Latest news bulletin | August 24th, 2026 – Midday
Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this August 24th, 2026 - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.
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China boosts coal’s economic value 700% after turning it to liquids: report
The world’s largest coal-to-liquids plant is turning coal into oil products that can power rockets and serve as machine lubricants while boosting its value sevenfold, according to a Chinese newspaper. The production line, built by China Energy Group Ningxia Coal Industry Co Ltd, began full operations in northwest China’s Ningxia Hui autonomous region last month and processed 24 million tonnes of c...
China PhD student famous for Christopher Nolan interview accused of widespread plagiarism
The Chinese podcaster Zhongshu, who garnered widespread international acclaim for her recent interview with filmmaker Christopher Nolan, is now facing allegations of paraphrasing and plagiarism in her podcasts and published works. The interview between Zhongshu and Nolan concerning The Odyssey, released on July 31, quickly went viral and was celebrated as “smart,” “the most interesting and profoun...
US military says strike on alleged drug-smuggling boat kills two
US Southern Command says Sunday's strike targeted vessel operating along established narco-trafficking routes.
War-torn Ukraine celebrates resilience on anniversary of its independence
August 24 marks the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence, and it also marks four and a half years of conflict with Russia. As European leaders meet in Kyiv, the Coalition of the Willing is set to chair a meeting with Volodymr Zelensky to discuss ways to bolster support for Ukraine, which is facing an escalating bombing campaign from Moscow.
More headlines
Scottish athlete won her country a medal at the Commonwealth Games, but had to return to her McDonald's job days later
Scottish judoka Summer Shaw made headlines by winning a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games, only to head back to her part-time McDonald's job to make ends meet for her sporting endeavors. Her engaging TikTok video on the matter caught widespread interest, highlighting her need for further financial support. Eager for sponsorship, she dreams of fully committing to her judo career.
'Half my business will be gone' - firms in Canada and US fear trade war
Business owners in both countries are navigating uncertainty and worry as the tit-for-tat import taxes ratchet up.
'Half my business will be gone' - Firms in Canada and US fear trade war
Business owners in both countries are navigating uncertainty and worry as the tit-for-tat import taxes ratchet up.
Dozens of coordinated arson attacks carried out across Thailand
Dozens of coordinated arson attacks carried out across Thailand
Macron and MBS attend Esports World Cup closing ceremony
Saudi Arabia, which founded the event, is spending billions to become a global gaming and esports power.
Iran calls France's decision to expel two Iranian diplomats 'illegal'
Iran's foreign ministry on Monday said France's decision to expel two of its diplomats was “illegal”. France's move came in retaliation for Tehran's decision not to allow two French diplomats to return to its territory.
Malaysia says Indonesia to open airspace for cloud seeding to tackle haze
Indonesia has given Malaysian agencies official permission to enter its airspace to conduct cloud seeding operations, Malaysia’s environment minister has said, part of both countries’ efforts to combat the haze blanketing the region. Indonesia has been stepping up efforts to slow the spread of haze caused by forest and land fires across several provinces, which this month led to dozens of scho...
GTA 6 Release: Kai Cenat dodges every alleged leak; vows to 100% game first
Kai Cenat says he has not watched any GTA 6 leaks because he is “committed to the actual game.” During his August 22 livestream, he also promised to become the first person ever to 100% GTA 6. The streamer previously said he could spend unlimited time playing after launch. With GTA 6 arriving in November 2026, Cenat already has his challenge planned.
Iran's rial currency hits new record low as US prepares to announce more sanctions
Iran’s currency has hit a record low as Washington prepares to announce new sanctions it said would be an “economic D-Day.”
Give Imran Khan proper medical care, cricket legends urge Pakistani gov’t
Twenty-one cricket captains request PM Sharif's government to ensure Khan is given timely and independent medical care.
Netherlands withdraws from ‘no longer’ neutral Eurovision
The Netherlands will not participate in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, its broadcaster has said, adding that the event can “no longer be considered neutral” given divisions over the Gaza war. “It is undeniable that international conflicts are increasingly affecting the contest, undermining its neutral character. The Eurovision Song Contest has therefore become a platform for division,” said ...
