World News Hub

Germany opened a solar-walled city hall in 2017 that produced surplus energy

The newly constructed city hall in Freiburg exemplifies sustainability, generating excess energy through high-performance solar panels embedded in its roof and walls. Equipped with top-tier insulation and a heat recovery ventilation system, the facility efficiently optimises energy use. It also leverages groundwater for temperature control. Serving as a model for public sector energy initiatives, ...

Quote of the day by Carl Linnaeus: "Human beings, having, above..."

Human reasoning provides us with a special lens through which we can observe and understand nature. This ability to study and reflect upon natural processes imposes an ethical responsibility on us to avoid exploiting the environment. By grasping the intricate connections within ecosystems, we appreciate our place in the natural world. The wisdom of Linnaeus serves as a guiding light for today's pr...

Syrian official says ‘no plans’ to establish Turkish military presence

The foreign minister says in an interview that Turkish military officials had visited the airbase as part of training.

Belgian car salesman becomes prince after royal parentage confirmed

Clément Vandenkerckhove was quietly brought into Prince Laurent's family at a town hall ceremony.

Taliban secures pragmatic global alliances without formal recognition

The Taliban navigates a complex web of global trade and security alliances without gaining full political recognition.

“I wanna try it so bad”: How TikTok shapes what teenagers eat — and the role parents can play

TikTok trends are influencing what teenagers eat, from viral restaurant dishes and fast food to recipes and influencer diets. But new research suggests parents may also have a role in limiting the platform’s influence.

Former Liberian vice-president charged in drug-trafficking probe

Jewel Howard-Taylor was arrested at Liberia's international airport and has not commented on the allegations.

Romania destroys explosive drone near major Black Sea gas project

A separate drone crashed in eastern Romania as the country and neighbouring Poland stepped up air defences during a major Russian attack on Ukraine.

NATO jets scrambled as drone enters Romanian airspace

A drone crashed in eastern Romania as the country and neighbouring Poland stepped up air defences during a major Russian attack on Ukraine.

Ex-Zambian minister killed in security raid on opposition

Police confirm Mutotwe Kafwaya's death after growing demands for information about his whereabouts.

Archaeologists uncover human offering at ancient ceremonial site in Lima

Archaeologists in Lima have uncovered the skeletal remains of an adult believed to have been placed as a ritual offering at Huaca Pucllana. The body was found inside a ceremonial canal dating to around 650 AD, when the Lima culture flourished on Peru's central coast.

Champagne harvest: why picking begins as early as mid-August

In Champagne, the grape harvest began as early as mid-August, unprecedented for some growers, after heat and drought sped up ripening and forced them to change their methods.

North Korea launches missiles as Trump seeks to rekindle nuclear talks

Hours after Trump said he expects to hold new talks with Kim Jong Un, South Korea and Japan said several short-range missiles were launched by the North.

Latest news bulletin | August 20th, 2026 – Midday

Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this August 20th, 2026 - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.

USS Nimitz soldiers on but ‘glory days are over’: CCTV report

The “glory days” of the world’s longest-serving aircraft carrier are over, reflecting fatigue in the broader US fleet amid a decline in the country’s shipbuilding capacity, according to official Chinese military analysts. In a report on Wednesday, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said the US Navy’s reliance on extended carrier deployments was a cause for concern, particularly in the case of the USS ...

Chinese ‘hardship camps’ see children chop wood, feed pigs to learn family appreciation

Chinese parents are sending their children to “hardship summer camps” to engage in farm work, often to the point of tears, in an effort to teach them the realities of life and foster appreciation for their families. This summer, a programme known as “hardship camp” is gaining popularity across China. Many parents are investing thousands of yuan (hundreds of US dollars) to send their children to th...

Israel admits its soldiers opened fire at car carrying five-year-old Hind Rajab | First Thing

Israeli military orders criminal investigation into deaths of Hind and six family members. Plus, FCC chair Brendan Carr’s close coordination with White House revealedGood morning.The Israeli military admitted on Wednesday its troops had opened fire on a car carrying five-year-old Hind Rajab and six family members in Gaza in 2024, saying it had ordered a criminal investigation into the killing.What...

First Thing: Israel admits its soldiers opened fire at car carrying five-year-old Hind Rajab

Israeli military orders criminal investigation into deaths of Hind and six family members. Plus, FCC chair Brendan Carr’s close coordination with White House revealedGood morning.The Israeli military admitted on Wednesday its troops had opened fire on a car carrying five-year-old Hind Rajab and six family members in Gaza in 2024, saying it had ordered a criminal investigation into the killing.What...

Indian-origin man, woman arrested in Canada over alleged $6,000 extortion during date

From ‘elation’ to ‘terrible news’ in 10 minutes: how the confusion over missing bushwalker Lily Hooper unfolded

The 18-year-old’s body was found in Nattai national park on Thursday – but initial police messages indicated she had been found alivePolice have blamed dense bushland and radio confusion for wrongly reporting to 18-year-old Lily Hooper’s parents, the New South Wales premier and the media that the missing bushwalker had been found alive.Hooper had last been seen on 12 August after leaving home for ...

ICC separates Taliban probe from US case as Afghan women's fate stays uncertain

ICC judges reportedly ordered prosecutors to open a standalone investigation into Taliban persecution of women, separating it from the probe that also covered alleged US crimes in Afghanistan. Afghan rights advocates warned the split risked undermining comprehensive justice.

North Korea answers US olive branch with missile launch

North Korea has fired several short-range ballistic missiles, Seoul’s military said on Thursday, hours after US President Donald Trump said he would meet Pyongyang’s Kim Jong-un this year. The latest launches from the nuclear-armed North come as South Korea and the United States hold a shorter edition of their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises, following an order from Trump to scale t...

Unexpected twin-city breaks you can take by sleeper train in Europe

Sleeper trains are making it possible to pair destinations with completely different vibes without the airport queues. Here are some unexpected European city pairings connected by overnight rail.

Sirens, shelters and scaled-back war games: South Korea rehearses for crisis

South Korea held a nationwide civil defence drill on Thursday, 20 August, as part of the annual Ulchi Exercise, with authorities rehearsing responses to a national emergency such as an air raid.

Australian farmer spent three decades restoring land he once cleared; 24 bird species now live there

About three decades ago, King Island farmer Fred Perry began changing the way he managed his land after his children urged him to protect the environment. Once known for clearing native vegetation, Perry and his wife Shona began fencing and replanting parts of their farm. The long-running effort has restored habitat and brought 24 bird species to the property year-round.