026-08-19). US refineries taking in half of Venezuela's oil output, official says. aljazeera.com US official says Venezuela is sending 500,000 of its 1.25 million barrels per day output to Gulf Coast refineries.
(2026-08-19). RCMP warns Two Canadian Sikh Separatists of life threat over Khalistan-related activities. ptcnews.tv PTC Web Desk: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has reportedly warned two Canadian Sikh separatists that they face a serious and immediate threat to their lives because of their involvement in efforts to establish an independent Sikh state in India.According to Canadian media reports, the warnings were issued to Inderjeet Singh Gosal of Caledon, Ontario, and Manjinder Singh of Abbotsford, British Columbia. The RCMP reportedly described the threats as credible, serious and imminent.
(2026-08-19). Iran's armed forces warn Gulf countries against assisting US military. tribune.com.pk 
Iran's armed forces warned Gulf countries on Wednesday against assisting the US military, saying it would be tantamount to joining American military operations. | "We wish to warn that any assistance or facilitation provided to the aggressor US military amounts to participation in the US military operation," armed forces chief of staff Ali Abdollahi said, according to Iran's Mehr news agency. | South Korean minister says Trump appears to be pressuring Seoul over Iran, investment | South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said on Wednesday that US President Donald Trump's order to curb joint military drills appea…
(2026-08-18). DeepSeek seeks civilengineering talents for its IDC datacenter team. ecns.cn Chinese AI company DeepSeek has posted a new round of full-time job openings for its IDC data center team, covering three areas: data center infrastructure operations, planning and design, and on-site implementation.
(2026-08-19). Indian-origin woman, living in US with green card for 27 years, detained by ICE. ptcnews.tv PTC News Desk: An Indian-origin woman who has been residing lawfully in the US for 27 years and has held a Green Card since 2013, has been detained Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). | Venkata Vasamsetty who is a public school teacher working with special-needs students in North Carolina, has no criminal record and is the mother of two US citizens and grandmother of two US citizen children, according to her family and immigration attorney. | Venkata Vasamsetty, a public school teacher who works with special-needs students in North Carolina, was reportedly detained by US immigration authorities despite ha…
(2026-08-18). Wang Chuqin retains top in ITTF men's singles world rankings. ecns.cn China's Wang Chuqin retained the No. 1 spot in the men's singles standings as the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) released its world rankings for Week 34 of 2026 on Monday.
(2026-08-19). Hainan international education hub brings together 30 Chinese, overseas universities. ecns.cn An international education hub in south China's Hainan Province has brought together 30 Chinese and overseas universities, giving students access to cross-university courses and international education resources without leaving China.
(2026-08-19). The Best Custom Software Development Companies In The U.S.: A 2026 Review. moguldom.com Finding a high-quality team to do custom software development for your brand is difficult. You often don't have the inside industry knowledge you need to know who is able to deliver and who might not. Many global markets are currently saturated with agencies, but you want one that offers transparency, accountability, and a high degree …
(2026-08-19). 9 Best 3D Printing Websites and Tools You Need to Know in 2026. moguldom.com It's pretty wild how much 3D printing technology has evolved over the last couple of years. Back in the beginning, the hobby was so incredibly expensive and took some real expertise to get anything to work. Whether it was troubleshooting mysterious print errors or trying out lots of different handmade tools and modifications, you really …
(2026-08-19). AN ONGOING REHEARSAL – An Interview with NDUDUZO MAKHATHINI. indybay.org Audio interview with Nduduzo Makhathini; South African pianist, improviser, healer, and musicologist. He's currently writing a book called, "An Ongoing Rehearsal." His new album on Blue Note Records is titled The Myth We Choose and was released on June 26, 2026. In September, 2026 Makhathini will begin a US/World tour with his jazz trio.
(2026-08-19). Wednesday 8/19: Rally To Defend The Crockett Ten: DROP The Charges NOW! indybay.org Richmond Superior Court | 100 37th St | Richmond, California…
(2026-08-19). Sunday 9/20: Ensemble Ari Concert and Open Studio. indybay.org 4030 Reinhardt Drive, Oakland, CA…
(2026-08-19). Monday 8/24: "The Nerd Reich" : Rise of AI Tech Fascism w/ Book Talk Author Gil Durán & host Wajahat Ali. indybay.org HYBRID EVENT | In-Person: | The Commonwealth Club | 110 The Embarcadero | San Francisco, CA 94105 | Students = FREE w/ school ID for in-person ticket | Or register to join on-line here: commonwealthclub.my.salesforce-sites.com……
(2026-08-19). Thursday 8/20: OPEN HOUSE: Revolution Books. indybay.org Revolution Books | 2444 Durant Avenue | Berkeley, CA 94704…
(2026-08-19). Mumia Remembers Dr. Johanna Fernandez; NOL Activists Speak Against ICE & Lobby. indybay.org Mumia Abu Jamal Remembers Dr. Johanna Fernandez; New Orleans Activists Speak Out Against ICE Detention Centers; Author Ian Lustick Examines Israel's Lobby…
(2026-08-19). Philippine impeachment trial advances Marcos' consolidation of state power. wsws.org Behind the constitutional theater in the Philippine Senate, the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte is being staged to eliminate the last significant political obstacle to Washington's transformation of the archipelago into a forward base for war with China.
(2026-08-19). Oligarchy, dictatorship and the political radicalization of the American working class. wsws.org We are publishing here the report delivered by Joseph Kishore, national secretary of the Socialist Equality Party (US), to the party's Ninth National Congress, held August 2—7, 2026.
(2026-08-19). Ceuta and Melilla: A Colonial Legacy in a Changing Strategic Geography. moderndiplomacy.eu Recent events in Ceuta have revived a debate that many had long regarded as little more than a historical dispute. That interpretation, however, fails to capture the issue's contemporary strategic significance. Ceuta and Melilla now stand at the intersection of several of the Western Mediterranean's most pressing security challenges. Migration, border control, violent extremism, organized …
(2026-08-19). Why Is Japan Criticising the U.S. Over ICC Sanctions? moderndiplomacy.eu Japan has issued an unusually direct criticism of its U.S. ally after Washington imposed sanctions on International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye. Japan's foreign ministry described the sanctions as "very unfortunate" and reaffirmed Tokyo's support for the ICC and its role in prosecuting serious international crimes. The statement marks …
(2026-08-19). Private credit market under growing stress. wsws.org Loan defaults are rising and the number of companies financed by private credit being placed on a watch list is growing.
(2026-08-18). China's licensed doctors reach 5.29 million as resident health indicators hit record highs. ecns.cn China had 5.29 million licensed (assistant) physicians by the end of 2025, surpassing the target set in the 14th Five-Year (2021-2025) Plan, the National Health Commission announced on Wednesday, commemorating the ninth Chinese Doctors' Day.
(2026-08-19). US ambassador to Israel calls settler violence 'terror'. aljazeera.com US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee says Israeli settler violence in the occupied West Bank…
(2026-08-19). Friday 9/4: Rally To Stop Chatbots Replacing Workers At Kaiser, Defend Healthcare Workers & Single Pay. indybay.org San Francisco Kaiser Hospital | 2645 Geary Blvd | San Francisco…
(2026-08-19). How to Protect and Diversify Your Wealth for the Future. moguldom.com For entrepreneurs and successful professionals, building wealth is only half the battle. The other, equally important half, is protecting it. Asset protection isn't about hiding money or dodging responsibilities; it's a smart way to set up your financial life. This helps shield your wealth from unexpected risks, creditors, and legal challenges. A well-designed plan makes …
(2026-08-19). Yangtze River Delta launches multimodal express freight routes to Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. ecns.cn A multimodal express freight train loaded with e-commerce goods, including daily commodities and clothing, departed from Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, for Tianjin on Wednesday, marking the launch of the first direct e-commerce multimodal express train service connecting the Yangtze River Delta to the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.
(2026-08-19). Forklift safety expert calls for independent investigation into catastrophic accident at GM Flint Assembly. wsws.org While forklifts can be equipped with cameras, proximity detectors and collision-warning systems, workers appear to remain dependent largely upon horns, painted lines, mirrors and the ability of a forklift driver to twist around and look backward.
(2026-08-19). Saturday 8/22: Footprint America: a walking tour. indybay.org meet in the lobby of the American Youth Hostel | 312 Mason Street | San Francisco…
(2026-08-18). China launches Zhuque-3 rocket, achieving its first rocket recovery on land. ecns.cn China launched the reusable rocket Zhuque-3 on Wednesday morning, achieving its first recovery of a rocket's first stage on land.
(2026-08-19). LucidPic Review: Checking Out the AI Photo Video Creator. moguldom.com AI image and video generators are becoming increasingly useful for people who need professional-looking visual content without the time and cost associated with traditional photography and video shoots. Lucidpic is an appealing option for more than a few reasons. But, does it actually hold up to the buzz surrounding it, and would it be a …
(2026-08-19). TRAPPED IN AN OILY FOOL'S PARADISE. indybay.org Delusion and Catastrophic reality…
(2026-08-19). First cold-chain express train carrying southern Xinjiang fruits begins service. ecns.cn A freight train carrying over 200 metric tons of fresh plums departed from Aksu, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, for Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, on Monday, marking the launch of the region's first cold-chain express train service for local fresh fruits.
(2026-08-19). Today In Dystopia: "We Have Cameras Everywhere In That Town" caitlinjohnstone.com.au Today in dystopia, police have been wrongfully arresting people based on faulty information from AI-assisted Flock surveillance footage instead of actually investigating the evidence of the crime. | In an article titled "
(2026-08-19). More than two-thirds of UPS' US package volume now handled in automated facilities. wsws.org These developments further expose the Teamsters' so-called "historic" 2023 contract as a historic sellout.
(2026-08-19). Is Hamas Really the reason there is no Mideast Peace? juancole.com Washington, D.C. (Special to Informed Comment; Feature) — Hamas has frequently been described as a rigidly fanatical terrorist organization intent on destroying Israel. It is argued that it does not have the support of most Palestinians, and cannot be part of a peace process. Hamas' military wing's attack in Israel on October 7, 2023, in which a majority of those killed were civilians, including women and children, is cited as proof of this assertion. | In a statement published in the Washington Post on November 19, 2023, President Biden said that "as long as Hamas clings to its ideology of destruction, a c…
(2026-08-19). Climate Alarmists Go Silent: Turns Out Fossil Fuels Are Earth's 'Miracle-Gro'. wattsupwiththat.com The question is no longer whether fossil fuels have greened the planet. The evidence is overwhelming. Will people in power have the courage to acknowledge it as a benefit?