In 1900, JP Morgan bought 117 acres for daughter's wedding; land later went to Acadia National Park
A stretch of Maine coastline that was once part of a wealthy family’s private summer estate is now open to visitors as part of Acadia National Park. The land was donated in 1949 by Eleanor Morgan Satterlee in memory of her mother, Louisa, after the family property was badly damaged in the 1947 fire.
Transfer target Julian Alvarez booed by fans in Atletico Madrid win
Argentinian striker was targeted by fans while warming up and jeered again after coming on in the 66th minute.
ISS cricket experiment found microgravity-exposed larvae hatched earlier than ground controls
In 2005, scientists examined cricket reproduction on the International Space Station, where embryos grew under microgravity conditions. Interestingly, larvae emerged sooner than those on Earth, suggesting that microgravity affects developmental speed while preserving key neural structures. This research is vital for comprehending how life forms adjust to lesser gravitational forces, expanding our ...
Freezing liquid inside optical fibre makes light and sound interact 1,000 times more strongly
Scientists have frozen the liquid inside a special optical fibre to -196°C, creating conditions where light and sound interact more than 1,000 times more strongly than in ordinary fibres. The team found that the frozen fibre could still guide light and hypersonic sound waves. The breakthrough also helped researchers demonstrate optoacoustic memory, which could have potential applications in lower-...
New Zealand's government introduces legislation to ban social media for under-16s
Under the proposed law, firms like Meta could be fined up to 10% of their global revenue if they fail to comply.
Strategic talks in Paris show France and Saudi Arabia 'need each other too much'
The Saudi crown prince and French President Emmanuel Macron are to chair on August 24 the first meeting of the Saudi-French strategic partnership council, and a number of agreements arer expected to be signed. Among them are a new Dragon-Ball themed amusement park deal in the Paris region and the sale of French military equipment to the kingdom. FRANCE 24's Philip Turle tells us more on what to kn...
Banking veteran Li Yun fills senior Shenzhen posts in countdown to Apec
A banking veteran has been appointed the new deputy Communist Party secretary and acting mayor of the southern Chinese metropolis of Shenzhen, just months before the city is scheduled to host a series of Apec meetings. The positions have been filled by Li Yun, who spent more than two decades working in financial institutions and has been the vice-governor of Guangdong province since March last yea...
Despite ceasefire, Israeli strikes still kill in Gaza and the West Bank
Despite a ceasefire that has been in place since October 2025, violence continues in Gaza. On August 23, Israeli strikes left several people dead in the enclave, and a young boy was killed by the Israeli military in the West Bank, according to local authorities. Since the announcement of the truce, more than 1,280 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, while Israel has reported the launch of dron...
Meet Iris Shen, the 17-year-old Texas student who tested potential blood-cancer drugs in clams and her research won $150,000
A talented teen from Texas, Iris Shen, has triumphed in a renowned science contest with her groundbreaking research. By investigating a potential cancer treatment using clams, she discovered that these creatures exhibit effects akin to human cells. Her innovative work highlights marine bivalves as a viable and ethical alternative for animal testing, directly tackling the pressing ethical and finan...
Doja Cat steps in to support Nitro Camden after his shocking viral moment with his mom
Doja Cat has stepped up to uplift Twitch streamer Nitro Camden following a tough situation that caught public attention. She encouraged him to chase his aspirations and urged fans to show their support by subscribing. Camden's streaming journey took a leap after a huge raid by a renowned creator, leading to his partnership with various platforms and a surge in followers.
Hungarian air force Gripen fighter jet crashes near Szolnok
The pilot managed to eject, and no one was injured. The circumstances of the accident are being investigated and the defence minister travelled to the site.
European leaders rally in Kyiv to celebrate Ukraine's Independence Day
European leaders joined President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on August 24 for official celebrations marking Ukraine’s Independence Day as Russia pushes on with its 4-year-old invasion of the country. Among the guests is new UK prime minister Andy Burnham, his first overseas trip since taking office in July. FRANCE 24's Emmanuelle Chaze tells us more from Kyiv.
Seville, Jefferson-Wooden roar to 100m wins at Silesia Diamond League
Brazil's Alison Dos Santos beats world record holder Karsten Warholm in a thrilling 400m hurdles final at the meet.
US threat of ‘economic D-Day’ for Iran tests Trump’s China detente
Exerting maximum economic pressure on Tehran would risk blowback from Beijing.