World News – 20 August 2025

WORLD NEWS – 20 AUGUST 2025
20 August 2025 by Guest
Donald Trump ruled out the deployment of American troops in Ukraine in his first interview after yesterday’s White House meeting with the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and European leaders.
Keir Starmer’s asylum plans have been plunged into turmoil after a high court ruling blocked people seeking refuge from being housed in an Essex hotel.
Israel has said it will deliver its response to international mediators by Friday over a new Gaza ceasefire plan accepted by Hamas amid mounting pressure for a truce.
A Reform UK-led county council has served its residents a “plate of chaos” from the start of its leadership, according to its Conservative opposition.
Older employees who are disturbed by younger, more boisterous colleagues in the workplace are not victims of age harassment, an employment tribunal has ruled.
Notting Hill Carnival returns this weekend and police have been told not to be seen dancing with revellers.
Bayern Munich’s move for Christopher Nkunku has stalled, delaying Chelsea’s attempts to sign RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons and Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho.
A career-best haul from veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj inspired South Africa to a crushing 98-run win over Australia in the first ODI in Cairns.
Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu were bulldozed by a sharp Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper, the top seeds, who reached the quarter-finals of the revamped mixed‑doubles competition with a 4-2, 4-2 win.
“High court rules asylum seekers must be moved from protest hotel” says the Guardian
Top story in the Financial Times is “Trump hints at US air role in push to seal Ukraine peace”
A Swedish church that was built in 1912 is going on a road trip – albeit a short one. The 672-tonne church – which is in the Arctic town of Kiruna – is being moved 5km down the road.
Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald revealed that South Africa has 25,000 foreigners in its prisons, costing taxpayers R11.6 million per day.
South Africa’s new Employment Equity Regulations have caused backlash for setting out racial and gender-based numerical targets for businesses, which specifically target white men.
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) is embroiled in a multi-billion rand tender scandal.
Cape Town, often lauded as a premier global destination, harbors a “dirty secret” beneath its pristine marketing image.
The Palace at Sun City used to be a world-class resort with top-class service levels. However, strikes and union involvement saw a sad decline in this proud institution.
2 Heart Drugs Recalled Across US: The Food and Drug Administration posted notices on recalls of tens of thousands of bottles of two different types of blood pressure and heart medications, upgrading them to the second-highest classification.
Vaccine Lawsuit Filed Against CDC
Trump Administration Fires 37 Intel Officials, Revokes Security Clearances for ‘Politicizing Intelligence’
Trump Orders Review of ‘Woke’ Content in US Museums
Illinois Gov. Pritzker Signs Law Expanding College Aid Programs to Illegal Immigrants
Hamas Accepts Proposed Deal for Cease-Fire and Hostage Release
A Ukrainian drone attack cut power to Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia on Tuesday. Europe’s largest nuclear reactor, which happens to be in the region, was, fortunately, unaffected.
Armed bandits have killed at least 27 people in Nigeria. Gunmen attacked a mosque in northern Nigeria’s Katsina state on Tuesday.
After several days, the Air Canada strike is over. A tentative agreement has now been reached with its unionised flight attendants, and Canadian flights are a little busier henceforth.
A Reuters report has indicated that Trump’s flakiness with regards to Japan’s military alliance has encouraged the unthinkable: nuclear weapons. Although a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, it has every building block necessary to achieve armament in a short span of time.
There are 10 changes to the Springbok squad for the return match on Saturday after losing the Rugby Championship opener against Australia.
Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj produced a career-best 5-33 to dismantle Australia and bowl South Africa to an emphatic 98-run victory in the opening one-day international in Cairns on Tuesday.
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah was named the Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year. The Egyptian became the first player to win the award three times.
Scores of South Africans retrenched by NGO processing Trump’s Afrikaner ‘refugees’
‘Rhino baron’ John Hume in court for 964 ‘fraudulent’ horn permit deals
Rassie’s mom still loves him as Bok coach opts for shake-up
NPA eyes prosecution of Mahlangu and Manamela for only two Life Esidimeni deaths
Another Nelson Mandela Bay prosecutor targeted in brazen shooting
AI job threats – graduates at risk, not call centre agents
Shares in Asia dropped Wednesday, tracking Wall Street’s tech-led sell-off.
The dollar gained some ground ahead of a key meeting of central bankers later in the week.
Oil prices inched higher after falling in the previous session.
Gold prices hit their lower level in nearly three weeks on Wednesday.
Coconut oil prices have tripled in under two years, driven by supply shortages and surging demand in Asia, especially India. Output disruptions and weather woes keep global prices high, pushing consumers toward cheaper alternatives while traders see no relief soon.