(2026-08-19). Where Have All Your Dollars Gone? Long Time Passing. davidswanson.org The discretionary budget for the U.S. government next year as proposed by Trump is depicted by the Washington Examiner in the above pie chart. It has passed the House and might pass the Senate. As long as half of Congress Members see their job as boot licking and the other half see their job as …
(2026-08-19). ICRC president: At 77, the Geneva Conventions remain indispensable to humanity and global stability. icrc.org Statement by Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the ICRC, to mark the 77th anniversary of the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 on August 12th.
(2026-08-19). Unitree Robotics surges 629% to $62 bln valuation in Shanghai share debut. ecns.cn Chinese humanoid robot maker Unitree Robotics surged 629.44 percent to open at 1,100 yuan (about 161.99 U.S. dollars) per share in its Shanghai STAR Market debut Wednesday.
(2026-08-19). At least nine killed in hotel fire in India's Kolkata. tribune.com.pk 
At least nine people were killed, including a child, in a fire at a hotel in India's eastern city of Kolkata on Wednesday, local police said. | The fire broke out at around 2: 50am local time on the second floor of the hotel building and was brought under control within an hour, ‚Å a senior police officer told Reuters. | Around 30 people were evacuated safely in the incident, which may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit, the officer said. The exact cause of the blaze ‚…
(2026-08-19). US unions sue over new visa rule for foreign students, journalists. aljazeera.com New rule caps student and exchange visas to four years, while most journalist visas will be limited to 240 days.
(2026-08-19). Saturday 8/22: Gold Rush CENTURY: a walking tour. indybay.org meet in the lobby of the American Youth Hostel | 312 Mason Street | San Francisco…
(2026-08-19). Trial begins that could force Meta to change Facebook and Instagram. aljazeera.com A landmark trial has begun in California over allegations Meta deliberately designed its platforms to be addictive.
(2026-08-18). Cambodia links KHQR with WeChat Pay for Chinese travelers. ecns.cn Chinese travelers in Cambodia can now use WeChat Pay to scan local KHQR codes for everyday purchases under a cross-border QR payment service launched Tuesday in Phnom Penh by the National Bank of Cambodia and WeChat Pay.
(2026-08-18). China launches Zhuque-3, achieving its first rocket recovery on land. ecns.cn China launched the reusable rocket Zhuque-3 on Wednesday morning, achieving its first recovery of a rocket's first stage on land.
(2026-08-19). Ex-Left Party leader helps pave the way for far-right rule in eastern Germany. wsws.org Sahra Wagenknecht's rapprochement with the AfD has been apparent for years. Now, she is not only moving closer to the far-right party in terms of policy, but is helping it attain power.
(2026-08-18). China, Tanzania deepen financial cooperation through wider RMB use. ecns.cn China and Tanzania are set to deepen financial cooperation and expand the use of the Chinese currency renminbi (RMB), or the yuan, in cross-border trade and investment, as the Bank of China on Tuesday hosted an RMB internationalization roadshow in Tanzania.
(2026-08-19). Why Is Trump Pressuring South Korea Over Iran and Investment? moderndiplomacy.eu The United States and South Korea have long relied on their military alliance to deter North Korea and maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula. But President Donald Trump's decision to substantially reduce U.S. participation in joint military exercises has introduced a new layer of uncertainty into the relationship. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said …
(2026-08-19). Wednesday 8/19: Report from Palestine: The World Needs to Act! indybay.org Zoom | masspeace.us/report-from-palestine…
(2026-08-19). South Korea's Everland opens final vote to name panda cub. ecns.cn South Korea's Everland theme park has launched the final public vote to name a giant panda cub born in June, with balloting open through Aug. 30.
(2026-08-19). Russia and Ukraine bleed as NATO's war threatens to engulf Europe. wsws.org Mounting drone and missile "deep strikes" are a response to the fact that the frontline has been fought to a bloody standstill—in a meatgrinder of trenches, artillery and drones.
(2026-08-19). Trump pauses 50 percent tariffs on Canada in last-minute deal. aljazeera.com Washington and Ottawa announce agreement to delay new tariffs on Canadian exports shortly before midnight deadline.
(2026-08-19). Body of former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji cremated in Beijing>. ecns.cn The body of former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji was cremated in Beijing on Tuesday.
(2026-08-19). Dance, gongs, drums and effigies of trump&Takaichi… indybay.org Dance, gongs, drums and | effigies of trump&Takaichi were stomped at the SF federal building Saturday Aug 15 2026.
(2026-08-18). 'Mobile photo studio' captures memories on Qixi Festival. ecns.cn The volunteer photography service has been running for five years, bringing a "mobile photo studio" to rural communities and capturing in photographs the elderly couples who have spent cherished years together.
(2026-08-19). A Comprehensive Review Of RepCard: The Ultimate Field Sales Software For Home Services. moguldom.com Companies making sales door-to-door usually rely on the skill of their salespeople and the organizational prowess of their managers to make sure that they target the right areas. These days, technology is riding to the rescue. These operations used to be very complex, but thanks to software solutions like RepCard, they're becoming easier. We wanted …
(2026-08-19). 7 Process Mapping Tactics to Improve Business Approaches. moguldom.com A clear roadmap or workflow is highly critical for teams and project managers in completing the work correctly. Thus, you can have an overview of your role and responsibilities as well as work process steps. Without the roadmap, teams will have no guidance, and as a result, there will be delays and mistakes. Under such …
(2026-08-19). Tuesday 8/18: Unite for Safety and Reasonable Schedules. indybay.org Corner of S. Van Ness and Market Street near SFMTA "Customer" Service Center | 1525 Market Street San Francisco, California, 94103United States…
(2026-08-18). China-built VLCC featuring green technologies delivered in Dalian. ecns.cn A new-generation very large crude carrier (VLCC), independently developed and built by China, was delivered in Dalian, Liaoning Province, on Monday.
(2026-08-19). Ukrainian government reinters another Nazi collaborator. wsws.org The fascistic Ukrainian regime repatriated the remains of the founder of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists, Yehven Konovalets.
(2026-08-18). China achieves first rocket recovery on land. ecns.cn China launched the reusable Zhuque-3 rocket on Wednesday morning, marking the country's first land recovery of a rocket first stage.
(2026-08-18). Xi calls for stronger China-Ecuador synergy in development strategies. ecns.cn Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday emphasized that China and Ecuador should strengthen the synergy of their development strategies and implement the cooperation plan for jointly building the Belt and Road.
(2026-08-19). China FA launches probe into alleged KFA 'inappropriate hospitality'. ecns.cn The Chinese Football Association (CFA) said on Wednesday it has launched an investigation into reports that three of its staff members received "inappropriate hospitality" from the Korea Football Association (KFA) during a referee exchange visit to South Korea in 2012.
(2026-08-19). Federal monitor allows UAW official who issued death threat against Will Lehman to collect his $200,000 salary. wsws.org Six weeks after a $202,000-a-year UAW official posted an image of Will Lehman bound, gagged and under the gun, the court-appointed Monitor has left the question of his continued employment in the hands of the apparatus he was campaigning for.
(2026-08-19). China highlights land restoration efforts at COP17 'China Corner'. ecns.cn The "China Corner" themed exhibition opened in the Blue Zone of the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Ulan Bator, capital of Mongolia, on Monday, highlighting the country's achievements in combating desertification and restoring degraded land.
(2026-08-19). China's 110-meter radio telescope completes core structure installation. ecns.cn The core structure of a 110-meter radio telescope in Xinjiang has been installed, marking a major milestone for what will become one of the world's most precise radio telescopes of its size, capable of conducting observations at high radio frequencies.
(2026-08-19). How Could China's New South China Sea Base Affect Taiwan? moderndiplomacy.eu China has completed the first phase of construction at Antelope Reef in the disputed Paracel Islands, creating a large artificial island that analysts say could eventually become one of Beijing's most important military facilities in the South China Sea. Satellite images reviewed by Reuters show that the first stage of reclamation has been completed after …
(2026-08-19). For the right the next election is about renovation. onlineopinion.com.au One Nation and the Coalition aren't enemies, they are competitors, and competition is the best way to bring renewal.
(2026-08-19). Can Tinubu Win Re-Election Despite Nigeria's Economic Crisis? moderndiplomacy.eu As campaigning begins for Nigeria's January elections, President Bola Tinubu faces a difficult test of both his economic reforms and his All Progressives Congress party's more than decade-long record in power. Tinubu is seeking a second term against major challengers including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, both of whom have built their …
(2026-08-19). Saturday 8/22: Coffee and Conversation About Reparations. indybay.org Café International, 508 Haight Street near Fillmore SF…
(2026-08-19). US sanctions International Criminal Court's president and top lawyer. aljazeera.com The US has sanctioned International Criminal Court president Tomoko Akane and trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye.
(2026-08-19). How Ebola became the deadliest outbreak in DR Congo's history. aljazeera.com Conflict, delayed detection, and mistrust are complicating efforts to contain the virus in eastern DR Congo.
(2026-08-19). Chilean miners' families fight alone as management walks free and unions look the other way. wsws.org The corporatized union apparatus aligned to the Chilean "left" has done nothing but issue statements, observe moments of silence and light candles.
(2026-08-19). Attackers go 'house to house' killing 25 villagers in central Nigeria. aljazeera.com An attack on a village in Nigeria's central Plateau state has killed at least 25 people.
(2026-08-19). The geopolitics of railroads: Europe's decoupling doctrine. onlineopinion.com.au The twenty-first century will not belong to the economies that simply produce more energy. It will belong to those that require less imported energy to generate greater prosperity. That is the true meaning of decoupling.
