Venezuela says 131 political prisoners freed amid post-Maduro talks
Venezuela’s interim government says it has freed 131 political prisoners as part of reconciliation efforts following the US-backed removal of former President Nicolas Maduro.
Iran says no decision yet on a return to talks with the US
Iran has not decided whether to resume negotiations with the United States over ending the conflict, citing disagreements about ceasefire violations and control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Concerns grow over increased global ties with Taliban in Afghanistan
Major global and regional powers are increasing diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan’s Taliban government despite documented human rights abuses, raising concerns about inconsistent international pressure on the regime.
How a Sudanese refugee became a head teacher in a Chadian camp
A Sudanese education administrator who fled her country’s conflict in 2023 now heads a primary school for refugee children in eastern Chad, serving over 1,000 students despite severe resource shortages.
Ukraine war briefing: Crimea bomb kills ‘Ukrainian sub commander who defected’
A Russian military officer allegedly defected from Ukraine to command a submarine in 2014 and was killed in a bomb attack in Crimea; authorities arrested a suspect reportedly acting on behalf of Ukrainian services.
From Europe to Asia, floods to heatwaves, world experiences weather shocks
Japan experienced record-breaking rainfall and flooding on Aug. 13, 2026, killing at least eight people and displacing over 100,000 residents, while Europe simultaneously endured its fifth heat wave of the summer affecting 300 million people.