The US has imposed 50% tariffs on over 400 steel and aluminum-linked products worth about R3.5-trillion ($200-billion), including vehicles, appliances, turbines and packaging, effective immediately. The move raises import costs, despite car manufacturer objections and Tesla’s failed bid to exclude electric vehicle motor materials
Google will ease rules for app developers to direct users outside its Play Store. EU regulators charged the company with breaching the Digital Markets Act, accusing it of restricting competition and overcharging developers with unjustified service fees.
A notorious Gqeberha alleged petty crime nuisance nicknamed ‘Kawasaki’ is back in custody after private security caught him with 6kg of Telkom copper. It’s the latest twist in Nelson Mandela Bay’s escalating battle against cable theft and vandalism.
Big VAT changes on the cards for South Africa: The National Treasury and SARS are moving ahead with the VAT Modernisation Project, which is set to introduce real-time reporting, streamline administration, and tighten compliance for businesses and individuals.
SARS’ Edward Kieswetter fighting for missing R513 billion: SARS is intensifying enforcement, outsourcing collections, and leveraging AI to tackle a record R513 billion in unpaid taxes.
Bad news for Shein and Temu in South Africa: The National Treasury has proposed scrapping the tax-free limit on low-value imports, meaning all goods will now be subject to 15% VAT.
South Africa finishes bottom of the class: South Africa’s economy has endured a decade of near-stagnant growth and relatively high inflation leaving the nation with a mounting debt crisis, surging interest costs, and an urgent need for faster growth to avert fiscal collapse.
South Africans walking away from traditional private and public schools: South Africans are increasingly moving away from traditional private and public schools, with alternatives gaining ground.
Big lie about Truecaller in South Africa: Truecaller has dismissed claims that it charges businesses marked as spam a fee to remove their spam labels.
DA mum on its past plan to have only 15 ministers: Since joining Cabinet, the DA has remained silent on its earlier plans to reduce ministries and streamline government.
South African taxpayers can get R10,000 relief from SARS: South Africans with significant out-of-pocket medical expenses may qualify for an additional medical tax credit, lowering their tax burden.
Chinese cars taking over South Africa: Nedbank CEO Jason Quinn believes Chinese car brands are set to continue growing in the South African market, fueled by lessons learned from prior unsuccessful attempts to enter the market.
ANC government wanted to reduce unemployment to 10% by 2025. Instead, it increased to 33%.: When the ANC government adopted the National Development Plan in 2012, it set a target of 6% unemployment by 2030. However, the situation got worse rather than better.
Billionaire Bill Ackman buys Google and Amazon: In the second quarter of 2025, billionaire investor Bill Ackman made some notable changes to his portfolio, including buying Amazon and increasing his stake in Google.
Say goodbye to South Africa’s budget airline: Mango Airlines is set to undergo a structured wind-down following years of turbulent business rescue and a failed acquisition.
USDA Ends Funding for Solar, Wind Projects on Farmland: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will no longer deploy programs funding solar or wind power projects on productive farmland, effective immediately.
Jerome Powell to Deliver Final Keynote: Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell will be under the spotlight when he delivers his final keynote address at this week’s annual central bank retreat beginning on 21 August.
Woman Arrested, Charged After Threatening to Kill Trump.
DC Crime Investigation: The Justice Department has launched an investigation into allegations that Washington, DC, police have falsified data to artificially lower crime rates.
Air Canada Strike Ends: Air Canada slowly restarted operations yesterday after reaching a tentative deal with its striking flight attendants union. Some of its roughly 700 daily flights resumed at 4 pm ET, but Canada’s largest airline said it could take up to 10 days to restore full service.
Sanctuary in Transit: A historic wooden church in northern Sweden is being moved across the town of Kiruna to make way for the expansion of the world’s largest underground iron ore mine. The two-day operation is relocating the church about 3 miles to Kiruna’s new town center, part of a decadeslong plan to shift the entire community. Mining beneath Kiruna by the state-owned company LKAB since 1910 has destabilized the ground, causing subsidence. Built in 1912, the red-painted Lutheran church is one of Sweden’s best-known landmarks, blending neo-Gothic architecture with Indigenous Sami motifs. The $52M relocation is funded by LKAB. Engineers lifted the 130-foot-wide, 115-foot-tall structure from its foundation and placed it on a hydraulic transporter for the journey.
The Lithium Boom: Did you know it takes 10,000 iPhone batteries’ worth of lithium to make one EV battery? With 350M+ EV sales projected globally by 2030, lithium demand is looking steep.