(2026-08-18). Hong Kong population rises 0.3% as inflows offset natural decrease. ecns.cn The population of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) rose 0.3% year on year to a provisional 7.52 million in mid-2026, as net population inflows offset a natural decrease, the Census and Statistics Department said Tuesday.
(2026-08-19). Energy Cost Before Energy Generation. wattsupwiththat.com Energy systems have to satisfy many requirements simultaneously: reliability, affordability, environmental impact, resource requirements, infrastructure needs and their ability to deliver energy when and where society requires it. But before comparing the energy return of different technologies, we first need to understand what we are counting.
(2026-08-19). Friday 8/21: Discussion of:Reform or Revolution Questions of Orientation, Questions of Morality. indybay.org 2444 Durant Avenue | Berkeley, CA 94704…
(2026-08-19). Quebec separatist says no independence referendum while Trump in office. aljazeera.com Leader of Canadian province's secessionist party says debate over independence stymied by turbulence in US politics.
(2026-08-19). From Trade Giant to Strategic Actor: Rebuilding Europe's Economic Statecraft. moderndiplomacy.eu As the era of frictionless globalization gives way to systemic warfare, the European Union finds itself trapped in an institutional paradox: it remains a global economic titan, yet it lacks the strategic machinery to defend its own interests. While authoritarian regimes weaponise supply chains and financial flows with predatory speed, Brussels remains chained down in …
(2026-08-19). Global Mechanism on ICTs: Statement on international law. icrc.org Statement delivered by Noa Schreuer, Legal Adviser, at the first substantial plenary session of the UN Global Mechanism on ICTs, New York, 22 July 2026.
(2026-08-19). Being Set Up for A Spectacle: An Trajectory of Deepdiving While UncoloniziNg. indybay.org Recently, while showing their art in Downtown Portland, OR, a visual artist with over 30 years experience found himself experiencing what he thinks is a Set-Up in the works. People Who put certain pawns (and targets) into situations where character assassination is imminent. Or, in this case, a likely murder.
(2026-08-19). Political campaign contributions by CIA funded companies. indybay.org CIA headquarters in Langley, VA.
(2026-08-19). Tuesday 8/18: Where Are the Feminists? indybay.org Zoom | www.codepink.org/sopaug18…
(2026-08-19). South Korea, US scale back annual military drills after Trump's order. aljazeera.com Seoul says the duration of the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise has been reduced from 11 days to five.
(2026-08-19). NATO and the North Atlantic left: A road to nowhere. links.org.au 
Jana Silverman and Jaime Caro look at alternatives socialists on both sides of the Atlantic can propose to promote geopolitical stability in the face of the global polycrisis.
(2026-08-19). Climate change is driving record heat in Europe's seas, scientists say. tribune.com.pk 
Human-caused climate change was the main driver of recent record-breaking sea temperatures around Europe, scientists said on Wednesday, warning of severe consequences for marine ecosystems and coastal communities. | Europe's seas have not escaped the extreme heat that many countries have endured this summer. Last month, the average temperature in the Mediterranean was 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit), the highest for any July on record, while an offshore buoy near Mallorca recorded 33 degrees Celsius in early August. | Human-caused climate change has added about 2 degrees Celsius of warming to the Me…
(2026-08-18). Wall collapse leaves 5 dead, 17 injured in SW China's Sichuan. ecns.cn Five people were killed and 17 others injured after a wall collapsed in southwest China's Sichuan Province, local authorities said Wednesday.
(2026-08-19). "Moderates" Support Extreme Injustice. indybay.org Corporate militarism and political malpractice…
(2026-08-19). International support surges for jailed Ukrainian socialist Bogdan Syrotiuk. wsws.org The international campaign demanding the freedom of Ukrainian socialist and anti-war activist Bogdan Syrotiuk continues to expand rapidly following his sentencing to 15 years in prison on August 10.
(2026-08-19). Saturday 8/29: SF Made Of Iron Group Show & Fundraiser For Documentary On Women Ironworker. indybay.org Gallery | 939 Howard St. | San Francisco…
(2026-08-19). Saturday 8/29: Civil Rights, Black Power & Reparations. indybay.org RSVP for address…
(2026-08-19). US, South Korea to cut length, scope of military drills after Trump order. tribune.com.pk 
South Korea and the United States will cut short annual joint military drills to five days from 11 and scale back some field training, the allies said on Wednesday, after President Donald Trump ordered a substantial reduction in US participation. | The change in the drills comes as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visits South Korea on Wednesday and Thursday for regional security talks expected to cover developments on the Korean peninsula. | The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, which began on August 17, will now run through August 21, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff and a Pentagon official said, instead of…
(2026-08-18). Magnitude-5.6 earthquake strikes northwest China's Qinghai. ecns.cn A magnitude-5.6 earthquake struck Dachaidan in Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province, at 5: 36 a.m. on Wednesday, according to the Qinghai Earthquake Agency.
(2026-08-19). Australia: SEP meeting discusses how to fight Labor government's attack on National Disability Insurance Scheme. wsws.org Speakers exposed the disastrous consequences of the evisceration of the NDIS and its impact on the disabled and their families, and the jobs and conditions of health, education and welfare workers.
(2026-08-19). China's snooker boom gains momentum with return of China Open. ecns.cn The 2026 China Open Snooker has returned to the World Snooker Tour calendar after a six-year absence, highlighting the rapid growth of snooker in China.
(2026-08-18). 5.6-magnitude earthquake hits Qinghai in NW China: CENC. ecns.cn A 5.6-magnitude earthquake jolted Haixi Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province at 5: 36 a.m. on Wednesday (Beijing Time), according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC).
(2026-08-19). Democratic Republic of the Congo: ICRC hands over 15 people released by the Congolese authorities to AFC/M23. icrc.org
(2026-08-19). Somalia's families face impossible choices as fuel and food costs soar. icrc.org
(2026-08-19). Mali: Six injured people transferred from Kidal to Gao. icrc.org
(2026-08-19). Water and habitat in conflict – 2026 Briefer. icrc.org
(2026-08-19). Why the world cannot normalize the killing of those who help. icrc.org
(2026-08-19). The invisible crisis that strips people of citizenship. globalvoices.org
(2026-08-19). Nigeria: Red Cross Movement continues tracing 17,000 missing persons cases as families await answers. icrc.org
(2026-08-19). National Committees on IHL: Guidance on composition and roles. icrc.org
(2026-08-19). Haiti: Do everything possible to protect the population from the effects of escalating armed violence. icrc.org
(2026-08-19). Violence consumes land and lives in Mali. icrc.org
(2026-08-19). Afghanistan: Operational Facts and Figures — January to June 2026. icrc.org
(2026-08-19). Myanmar: ICRC visits Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. icrc.org
(2026-08-19). Frequently asked questions: Our work in Ethiopia. icrc.org
(2026-08-19). Ukraine: Civilian casualties rise as conflict escalates. icrc.org
(2026-08-19). Russia: ICRC helps displaced people start over. icrc.org
(2026-08-19). Frequently asked questions: Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas. icrc.org
(2026-08-19). Philippines: Facts and figures from January to June 2026. icrc.org
(2026-08-19). Bali gym owner kicks out three Israeli tourists for links to 'IDF'. aljazeera.com
(2026-08-19). Trump declares Hormuz open, then hours later, mystery projectile hits a vessel in the strait. hindustantimes.com
(2026-08-19). ICRC's position on the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. icrc.org
(2026-08-19). Attacks on Muslim American Candidates: The Hegemony of White Supremacism. juancole.com
(2026-08-19). Preserving humanity and dignity in the Philippines' armed conflicts. icrc.org
(2026-08-19). Democratic Republic of the Congo: More than 80,000 people receive food and seed. icrc.org
(2026-08-19). 'There will be consequences': Putin to PM Burnham regarding UK drones striking deep into the RF. gilbertdoctorow.com
(2026-08-19). Frequently asked questions: Nuclear Weapons. icrc.org
(2026-08-19). Dictan estado de excepción por catástrofe en zona del norte de Chile. radiohc.cu El presidente de Chile, José Antonio Kast, decretó este martes el estado de excepción constitucional por catástrofe en la provincia de Tocopilla, debido a los daños sin precedentes ocasionados por un sistema frontal. | Señaló el mandatario en su cuenta de X que esta medida permite disponer de todos los recursos humanos y materiales para enfrentar la emergencia de grandes proporciones ocurrida en esa área de la región de Antofagasta. | Añadió que el subsecretario del Interior, Máximo Pavez, está en la zona y pronto asumirá un Jefe de la Defensa Nacional, encargado de coordinar a todas las fuerzas allí presentes.
(2026-08-19). 'On another scale' PNG province unprepared for El Niño impacts, warns governor. asiapacificreport.nz 
RNZ Pacific The governor of Papua New Guinea's Western Highlands Province says his province is unprepared to deal with the severe impacts of the El Niño weather event being experienced across the country. During an El Niño event, warmer ocean waters affect rainfall and wind patterns, often bringing drier-than-usual conditions and a higher risk of…
(2026-08-19). Quake of 4.0 Magnitude Jolts La Guaira; Caracas Reports Minor Damage. orinocotribune.com
(2026-08-18). Trump Says No Talks Scheduled With Iran, Claims Strait of Hormuz Is Open Despite Ship Attacks. news.antiwar.com President Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday that the US was not engaged in talks with Iran and that none were scheduled, a reversal of his earlier claims that there were ongoing negotiations despite Iranian denials. "There are no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled, with the Islamic Republic of …
(2026-08-18). How failing US-Iran diplomacy is giving way to fresh confrontation. al-monitor.com Iran's dismissal of secret talks with Washington comes as diplomacy is in impasse, the Strait of Hormuz remains contested and Iranian commanders signal a potentially more aggressive military posture.
(2026-08-18). Iran Eliminates US Strategic Targets as Yemen's Shock Offensive Dismantles Israeli Scheme. orinocotribune.com By Robert Inlakesh — Aug 17, 2026 | Yemen's Ansarallah launches deadly precision strikes on Saudi Arabia's proxy forces as the blockade on Saudi Ports tightens the noose on an already suffering global oil market. In the latest episode of The Target stream, Mint Press News' Robert Inlakesh presents the evidence that is being hidden from the public of the damages inflicted on US strategic targets by Iran and how the wider war is rapidly spinning out of control. | US President Donald Trump has been adamant that the Strait of Hormuz is open, issuing statements that run contrary to the reality imposed over the st…
(2026-08-18). While Trump talks tough, Iran's proxy armed by Russia, China and still carrying WWII Nazi weapons. hindustantimes.com Israel has displayed a large cache of weapons it says was seized from Hamas and Hezbollah, including rockets, drones, mortars, anti-tank systems and firearms. The arsenal reportedly includes Iranian-made or derived weapons alongside Russian, Chinese and even World War II-era German weapons, raising questions over the diverse supply networks behind the groups' arsenals.
(2026-08-18). Headlines for August 18, 2026. democracynow.org Iran Threatens New Offensive as Memorandum of Understanding with U.S. Expires, Yemen's Houthis Claim Another Attack on Saudi Ship in Red Sea, Russian Oil Spills from Grounded Tanker, Fouling Beaches in Oman, Trump Denies Reports of Deteriorating Conditions Aboard USS Abraham Lincoln as "Fake News", U.N. Warns of "Alarming" Surge of Violence as Israel Ramps Up Attacks on Lebanon, Kushner and Netanyahu Hold Talks on U.S.-Backed 15-Point Gaza Plan, Israel's Far-Right Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir Demands Kill Quota in Gaza, Netanyahu Posts Image Comparing NYC Mayor Mamdani to Middle Ea…
(2026-08-18). Report: US Considers Reducing Persian Gulf Military Presence After Iran War. news.antiwar.com The US military is considering reducing its military presence in the Persian Gulf, The Washington Post reported on Tuesday, as many of its bases in the region have been badly damaged by Iranian attacks. Many of the US bases in the Gulf had been evacuated before the US and Israel launched the bombing campaign against …
(2026-08-18). How Iran has staved off economic collapse despite the US-Israeli war. responsiblestatecraft.org Nearly six months after the U.S. and Israel launched an operation to overthrow the Iranian government, it's fair to say their assault hasn't exactly gone according to plan. Still, the ensuing war has followed a clear, predictable logic.After decades of sanctions failed to persuade Iranians to overthrow the regime, Israel and the U.S. resorted to war; after that failed too, they turned to a naval blockade. Each escalation has had an impact, adding to the misery of life in Iran, but so far each has missed its ultimate target: forcing a surrender.The military stalemate has once again turned attention to the econ…
(2026-08-18). New Wave of Displacement in Lebanon as Israeli Occupation Looks Increasingly Permanent. news.antiwar.com Though the various "ceasefire" agreements between the Israel and Lebanon governments never really were at the point where anyone said it was safe for the 1.5 million displaced civilians to attempt to return home, the lack of provisions for the long-term displacement meant some 800,000 tried to go home when the situation calmed down even …
(2026-08-17). Cruel Irish government's 63% refusal on Palestinian short-stay visas. thecanary.co 
Micheál Martin's obnoxious Irish government has combined two of its cruel fixations — anti-immigration and pro-Zionism — to deliver a shocking refusal rate for Palestinians seeking visa entry to Ireland. Figures released in July, which cover the period for 2026 up to May 31, show that only 81 applications for short-term stay were granted, while […] | By
(2026-08-18). Cuba and Russia reaffirm strengthening cultural ties. radiohc.cu By Wilfredo Camero Hernández | Strengthening cultural ties with Cuba is a priority for Russia, stated Igor Mendnikov, cultural attaché at the Russian Embassy in Havana. | In an exclusive interview with Prensa Latina, Mendnikov expressed that it was an honor for his country to be the guest of honor at the recently concluded 34th Havana International Book Fair, dedicated to the centennial of the birth of the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro. | In a context where the Caribbean island faces intensified economic sanctions from the United States government, the summer event featured the participation of pro…
(2026-08-18). Cuba Slams Expulsion of Its Diplomats From the Dominican Republic. orinocotribune.com The expulsion of Cuban officials from the Dominican Republic is an act of "submission" to the United States, Cuba said on Thursday. | The Cubans hit back after the DR ordered the expulsion of 10 Cuban diplomats and their families on Thursday without offering any reasons for the decision. | The expulsions follow the creation of the so-called "Shield of the Americas," a far-right geopolitical and regional security initiative launched in March by US President Donald Trump. | The measure was strongly criticised by Cuba, which described it as an act of "submission" to US policies against Havana amid an energy and fina…
(2026-08-18). En Cuba las transformaciones económicas y sociales son para salvar el socialismo, afirma viceministra. radiohc.cu La viceministra de Comercio Exterior e Inversión Extranjera de Cuba, Déborah Rivas afirmó en Montevideo, Uruguay, que su país está inmerso en la ejecución de transformaciones económicas y sociales para seguir construyendo el socialismo pese a los obstáculos del bloqueo de Estados Unidos. | La aseveración fue en un encuentro en la sede de la central sindical PIT-CNT, cuyo presidente, Marcelo Abdala, le dio la bienvenida a "la casa de la solidaridad con Cuba". | Rivas encabeza la delegación de la mayor isla de las Antillas que participará en la Sexta Reunión de la Conferencia Regional sobre Población y Desarrollo d…
(2026-08-18). Conceden patente a producto cubano con aplicaciones biomédicas en la India. radiohc.cu La Oficina de Propiedad Intelectual de la India concedió en ese país el registro de la patente denominada Procedimiento para obtener mallas de nano y micro fibras de policianoacrilato N Butilo para aplicaciones biomédicas, un innovador resultado desarrollado por especialistas de la Facultad de Química de la Universidad de La Habana (UH), en alianza con expertos alemanes alemanas de la Universidad de Charité y WIWEX GmbH. | Según informó la Fundación Universitaria de Innovación y Desarrollo de la UH, lo enunciado representa un reconocimiento al novedoso aporte científico por constituir la India uno de los mayores…
(2026-08-18). At a Gaza zoo, war takes its toll on the animals. geo.tv
(2026-08-18). Netanyahu Throws "Poison Pill" into Gaza Deal as Kushner Meets with Hamas & Israel: Mouin Rabbani. democracynow.org 
President Trump's son-in-law and envoy Jared Kushner met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday after Israel rejected a 15-point plan for Gaza promoted by President Trump's "Board of Peace." The proposal would have seen Hamas gradually disarm and turn over governance of Gaza to an international force in exchange for Israel's withdrawal from the besieged territory. | Israel, supported by Kushner, is pushing for a deal whereby it "would not be obliged to conduct any of its obligations unless and until Hamas was fully disarmed," says Middle Eas…
(2026-08-18). Venezuela Restores 450 Megawatts at Termocarabobo Following Earthquake Damage. orinocotribune.com Electric capacity of 450 megawatts has now been recovered at the Termocarabobo thermoelectric plant, which was damaged by the earthquakes of June 24. The information was released on Sunday, August 16, by the Vice Presidency for Public Works and Services on its Instagram account. | "Start-up tests have begun on the third 150 MW step-up transformer, reaching a total of 450 MW of thermoelectric generation for the states of Aragua, Carabobo, Yaracuy, and western Venezuela,"
(2026-08-18). Public Assets Commissioner: U.S. kept $4.7 billion of Venezuela's oil revenue to cover January 3 bombing. mronline.org 
Former Conindustria President Luigi Pisella, who is also a member of the Venezuelan government-created Special Commission for the Evaluation and Classification of Public Assets, has revealed that Washington retained approximately U.S. $4.7 billion of Venezuela's oil-export income during the first half of 2026 as "payment" for the U.S. military operation that resulted in the January 3 bombing of Venezuela and the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.
(2026-08-18). Russian Strikes in Kharkiv Kill 10 as Ukraine Launches Hundreds of Drones at Moscow. news.antiwar.com Russian strikes in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region killed at least 10 civilians on Tuesday as Ukrainian forces launched another major drone barrage into Russian territory. According to Oleg Synegubov, the governor of Ukraine's Kharkiv Oblast, the two Russian missiles struck the village of Pechenihy, damaging a cafe, private homes, shops, and setting multiple cars on …
(2026-08-18). 102 Rights Groups Demand Rubio Secure Release of US Citizen Imprisoned in Israel. truthout.org More than 100 faith-based and civil society groups are calling on US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to fulfill one of his department's top obligations — protecting the security of US citizens abroad — by securing the "immediate release" of 20-year-old Sama Safi, an American psychology student who was violently detained by armed Israeli soldiers in the West Bank 77 days ago and has been held in a… |
(2026-08-18). German investment in US plummets amid Trump tariff uncertainty. infobrics.org Beyond tariffs, US-German tensions have flared over defense burdens within NATO.
(2026-08-18). Capitalism Trains Us To Blame Each Other for Systemic Abuses. orinocotribune.com By Caitlin Johnstone — Aug. 16, 2026 | Reading by Tim Foley: | The capitalist empire blames all systemic problems on the individual. | The problem isn't billionaire mega-corporations polluting the planet, it's that you drive a car. | The problem isn't that it's getting harder and harder to afford to live as the ruling class extracts more and more value from labor, it's that you're not working hard enough and you're making bad decisions. | Soaring police brutality isn't a problem, the problem is that the guy in the current viral police brutality video didn't obey orders correctly. | Israel's not an irredee…
(2026-08-18). Pretoria DPWI building closes for a week. sanews.gov.za Pretoria DPWI building closes for a week | The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has informed the public that its head office building, the Central Government Office (CGO) in the Pretoria Central Business District, will be closed for a week, while important renovation work takes place. | "DPWI has appointed a contractor to replace the roof and carry out other repair work at the building as part of the ongoing efforts to improve the facility. Access to the CGO building will be completely restricted to staff, visitors and stakeholders from 21 August 2026 to 28 August 2026, to allow for the safe instal…
(2026-08-18). FIFA official who challenged Infantino is out weeks later. thecanary.co 
A senior FIFA official warned he was prepared to lose his job over Gianni Infantino's controversial World Cup plan. Weeks later, he has. He knew the risk FIFA has ended its working relationship with Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour, weeks after he publicly criticised Infantino over plans to sell a stake in the World Cup's […] | By
(2026-08-18). Premier League spending machine closes in on another record. thecanary.co 
Premier League clubs have already spent £2.14bn this summer, widening the financial gulf with Europe. Premier League spending through the roof Premier League clubs have continued their record-breaking spending this summer, splashing around £2.14bn so far and closing in on the record set in 2025. According to BBC figures, clubs would need to spend roughly […] | By
(2026-08-18). Amazon delivery driver in Florida found dead in van. wsws.org Jaylene Vargas Gonzalez was found in the back of her van after it had been parked for hours.