Nexstar, the media giant with 200 owned or partner TV stations, purchases rival Tegna in $6.2B deal; newly combined company’s stations will cover 80% of TV households in the US.
Dr. Phil’s media company sued by their distribution partner for alleged fraud and breach of contract over 10-year, $500M deal.
“Stranger Things” creators Matt and Ross Duffer will depart Netflix in April 2026 after signing four-year deal with Paramount for exclusive rights to their upcoming projects.
Tech giant Nvidia reportedly developing China‑bound AI chip that is more powerful than the H20, which the Trump administration approved last week for sale on Chinese markets.
James Webb Telescope discovers previously unknown moon orbiting Uranus, bringing the planet’s moon count to 29; the moon’s relatively tiny 6-mile diameter rendered it invisible to less advanced telescopes.
Megalibrary of nanoparticles helps researchers quickly find abundant, cheap alternative to iridium, a rare metal critical to clean hydrogen energy production; could accelerate discovery of commercially viable materials for various applications.
US stock markets close mixed (S&P 500 -0.6%, Dow +0.0%, Nasdaq -1.5%).
Wyoming becomes first state to issue a stablecoin—cryptocurrencies tied to the value of a traditional currency.
Trump administration expands 50% steel and aluminum tariffs to include more than 400 additional products, including items such as car parts, fire extinguishers, and specialty chemicals.
Databricks reportedly raising funding round that values the data analytics company at over $100B; would make Databricks the fourth private company to surpass the $100B mark, following SpaceX, ByteDance, and OpenAI.
President Donald Trump rules out sending US troops to Ukraine to provide security guarantees to the country, will consider providing air support.
Transportation Security Administration pilots biometric “eGates,” aiming to skip podium where an agent verifies a passenger’s identity before the security screening; system is being tested in DC, Georgia, and Washington airports.
Food and Drug Administration issues recall for Great Value frozen shrimp products, sold at Walmart, after containers arriving at four US ports from Indonesia test positive for cesium-137, a radioactive isotope.
General Motors Bets Big on This Lithium Stock: 414,469 tons. That’s how much lithium General Motors will need per year to meet its 2035 EV target. No wonder they led a $50M investment round in EnergyX. EnergyX’s patented tech extracts lithium up to 300% better than conventional methods. Those methods take 12+ months. EnergyX takes only days. A third-party study recently confirmed EnergyX’s 100K+ acre Chilean lithium resource has up to 9.8M metric tons of lithium. Now, they plan to transition to commercial extraction on this potential $1.1B/year project.
Police are on the hunt for a third suspect in connection with the attack on three DA MPs in Philippi yesterday.
The Gauteng High Court has ruled that social commentator Anele Mda’s tweets, which implicate ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula in the murder of businessman Wandile Bozwana, are “defamatory and false”.
Mo Chara (Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh) was met by hundreds of cheering fans outside a London court, where the member of the Irish rap group Kneecap is seeking to have a terrorism charge thrown out. The charge stems from allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a concert in November last year.
Pope Leo plans to visit Lebanon in his first state visit outside Italy since becoming the leader of the Catholic Church. An anonymous Vatican official said the trip might be part of a tour that could include Turkey.
‘MAPS ARE NOT INNOCENT DRAWINGS’: AFRICA DEMANDS ITS TRUE SIZE BE SHOWN
EL PAÍS in English
The Equal Earth projection, recommended by the Correct The Map campaign to replace the classic Mercator projection, corrects the distortions that make countries appear larger or smaller the farther they are from the Equator and closer to the poles.
European Space Agency
IBERIAN WILDFIRES SEEN FROM SPACE
European Space Agency
Southern Europe is once again in the grip of extreme summer heat. Soaring temperatures and bone-dry land have fuelled widespread wildfires, with the Iberian Peninsula among the regions hardest hit. Flames continue to sweep across parched landscapes, …
MSF Southern Africa
MSF SUSPENDS ACTIVITIES AT ZALINGEI HOSPITAL IN SUDAN FOLLOWING ARMED ATTACK THAT LEFT ONE DEAD AND FIVE INJURED
MSF Southern Africa
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has been forced to reduce its teams and suspend all activities at the MSF-supported hospital in Central Darfur state, Sudan, following a violent armed …
BBC News
ISRAEL CALLS UP 60000 RESERVISTS AHEAD OF PLANNED GAZA CITY OFFENSIVE
BBC News
They added that troops were already operating in the Zeitoun and Jabalia areas as part of the preparations for the plan, which Defence Minister Israel Katz approved on Tuesday and will be put to the security cabinet later this week.