(2026-08-18). Appeals court upholds order limiting ICE arrests at Quaker, Sikh and Baptist houses of worship. nationofchange.org 
Your gift is being matched, dollar for dollar. A member of our board is matching contributions to our summer drive up to $2,000, until the drive ends on 24 August.
(2026-08-18). Trotsky's years on Prinkipo and the journey of My Life in Turkish. wsws.org The fourth annual International Commemoration of Leon Trotsky was held on August 16, 2026, at the Ta≈ü Mektep venue on Bàºyàºkada, hosted by the Adalar Municipality with the support of Mehring Yayƒ±ncƒ±lƒ±k and the World Socialist Web Site.
(2026-08-18). Burnham's reported oil plan is an insult to our intelligence. thecanary.co 
In 2026, the UK has faced record breaking temperatures and droughts. We've also faced record wildfires; including one which burned down houses in the town of Stourbridge. Add to this water shortages and hosepipe bans, and it's pretty clear the UK isn't ready to deal with climate change. In response, you'd expect Andy Burnham to […] | By
(2026-08-18). UGC NET June 2026 Answer Key This Week: Where to Check. ummid.com The National Testing Agency (NTA) is releasing on the UGC NET official website 'ugcnet.nta.nic.in' the Answer Keys (Provisional) of UGC NET June 2026 this week, it has been officially confirmed.
(2026-08-18). Workers Struggles: The Americas. wsws.org Students denounced union officials during protests over educational funding in Uruguay, while Puerto Rican water workers struck and Illinois IKEA workers walked out.
(2026-08-18). Makkah Defence Pact: Should India be Alarmed? ummid.com Diplomatically, at present, it would be wise of India to remain a quiet observer to inking of Mecca Agreement and other developments, it is likely to be least affected by!
(2026-08-18). Fiji's Vatukoula goldminers receive a paltry payout after 35-year battle. wsws.org The fraudulent settlement enables the Rabuka government to set aside a historic crime against the working class while enlisting the unions to absolve multinational mining companies of culpability.
(2026-08-18). China-Russia Cooperation in New Era. infobrics.org The Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between China and Russia — a landmark document that laid a solid foundation for the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era between our two countries…
(2026-08-18). Adani, BJP and RSS keeping the 'system' under their control: Rahul Gandhi in Prayagraj. ummid.com Adani, BJP and RSS have captured the system and keeping it under their control, Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi said while addressing thousands of students gathered at KP Ground in Prayagraj for the Congress Party's Chhatron Ki Goonj (Echo of Students) program Saturday August 08, 2026.
(2026-08-18). UK Government Sues Conservative-Linked VIP Lane PPE Firm for £90 Million. bylinetimes.com 
The Department for Health and Social Care has launched a legal challenge against Uniserve for tens of millions of pounds, claiming the company, which has close ties to the Conservative party, supplied 11 million faulty gowns during the pandemic. | The legal action comes as new documents obtained by Byline Times, reveal how Uniserve, and a Conservative MP linked to the company, successfully lobbied ministers to push through the deal, which ultimately left the Government tens of millions of pounds worth of unusable PPE. | The deal was hugely controversial due to the involvement of a Conservative peer and the fac…
(2026-08-18). WHYY Newscast for Tuesday 6:00 a.m. whyy.org The latest local headlines from WHYY…
(2026-08-18). AFC chief hits back at Qatar in Infantino saga. tribune.com.pk 
(2026-08-18). Deadly Indonesian earthquake exposes unsafe housing and rescue cuts. wsws.org The earthquake was unavoidable, but the terrible impact on the island of Flores is a result of government neglect and austerity.
(2026-08-18). A labor-unions group that once supported Stacy Garrity for Pa. treasurer is campaigning against her bid for governor. whyy.org What questions do you have about the 2026 elections? What major issues do you want candidates to address? A Philadelphia unions group that supported Republican Stacy Garrity's reelection as state treasurer two years ago is now campaigning against her bid for governor, accusing her of breaking promises made to building-trades unions. | The Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council, which represents more than 50 unions, endorsed Garrity in her run for reelection in 2024. Ryan Boyer, its business manager, said Garrity has promised them she would not run against Gov.
(2026-08-18). Premier League preview: Match schedule, prediction, transfers and more. aljazeera.com Matchday 1 fixtures, title predictions, where to watch and latest transfer news ahead of the new Premier League season.
(2026-08-18). Arsenal primed for Premier League title defence as rivals face questions. tribune.com.pk 
Arsenal and Manchester City find themselves in unusual positions heading into the Premier League season, but there is no question which of the title contenders feels more comfortable with their new status. | For the first time since the 2004-05 season, Arsenal will start a campaign as English champions when they host promoted Coventry in the opening game of the season on Friday. | In contrast to the buoyant mood at the Emirates Stadium, City have stepped anxiously into life without Pep Guardiola after the Spaniard ended his remarkable 10-year reign at the end of last season. | After years spent in City's shado…
(2026-08-18). Terror trial of Tony Greenstein, day one: context, context, context. thecanary.co 
The trial of veteran Jewish anti-Zionist writer and activist Tony Greenstein opened today at Kingston Crown Court, where he faces prosecution under Section 12(1A) of the Terrorism Act 2000 over social media posts published in late 2023. Following preliminary legal submissions heard in the absence of the jury, the Crown opened its case to the […] | By
(2026-08-18). Activists to converge on Twin Cities to plan further democracy defense. peoplesworld.org 
WASHINGTON—With the 2026 mid-term elections fast approaching, activists are hitting the streets to fight the Trump administration and his Republican cohorts. But they're also converging on the Twin Cities to plan future democracy defense, too. The National Convergence For Democracy, from August 21-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, will bring together labor, civic, civil rights, …
(2026-08-18). U.S. bullying India to stop buying Russian oil. mronline.org 
The Indo-U.S. Trade Agreement as it had been negotiated earlier, before its basis was knocked out by a court ruling on Trump tariffs, had been an "unequal treaty", allowing the U.S. to charge much higher tariffs on Indian exports than the other way round, and stipulating amounts of American goods that India had to buy, but not the other way around.
(2026-08-18). Trump administration antisemitism probes into universities lacked evidence, ex-DOJ attorney says. al-monitor.com By Kanishka SinghWASHINGTON, Aug 18 (Reuters) – A former Department of Justice attorney has said the Trump administration's probes of U.S. universities over accusations of antisemitism lacked evidence and had predetermined outcomes.
(2026-08-18). A futuristic, hybrid-electric aircraft took flight at a test demo in Philadelphia. whyy.org From Philly and the Pa. suburbs to South Jersey and Delaware, what would you like WHYY News to cover? As if lifted by a sudden puff of wind, a small, yellow airplane festooned with propellers rose steeply from an expanse of asphalt on the north Delaware River waterfront and slowly buzzed away. | "Most passengers have described flying the airplane as like being on an elevator," said J.P. Stewart, a senior vice president at Electra, a Virginia aircraft manufacturer. "It takes off and lands in six or seven seconds — it just immediately levitates off the ground, and climbs…
(2026-08-18). The speech at the German Army ceremony: "Your duty is to refuse an unlawful order" unitedworldint.com By Tuƒüba Almƒ±≈ülar Location: Berlin's Bendlerblock. Date: July 20, 2026. At an official ceremony of the German Armed Forces, young recruits took their oath in the presence of Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, Chief of Defence Carsten Breuer, and numerous political leaders. The guest of honor was the writer, Navid Kermani. Taking the podium, Kermani issued …
(2026-08-18). Tom Mertes: Manufacturing Impunity. newleftreview.org Tom Mertes on Richard Beck, Homeland. Origins and afterlives of America's long War on Terror.
(2026-08-18). Forest access ban in place in 27 districts across Belarus. eng.belta.by Forest access has been completely banned in 27 districts of Belarus, | while restrictions remain in place across most of the country's | territory.
(2026-08-18). Russian MFA: Work on wording of Eurasian charter of multipolarity will begin shortly. eng.belta.by Work on the wording of the Eurasian Charter of Diversity and Multipolarity in the 21 st Century will begin soon, Alexander Trofimov, Ambassador-at-Large at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a roundtable at the Belarusian Embassy in Russia.
(2026-08-18). Life-saving programs cut by the pro-life party of fiscal responsibility. peoplesworld.org 
In January 2025, the Trump administration effectively ended the United States Agency for International Development by freezing all foreign aid. By July, USAID was officially closed and absorbed into the State Department. USAID, the primary program responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development programs, was one of the few remaining forces of good that …
(2026-08-18). The Invisible Crisis: How Four Wars Built One Food Emergency. moderndiplomacy.eu What is happening to global food prices right now is not four separate stories. It is one supply shock being assembled in four places simultaneously — the Black Sea, the Sudan-Ethiopia border, Mexico's energy sector, and China's power grid, and the compounding effect is moving faster than any individual headline is tracking it. The UN …
(2026-08-18). Chairman Farage: How Reform UK Operates as a Democratic Party in Name Only. bylinetimes.com In February 2025, Reform's then-Chairman Zia Yusuf wrote: "We are pleased to announce that, as promised, Nigel Farage has handed over ownership of Reform UK to its members. | "Reform UK is now a non-profit, with no shareholders, limited by guarantee." | Previously, Nigel Farage literally owned Reform UK. He held the vast majority of shares, in a highly unusual arrangement for a political party. | Farage pledged to change that. The party remains a company, but the majority-shareholder model is gone, and a formal constitution, member conferences, and voting rights are now in place. Up to a point. | Byline Times…
(2026-08-18). Maharashtra Engineering FE 2026 Round 2 Allotment: Steps, Link to Check. ummid.com The Maharashtra State CET Cell is publishing today i.e. Wednesday August 12, 2026 on its official website 'fe2026.mahacet.org' Allotment Result of FE 2026 CAP Round-II (FE 26 Round 2 allotment result) of candidates who have registered for admission in First Year Engineering (FE) B.E. and B.Tech four year courses for the year 2026-27.