TheIndependent.ca
CALLS CONTINUE FOR POLICE, JUDICIAL INVOLVEMENT IN LIBERALS’ AGENCY NURSING SCANDAL
TheIndependent.ca
NL Health Services CEO Pat Parfrey. RNU / YouTube. Calls are mounting for transparency and accountability following a public accounts committee hearing last week, during which provincial senior health officials claimed the province’s health …
National Geographic
LETTING KIDS RUN WILD OUTSIDE IS SURPRISING GOOD FOR THEIR BRAINS
National Geographic
‘Feral child summer’ isn’t just a social media catchphrase. Here’s how unstructured outdoor play builds stronger brains and lasting ties to nature.
Aljazeera.com
LIVE: ISRAEL APPROVES GAZA CITY OCCUPATION PLAN DESPITE CEASEFIRE OFFER
Aljazeera.com
Relatives of Israeli captives held in Gaza have condemned the Israeli Defence Ministry’s approval of a plan to seize Gaza City and accused the government of ignoring a ceasefire proposal approved by Hamas, saying it was “a stab in the heart of the …
NHK WORLD
TICAD AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE GETS UNDERWAY IN JAPAN
NHK WORLD
A Japan-led global conference on African development has gotten underway in Yokohama, near Tokyo. Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru is using the event as an opportunity to boost Japan’s ties with African countries. African leaders and other delegates are …
BBC News
SCIENTISTS INVESTIGATE SURGE IN WHALE AND DOLPHIN STRANDINGS
BBC News
Researchers at the University of Glasgow said possible causes include chemical, plastic and noise pollution and accidental entanglements in fishing gear. More than 5,140 stranded marine animals were recorded in the study between 1992 and 2022.
The Washington Post
THESE PLACES WILL BE HIT BY BIG WAVES AND FLOODING AS HURRICANE ERIN PASSES
The Washington Post
A dozen eastern states are under an alert related to hazardous coastal conditions from Erin, extending from Florida to Massachusetts, with flooding, strong winds, dangerous surf, rip currents and beach erosion expected. Pockets of …
subscriber.politicopro.com
ALLIES, IN JAB AT TRUMP, THREATEN NOT TO BUY F-35S
subscriber.politicopro.com
Allies fed up with Donald Trump’s latest round of punishing tariffs and spending demands are hitting the president where it hurts — his favorite fighter jet. Spain, in the wake of a row with Washington over NATO’s new 5 percent defense spending goal, …
The Guardian
FIRST THING: TRUMP RULES OUT SENDING US TROOPS TO UKRAINE TO ENFORCE PEACE DEAL
The Guardian
Where do the talks stand? At the heart of Tuesday’s talks among European allies was the question of what security guarantees could be offered to Ukraine. On Monday, Volodymyr Zelenskyy described security guarantees as “a key …
Christian Science Monitor
THEIR COMMUNITIES SURVIVED STIGMA AND SHAME. CAN THEY SURVIVE WITHOUT USAID?
Christian Science Monitor
When James Lule was told he was HIV-positive two decades ago, he kept his diagnosis a secret from his family. In those days, he says, it was common for Ugandans to dig a grave the moment they learned someone close to them had HIV.
MSF Southern Africa
HOW FUNDING GAPS AND BARRIERS UNDERMINE HEALTHCARE FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN
MSF Southern Africa
Medical teams quickly stabilised Aisha, successfully treating her severe bleeding. Limited access to healthcare leads to patients arriving at hospitals with severe complications, …
FRANCE 24
MORE THAN 20 DEAD IN FRESH PAKISTAN MONSOON RAINS
FRANCE 24
Karachi (AFP) – More than 20 people have died on Wednesday in a torrential spell of monsoon rain in Pakistan, where downpours have swept away entire villages over the last week, killing more than 400. Issued on: 20/08/2025 – 09:11. 2 min Reading time.
Asahi Shimbun
ISHIBA ANNOUNCES INITIATIVES TO DEVELOP TRADE, INVESTMENT IN AFRICA
Asahi Shimbun
YOKOHAMA—Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced several initiatives Aug. 20 to encourage Japanese companies to move into the African market. He spoke at an event related to the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), …
IISD Reporting Services
LET’S GET SERIOUS ABOUT TACKLING THE GLOBAL SCOURGE OF PLASTIC POLLUTION
IISD Reporting Services
I have actually been impressed by how this country has tackled the blight of plastics pollution over the past few decades—a welter of grounding in science, innovation, multi-level governance, community engagement, and international stewardship.