(2026-08-18). Iraq: Man Dies in Police Drug Unit Custody. hrw.org Click to expand Image | Iraqi police patrol a street in Baghdad, June 28, 2026. | © 2026 Ahmad Al-Rubaye/AFP via Getty Images | (Beirut) — A 22-year-old man detained for drug use died in police custody in late June 2026, a day after Iraqi police removed him from a hospital in the southern city of Najaf while he was being treated for severe abdominal pain, Human Rights Watch said today. A family member of the man, Muhsin Ali Kani, said that the authorities told them to retrieve his body the following day.The Najaf General Directorate for Anti-Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Affairs, part of the…
(2026-08-17). Guangdong sees surge in international patients as medical service pilot expands. ecns.cn Since Guangdong Province officially launched its international medical service pilot program in February this year, the number of foreign patients treated at the 25 designated pilot hospitals has risen 95.6% year on year, reflecting steady growth in both patient volume and service quality, local health authorities said at a press conference on Monday.
(2026-08-18). Why is Israel holding hundreds of Palestinian bodies, Haaretz exposes. ummid.com Israel is holding the bodies of hundreds of deceased Palestinians, nearly 1,700, for bargaining purposes for potential use in future exchange deals, even though there are currently no Israelis being held captives by the Palestinian resistance.
(2026-08-18). PM Shehbaz calls for effective measures to create jobs for youth. tribune.com.pk 
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed the government to ensure coordinated and effective measures to create employment opportunities for young people under the National Youth Employment Policy, with a monthly review meeting to monitor its implementation. | Chairing a meeting to review progress on the policy, the prime minister said providing decent employment to the country's skilled and talented youth was among the government's top priorities. | He called for a comprehensive strategy and inter-ministerial coordination to implement the policy, with special focus on equipping young people, particula…
(2026-08-18). Mamdani silent on NYPD surveillance of New York City public housing tenants. wsws.org New York City's DSA mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has remained silent on a lawsuit challenging mass police surveillance of hundreds of thousands of New York City Housing Authority residents.
(2026-08-18). MI5 sought to recruit BBC leader as broadcaster investigated spy agency, leaks reveal. thegrayzone.com Leaked emails reveal Britain's domestic spying service attempted to recruit a high-ranking BBC board member as a key agent of influence, at a time when the British state broadcaster was embroiled in a bitter legal and journalistic battle with MI5. This June, British oligarch Damon Buffini stepped down as deputy chair of the BBC's board, and chair of the broadcaster's commercial board. His four year tenure was warmly praised by the BBC board's chair for the "record profits" generated by …
(2026-08-18). Lukashenko to inspect development of small arms production in Belarus. eng.belta.by During a working visit to Minsk Oblast on 18 August, Belarusian | President Aleksandr Lukashenko will inspect the progress of the | country's domestic combat small arms manufacturing project.
(2026-08-18). Widow of dead antisemitism scammer lionised by Zionists calls him "pathological liar" thecanary.co 
Pete Newbon was a Northumbria University academic and a director of infamous pro-Israel smear campaign 'Labour against Antisemitism' (LAAS). Newbon became infamous after he posted an image of then-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn reading to children. The book in the image had been doctored to make it appear that he was reading an infamous antisemitic text, instead of Jewish […] | By
(2026-08-17). China develops direct test for rareearth impurities. ecns.cn Chinese researchers have developed a method that can directly and precisely detect trace rare-earth impurities in high-purity rare-earth materials, overcoming a long-standing challenge caused by matrix interference, CCTV News reported Monday.
(2026-08-18). Notable Black Folks Who Died In 2026. newsone.com 
UPDATE — Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 11: 51 a.m. EST: We love our Black celebrities. Period. No matter how famous they get or how big the stages become, there's always a different kind of pride that comes with seeing Black folks win. It feels personal, like their success is proof that we can make it too, …
(2026-08-18). Kimi Antonelli and the fight for the F1 title. thecanary.co 
Formula 1's 2026 season restarts at Zandvoort with Kimi Antonelli holding a commanding 50‚Äëpoint lead after 11 rounds. F1 fans have watched this margin being built through consistency, speed and resilience in a year defined by new regulations and fluctuating form. The Mercedes driver, who turns 20 next week, has exceeded expectations in his first […] | By
(2026-08-18). Democratic Party pledges 'honest review' after preliminary election wipeout in Cook Islands. asiapacificreport.nz By Rashneel Kumar, editor of the Cook Islands News Cook Islands' Democratic Party leader Tina Pupuke-Browne has pledged an "honest campaign review" after preliminary results showed the party losing all its seats. Pupuke-Browne said the party will learn from its dismal 2026 general election performance, but added that it is "premature" to declare their final…
(2026-08-18). India extend lead to 294 in first Sri Lanka Test. tribune.com.pk 
India tightened their grip on the first Test against Sri Lanka, reaching 116-4 at lunch to extend their lead to 294 runs on day four in Galle on Tuesday. | With six wickets in hand on a pitch increasingly assisting spin with turn and bounce, the tourists are strongly placed to force a result and take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. | At lunch Rishabh Pant was batting on 21 off 22 balls with a four and six, alongside Dhruv Jurel, who was on five. | Devdutt Padikkal, who posted a maiden hundred in the first innings, walked in to bat in the first over of the second innings after opener Yashasvi Jaiswal fell f…
(2026-08-18). Thea Riofrancos: The New World Climate Order. newleftreview.org An interview about the new parameters of climate politics, with the breakdown of global consensus. As the EU re-opens coal-fired plants and the US shuts down wind farms, China gouges the earth to churn out cheap green-energy products—and is met by anti-extractivist protestors.
(2026-08-18). Pakistan Supreme Court directs shifting ex PM Imran Khan to Islamabad hospital for treatment. ptcnews.tv PTC News Desk: Pakistan's Supreme Court has directed immediate transfer of jailed ex Prime Minister Imran Khan to Islamabad's Shifa International Hospital for medical amid concerns over his health. | The court rejected government's objections and directed that Khan to be moved to Shifa International Hospital within 48 hours. A medical board including Khan's personal doctor and his sister, Dr Aleema Khan will also be constituted to evaluate his health. | The court also directed that Khan will himself bear all the expenses of hospital treatment himself. | "It is a very welcome order, and we wish it had happened so…
(2026-08-18). Microdramas boom in a shrinking Hollywood as studios chase a TikTok audience. tribune.com.pk 
When Craig Williams opened his production facility in downtown Los Angeles two years ago, he thought he would rent out the converted furniture warehouse for the occasional music video to sustain his fledgling film business. | Williams was blindsided by a phenomenon that quickly overtook his production space: microdramas, vertically shot serials delivered in two-minute episodes, played on phones. | "It started getting booked — and continued to get booked — with microdramas," said Williams, 65, a former music producer for Death Row Records. "After a year, I was booked all the time. I said, 'I've got…
(2026-08-18). Has the US South Korea Alliance Changed Under Trump? moderndiplomacy.eu Yes. The US South Korea relationship has not broken down under Donald Trump, but it has become more transactional, cost focused and strategically uncertain. The latest decision to scale back joint military exercises highlights a broader evolution in which Washington increasingly expects Seoul to shoulder more of the alliance burden while seeking greater flexibility for …
(2026-08-18). Makkah Quran Competition 2026 Preliminary Round Starts. ummid.com The Preliminary Qualifying Round of the 46th King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorizing, Reciting and Interpreting the Holy Quran began Friday August 07, 2026 at the competition venue in Makkah al Mukarramah.
(2026-08-18). The legacy of 1945 and the shifting balance of power in the Far East between Russia and Japan. unitedworldint.com By Yƒ±ldƒ±ran Acar, Political Scientist In Japan, the anniversaries of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki once again provided an opportunity this year to commemorate the war, and the devastation caused by nuclear weapons. However, the language used at the ceremonies was not limited to merely commemorating the pains of the past. In particular, …
(2026-08-18). Al Jazeera reports from Indonesia's quake zone, desperate for help. aljazeera.com Thousands are still displaced on Indonesia's Flores Island after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake killed at least 70 people.
(2026-08-18). August 9, 1942: The Day of The People of India. ummid.com It is a worth reflecting subject that why Ram Manohar Lohia – who participated actively and with unwavering dedication in the movement – described August 9th as the 'Day of the People of India'.
(2026-08-18). Western Cape teenager to appear in court over alleged possession of child sexual abuse material. sanews.gov.za Western Cape teenager to appear in court over alleged possession of child sexual abuse material | A 16-year-old teenager arrested for allegedly accessing, possessing, facilitating and downloading child sexual abuse material is expected to appear in the Malmesbury Magistrates' Court on Tuesday. | The teenager was arrested on Monday in Malmesbury, Western Cape, by the South African Police Service (SAPS), working closely with international law enforcement agencies. | Several child victims have been identified so far. | "A preliminary on-site analysis of the suspect's electronic devices uncovered explicit images and…
(2026-08-17). Drainage operations underway in flooded areas of Henan. ecns.cn After a breach in the Jialu River was successfully closed on Saturday evening, local authorities have continued deploying rescue teams around the clock to drain floodwaters and restore urban traffic as soon as possible.
(2026-08-18). US Sanctions 2 More International Criminal Court Officials. hrw.org (Washington, DC) — The United States government on August 18, 2026, designated two additional International Criminal Court (ICC) officials for sanctions under an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in February 2025, Human Rights Watch said today. Those sanctioned are Tomoko Akane, from Japan, the president of the ICC, and Abdoulaye Seye, from Senegal, an ICC senior trial lawyer.On August 11, Human Rights Watch, together with the American Friends Service Committee, the Center for Constitutional Rights, and the Open Society Institute, filed a lawsuit in US federal court challenging the Trump admi…
(2026-08-18). Videos show deadly school shooting in Philippines. aljazeera.com A ninth-grade student opened fire at a high school in Zamboanga, Philippines, killing a fellow student and himself.
(2026-08-18). Pakistan face India in must-win World Cup clash. tribune.com.pk 
Pakistan face arch-rivals India in a decisive FIH Hockey World Cup Group D encounter on Wednesday, knowing only victory will ensure their progression to the tournament's next stage. | The match at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen is scheduled to start at 6pm PST, with England and Wales meeting at the same venue earlier in the day. | England, already assured of a place in the top-eight stage after winning their opening two matches, lead Group D with six points. India have three points after beating Wales 3-1, while Pakistan have one point from a 3-3 draw against Wales. Wales also have one point after tw…
(2026-08-18). YouTube to alter how views are counted. moderndiplomacy.eu YouTube is changing its view-counting system so a view will register when a video starts playing, potentially sending public view totals sharply higher while keeping its existing engagement metric for creators. Credit: BANG Showbiz via Reuters Connect…
(2026-08-18). Total Solar Eclipse August 12, 2026 – Time and List of Cities, Countries to Watch. ummid.com A Total Solar Eclipse will be witnessed Wednesday August 12, 2026 and will be visible in Europe, United States, Canada, Northwestern Africa and other northern regions (Total or Partial) but not in India, Saudi Arabia and other Asian countries.
(2026-08-18). Tamil Nadu MBBS, BDS 2026 Rank List Published, Check Now. ummid.com The Directorate of Medical Education Tamil Nadu (DME Tamil Nadu) has published on its official website 'tnmedicalselection.net' the Rank List, also called as Merit List, of the students who have registered for TN MBBS / BDS Counselling for NEET 2026 (NEET UG 2026) based admission in different Medical Courses for the academic year 2026-27.
(2026-08-18). New State Department Video Celebrates Monroe Doctrine! Support HRes. 1056 to Annul the Doctrine! afgj.org On August 11, 2026, last Tuesday, the US State Department released a video, narrated by US Ambassador to Panama Kevin Merino Cabrera, reviewing the history of the famous 1823 statement by President James Monroe known as the Monroe Doctrine. The video glorifies the Doctrine, not the early Monroe Doctrine, which merely declared the Western Hemisphere…
(2026-08-18). TN NEET UG Counselling 2026 Registration, Choice Filling Starts – Steps, Link. ummid.com The Directorate of Medical Education Tamil Nadu (DME Tamil Nadu) has started through its official website 'tnmedicalselection.net' Online Registration of the students wishing to participate in TN MBBS / BDS Counselling for NEET UG 2026 based admission in different Medical Courses for the academic year 2026-27.
(2026-08-18). Amid growing support for Ukrainian political prisoner Bogdan Syrotiuk, the New York Times maintains its guilty silence. wsws.org One week after a Ukrainian court sentenced the socialist Bogdan Syrotiuk to 15 years in prison, the Times published a front-page feature on a Ukrainian held in Russia—while maintaining its total silence on the political prisoners of the Zelensky regime.
(2026-08-18). Wave Goodbye to the Butterfly Effect … wattsupwiththat.com Any predictive system constructing cycles of variable duration and/or varying amplitude will fail after a few cycles if the mechanisms behind the variability are not fully understood and/or cannot be accurately replicated.
(2026-08-18). The Ten Most Shocking Movie Scenes Ever Shot in L.A., Ranked. lataco.com Spoilers ahead! From Malibu to Boyle Heights, from the Valley to San Pedro, here's our guide to the locations from ten shocking movie scenes filmed in L.A.
(2026-08-18). DR Congo's Ebola outbreak 'global emergency' as infections pass 5,000: WHO. aljazeera.com Officials warn they are continuing to identify new chains of transmission that need to be broken to stop the spread.
(2026-08-18). Qusra siege by Israeli settler 'terrorists' in West Bank persists despite global outcry. asiapacificreport.nz 
Special correspondent For more than a week, Israeli settlers have besieged three Palestinian families in their homes in Qusra, south of Nablus in the occupied West Bank, cutting them off from basic supplies and emergency services. Settlers used the same tactic just last month to force the al-Tubassi family from their home in Jalud. This…
(2026-08-18). You See His Murals Across L.A. and at Your Favorite Restaurants. Now Meet the Painter. lataco.com From Warsaw to the Inland Empire and now to Los Angeles, the artist's fingerprints are figuratively and literally all over some of Downtown's most storied buildings. But the craziest part is that even "taggers don't hate on it," Mikołaj Wyszynski says.
(2026-08-18). Hajj 2027 Last Date of Payment Extended. ummid.com In a relief for the pilgrims selected through Haj Qurrah 2027 and are all set to travel to Makkah for Hajj 2027 (Haj 1448H), the Haj Committee of India has extended the last date of payment.
(2026-08-18). Karnataka UG NEET 2026 Option Entry Last Date Aug 13, Allotment on Aug 19. ummid.com Candidates seeking admission in Medical and Dental courses through Karnataka NEET UG 2026 (UGNEET 2026) Counselling should note that the link to download verification slip and option entry are now available on the website.
(2026-08-18). School Vaccination Rates Reach Record Low As Measles Outbreak Surges. newsone.com 
Source: Anastasiia Havrysh / Getty | For the second year in a row, school vaccination rates have fallen to a historic low. |
(2026-08-18). Iran puts Qatar on notice after 3 pilots are presumed captured? 'Fear will stay with them forever'. hindustantimes.com Iran has demanded answers over three pilots it claims were captured by Qatar, while Doha has denied holding them. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei also reacted to reports that Donald Trump secretly switched aircraft while leaving last month's NATO summit in Ankara, issuing a stark warning.
(2026-08-17). Chinese short-drama platform moves to curb 'copy-paste' AI faces. ecns.cn Chinese short-drama platform Hongguo Short Drama has announced new rules for AI-generated characters, seeking to curb the repeated use of similar-looking faces across different shows and make characters more distinctive.
(2026-08-18). Belarus keen on bringing relations with Mongolia to a qualitatively new level. eng.belta.by Belarus expects to bring its relations with Mongolia to a qualitatively new level, Chairman of the House of Representatives Igor Sergeyenko said during a meeting with Mongolia's Ambassador Gunaajav Baigalmaa.
(2026-08-18). Cincinnati Open: Williams sisters fall in doubles while Zverev advances. aljazeera.com Alexander Zverev survives third-round scare versus Terrance Atmane while Venus, Serena Williams lose in doubles return.
(2026-08-18). The hype, the dangers, the resistance—Part IV. mronline.org 
AI as a broad technology is not our problem any more or less than are computers, the internet, or email. Rather, the problem is with the class interests shaping its development.
(2026-08-18). The Qur'anic Rehabilitation of the Disciples of Jesus. muslimskeptic.com It is widely recognized among Muslims that one of the recurring functions of the Qur'an is the vindication of God's chosen servants against narratives that diminish their moral and spiritual stature. The Qur'an repeatedly rehabilitates prophetic figures by correcting various slanderous Biblical portrayals of them engaged in episodes of grave sin, moral failure, or theological …
(2026-08-18). Pakistan top court orders Imran Khan's hospital transfer amid access battle. aljazeera.com Supreme Court grants jailed ex-PM transfer to hospital for nearly a month after concerns raised over his blood pressure.
(2026-08-18). Chinese language to be taught in Fiji schools to strengthen educational ties. asiapacificreport.nz By Rosalia Tui in Suva Fiji's Ministry of Education is set to introduce a Chinese language pilot programme in 12 schools in the Central Division, as the Pacific country strengthens educational cooperation with China. The programme will involve six primary and six secondary schools and will introduce students to the Chinese language and culture while…
(2026-08-18). In Statement on Syria Airstrikes, Netanyahu Claims Turkey Was About To Deploy Troops to Idlib Air Base. news.antiwar.com Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has justified Israeli airstrikes that hit Syria on Tuesday by claiming the Syrian government was about to allow the deployment of Turkish troops to an air base near Aleppo, as Israel has been taking an increasingly hostile position toward Turkey. At least eight Israeli airstrikes hit the Abu al-Duhur military …
(2026-08-18). Pakistan's Hard State Under Institutional Stress: What the Supreme Court's Imran Khan Order Means. thinktank.pk Pakistan's political system is facing another institutional test. The Supreme Court has ordered that jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan be moved from prison to Shifa Hospital for a medical checkup, according to reports on August 18, 2026. The order comes after years of controversy surrounding Khan's imprisonment, his medical condition and the treatment of …
(2026-08-18). Women in media mentoring session inspires next generation of communicators. sanews.gov.za Women in media mentoring session inspires next generation of communicators | Established women media professionals and aspiring journalists and communication students gathered in Pretoria last week for the annual Women in Media and Communication Speed Mentoring Session – an initiative aimed at equipping young women with the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to build successful careers in the media and communications industry. | Hosted by the Government Communication and Information System, in partnership with Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) at the GCIS Auditorium, the 2026 session brought together ex…
(2026-08-18). Texas Families Ask SCOTUS to Block Law Requiring Ten Commandments in Classrooms. truthout.org Civil liberties groups representing several families in Texas submitted a legal filing to the Supreme Court on Monday, formally requesting the overturning of a lower court's opinion from earlier this year that allows the state to require the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom. Last year, Texas Republican lawmakers passed Senate Bill 10, which requires a poster… |
(2026-08-18). 'Destroying agriculture is the purpose': How Israel is drying up the West Bank's most fertile farmlands. mondoweiss.net 
For months, Palestinian farmers in the northern West Bank have watched their water lines cut and their wells marked for demolition in Israel's slow strangulation of Palestinian agriculture, as farmers tell Mondoweiss "there is no tomorrow" for them.
(2026-08-18). FM Dar welcomes 'positive momentum' in Islamabad-Moscow relations. tribune.com.pk 
Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Foreign Minister (FM) Ishaq Dar on Tuesday welcomed the positive momentum in Islamabad-Moscow relations and stressed the need for continued collaboration in key areas and sustained senior-level dialogues. | He said this during a meeting with Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert Khorev in Islamabad, a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said. | "DPM/FM appreciated the positive momentum in bilateral ties and stressed the importance of continued cooperation in key areas, as well as sustained high-level exchanges, to further strengthen Pakistan-Russia relatio…
(2026-08-18). It's time to criminalise Britain's West Bank settlement trade. thecanary.co 
For decades, the UK government has consistently stated that 'Israeli' settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are illegal under international law. Yet it has taken no action to prevent British trade and financial dealings with businesses operating in the West Bank. Then, in June, former Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper strengthened the government's guidance to businesses, […] | By
(2026-08-18). Richard Tice wants to double down on climate chaos. thecanary.co 
Summer 2026 has given Britons a taste of what a 'normal' summer might look like in years to come. In addition to record-breaking temperatures and droughts, we've seen trains derailing due to warping tracks; we've also seen houses burning after wildfires hit the town of Stourbridge. Any normal person seeing all this would rightfully worry […] | By
(2026-08-18). Minnesota Sues Texas to Extradite ICE Agent Who Shot Resident, Falsified Report. truthout.org On Tuesday, the state of Minnesota sued the state of Texas, seeking to compel Gov. Greg Abbott (R-Texas) to extradite an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent who has been charged with shooting a Minneapolis resident and falsifying a report about the incident. Amid large-scale federal immigration raids across the Twin Cities in January, ICE agent Christian Castro approached a home… |
(2026-08-18). Trump's Tariff Trap: Why Canada Is Scrambling Against the Clock. thinktank.pk Donald Trump's tariff confrontation with Canada is no longer simply a trade dispute. It has become a test of political power, economic sovereignty and Canada's relationship with its most important ally. With Washington threatening new 50 percent tariffs on around $20 billion of Canadian goods from August 19, Ottawa is engaged in an intense last-minute …
(2026-08-18). Why The Ford Class Carrier's Island Superstructure Is Located So Far Back. twz.com 
(2026-08-18). How History Should Remember This Era Of The WNBA [Op-Ed]. newsone.com 
Source: David Berding / Getty | Like any die-hard sports fan, when I think about the history of my favorite sports, I think about the moments I have lived through and experienced as a fan. Certain performances in the WNBA are impossible to shake because the excellence you witness on the floor creates an immediate energy loop in the stands. | One of those times happened for me in a game I attended in person last season: a Sparks-and-Wings matchup that marked Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers' first time playing in Sitting in the building that…
(2026-08-18). India's 'Cockroach' movement makes schools next battleground against Modi. aljazeera.com Cockroach leaders asked supporters to audit their nearest government-run schools. But it has started with a killing.
(2026-08-18). Làºrssen Delivers Six Superyachts Worth $2.2 Billion in 105 Days. moderndiplomacy.eu At Làºrssen's Berne yard on the Weser River, Floating Dock 10 holds a superyacht that isn't going anywhere. The Dilbar — 156 metres long, with a 25-metre pool and two helipads — has sat there since 2022, frozen under EU sanctions once linked to the Russian-Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov, costing roughly ‚Ǩ50,000 a day just …
(2026-08-18). 2 Black Girls Allegedly Kidnapped By Babysitter Found Safe In Trailer, Atlanta Police Say. newsone.com 
(2026-08-18). Should you freeze your eggs? What to know about the costs and process. nationofchange.org 
U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's decision to freeze her eggs — and to document the process on social media — has put a spotlight on the process, which is typically marketed to people hoping to extend their fertility. Egg freezing has exploded in popularity in the past decade.
(2026-08-18). Around 1,800 passenger cars, 51 buses queue at Belarus' border to enter Poland. eng.belta.by The longest truck queues are recorded on the Polish route.
(2026-08-18). Details behind production of Belarusian VSK-100B rifle revealed. eng.belta.by We started working on small arms back in 2018—2019. At that time, these were certain modifications with the use of imported components. We often used parts and assemblies of Russian production, Dmitry Pantus said.
(2026-08-18). Let Your Love For This World Fill You With Joy And Compel You To Action. caitlinjohnstone.com.au Love and cherish our world. That's the secret to remaining both (A) deeply happy and (B) well-informed about the dystopian abuses of the empire. | You don't have to choose. You can have both. | I sometimes get called a Debbie Downer for my nonstop writing about all the evils that are being inflicted upon our world by powerful people every day, but readers who meet me or listen to my podcasts have often expressed surprise at how upbeat and cheerful I am in real life. They see me focusing on extremely dark subjec…
(2026-08-17). China publishes selected works of Jiang Zemin on foreign policy. ecns.cn A collection of selected works by late Chinese leader Jiang Zemin on foreign policy has been published.
(2026-08-18). UN atomic watchdog says found tons of nuclear material at Syria site. al-monitor.com The head of the UN's nuclear watchdog said Tuesday its inspectors had found several tons of nuclear material in Syria, at a site Damascus reported to the agency last month. | The inspectors visited two sites, one in Deir Ezzor and "a second location related to the nuclear material identified by Syria recently", according to a joint statement.
(2026-08-18). Philadelphia teachers union says district's poor oversight led to Kensington High asbestos closure. whyy.org From Philly and the Pa. suburbs to South Jersey and Delaware, what would you like WHYY News to cover? Philadelphia's teachers union is accusing the school district of poor oversight of an HVAC renovation project at Kensington High School that will A contractor not authorized to safely remove asbestos disturbed the cancer-causing fibers in multiple places throughout the Kensington High School building this sum…
(2026-08-18). USA book third straight U19 Women's T20 World Cup spot. tribune.com.pk 
USA booked a third consecutive appearance at the Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup after winning the Americas qualifier unbeaten in the Cayman Islands. | Led by Chetna Pagydyala, USA won all six of their matches to finish six points clear of Canada, who they defeated by eight wickets in the tournament opener and again in their final game. | USA also recorded two victories each over Argentina and Next GenXI, a composite side featuring players from across the Americas region. | Mahek Desai was named Player of the Tournament after taking 16 wickets. | USA reached the Super Six stage of the 2025 Under-19 Women's T20…
(2026-08-18). Former Australia batter Warner convicted, fined for drink-driving. tribune.com.pk 
Australian cricket great David Warner was fined and ordered to use a vehicle breathalyser lock on Tuesday after admitting to drink driving. | Warner, a world-renowned former opening batsman for Australia, pleaded guilty last month to a "middle range" drink-driving offence. | The 39-year-old was accused of stopping short of a random testing site while driving a van in April, before being breath-tested, arrested and taken to a police station. | Judge Clare Farnan formally convicted Warner of the crime and fined him Aus$1,500, according to a court record of the sentencing at Sydney's Waverley Local Court. | He wa…
(2026-08-18). Americans Are Not Wealthy: This Is the Truth About the US Economy. orinocotribune.com 
By Ben Norton — Aug 16, 2026 | It is often said that the United States is the richest country on Earth. This is a myth. | It is certainly true that, in the United States, there are some very, very rich people, including the wealthiest billionaires on Earth, and the first ever trillionaire (Elon Musk). | However, when you look at the country as a whole, you see that the US is not a relatively prosperous nation. | This article will analyze a broad set of data, including several different indicators, that show how Americans are not wealthy compared to people in other advanced economies. | Americans are NOT w…
(2026-08-18). Infantino's FIFA World Cup fallout: Lamour exits after criticism of plan. aljazeera.com Kevin Lamour had publicly criticised Infantino's proposal last month, saying FIFA staff had been 'deceived' over plan.
(2026-08-18). Why is the US ramping up Tomahawk production? aljazeera.com The Pentagon has contracted a defence manufacturer to increase the output of cruise missiles.
(2026-08-18). Cong leader Saud Hasan raiases immigration problems with UK MP Amanda Hack. ummid.com Congress leader Syed Saud Hasan from Madhya Pradesh Capital Bhopal met with Amanda Jayne Hack, MP from the ruling Labour Party of Britain (England), Saturday August 08, 2026 and discussed in detail the difficulties faced by Indians living in the United Kingdom due to the new immigration policies.
(2026-08-17). Young people from China, France donate WWII archives to Yunnan museum to safeguard history. ecns.cn Three young people, two from France and one from China, donated scanned copies of historical archives from the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression to the Yunnan Anti‚ÄëJapanese War Victory Memorial Hall in Kunming, Southwest China's Yunnan Province, on Monday.
(2026-08-18). Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro signs wide-ranging executive order reining in data center development. whyy.org This story is part of the From the Poconos to the Jersey Shore to the mouth of the Delaware Bay, what do you want to know about climate change? What would you like us to cover?
| Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an
(2026-08-18). Gen Z treats AI as friend, new study reveals. tribune.com.pk 
Over a quarter of Gen Z users interact with artificial intelligence (AI) as if communicating with a friend, utilising the technology for emotional support and personal matters, according to a recent global study on Tuesday. | A recent global survey conducted by Kaspersky with 7,200 participants showed that Generation Z uses AI much more actively compared to other generations. | More than a quarter of the respondents, 27%, stated they use the technology like a friend, marking a shift from viewing AI as a simple task-oriented tool to a source for emotional support and companionship. | The study revealed that 28%…
(2026-08-18). Kohli advice inspires Cox ahead of Pakistan Tests. tribune.com.pk 
England batter Jordan Cox has revealed how advice from India great Virat Kohli helped him navigate the pressures of Test cricket as he prepares to take on a new role in the upcoming series against Pakistan. | Cox, who shared a dressing room with Kohli at Royal Challengers Bengaluru during this year's Indian Premier League, said the former India captain encouraged him to enjoy the occasion before his long-awaited Test debut against New Zealand at The Oval in June. | The pair met in London shortly before Cox was selected in England's starting line-up, with Kohli offering a simple but memorable message. | "'Enjoy…
(2026-08-18). Can Centuries-Old Nuns Really Save Us from Ourselves? publicbooks.org "Can looking to women beholden to God help us escape a society so fixated on itself? Or does it simply package those devout lives as the latest content for a culture industry desperate for the next trending topic?"
(2026-08-18). D.C. Circuit Endangerment Finding Litigation: The Nefarious EPA "Futility" Analysis. wattsupwiththat.com I can't think of any argument that 0.007 ∞C of avoided temperature rise, or 0.7 cm of avoided sea level rise is other than completely de minimus, indeed likely well less than any ability to detect or measure. Get rid of the "50% reduction scenario" and the effect is still obviously de minimus.