BBC News
WHITLEY BAY ROCKCLIFF RFC RESTORES GRAVE OF ENGLAND RUGBY CAPTAIN
www.englandrugby.com
Whitley Bay Rockcliff RFC recently held a memorial service to honour one of their most distinguished former players, Ernest William Taylor, an England captain once known as the “Prince of Half-backs.” Taylor, nicknamed Little Billie, …
The Guardian
DRAMATIC RISE IN WHALE AND MARINE MAMMAL STRANDINGS IN SCOTLAND
The Guardian
A total of 150 animals have mass stranded off Scotland this year. Smass scientists are also concerned that the number of stranded baleen whales such as fin, minke and humpback whales has risen sharply over the survey …
www.icrc.org
DEPUTY ALVIN BOTES: AFRICAN AMBASSADORS CORP
South African Government
Keynote address by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes, to the African Ambassadors Corp. Theme: “Global Initiative to Galvanise Political Support and Commitments to International Humanitarian Law”
Kaiser Family Foundation
OVERVIEW OF PRESIDENT TRUMP’S EXECUTIVE ACTIONS ON GLOBAL HEALTH
Kaiser Family Foundation
PURPOSE: Initial rescissions of Executive Orders and Actions issued by President Biden. Among these orders are several that addressed the COVID-19 pandemic and global health security, such as Executive Order 13987 (Organizing and …
The Independent
REVEALED: THE CITY THAT’S BEEN NAMED NO 1 IN THE WORLD FOR A ‘WORKATION’
The Independent
Tokyo tops global ranking, with judges praising its blend of culture, connectivity and access to nature. Maroosha Muzaffar. Wednesday 20 August 2025 09:34 BST. 0Comments. From the archives: Is the Japan tourism bubble at risk of bursting?
Fortune
BESSENT SAYS CHINA TARIFF STATUS QUO ‘WORKING PRETTY WELL’
Fortune
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated the U.S. is satisfied with the current tariff set up with China, a signal the Trump administration is looking to maintain calm with its economic rival before a trade truce expires in November.
Reuters
ISRAEL TO CALL UP 50000 RESERVISTS BEFORE GAZA CITY OFFENSIVE, MILITARY OFFICIAL SAYS
Reuters
JERUSALEM, Aug 20 (Reuters) – Israel will call up 50,000 reservists before a planned offensive to take Gaza City but most forces that would operate in the Gaza Strip’s largest urban centre would be active duty soldiers, an Israeli military official …
NPR
ISRAELI MILITARY WILL CALL UP 50000 RESERVISTS AS IT PLANS NEW PHASE OF WAR IN GAZA
NPR
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said earlier this month that the objective was to secure the release of the remaining hostages and ensure Hamas and other militants can never again threaten Israel. Hamas-led militants started the war …
NDTV
DEATH COUNT IN PAKISTAN’S KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA FLOODS RISES TO 365, RESCUE EFFORTS UNDERWAY
NDTV
On Tuesday, flash floods in Upper South Waziristan’s Servekai subdivision washed away key bridges and roads, leaving many areas completely isolated. Advertisement. Asian News International; World News; Aug 20, 2025 13:06 pm IST. Published On Aug 20, …
Prime Minister’s Office of Japan
JAPAN-ZIMBABWE SUMMIT MEETING (SUMMARY)
Prime Minister’s Office of Japan
On August 20, commencing at 0:22 p.m., for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with H.E. Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo MNANGAGWA, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, who is visiting Japan to …
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) International
SUDAN: MSF SUSPENDS ACTIVITIES AT ZALINGEI HOSPITAL FOLLOWING ARMED ATTACK
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) International
The attack left one person dead, and injured five others, including a Ministry of Health staff member. This suspension of medical activities comes during a deadly cholera outbreak. MSF …
Aljazeera.com
AS UN AGENCIES MULL KENYA MOVE, SOME FEAR EXCLUSION FROM NAIROBI’S GROWTH
Aljazeera.com
Kenyans veer between hope for prosperity and wariness as UN plans relocation of key offices from high-cost Western cities. A security officer walks with a sniffer dog through a plenary hall. A plenary hall at the United Nations Complex in Kenya’s …
Nikkei Asia
SECRETARY-GENERAL’S REMARKS TO THE 9TH TOKYO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT [AS DELIVERED]
UN News
Your Excellency Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba,. Your Excellency President João Lourenço,. Excellencies,. Ladies and Gentlemen,. I thank the Government and people of Japan for your hospitality and generosity — and all co-organizers for your commitment …
The New York Times
IT’S ONE THING TO PROMISE UKRAINE SECURITY. IT’S QUITE ANOTHER TO DELIVER.
The New York Times
President Trump has pleased Ukrainian and European leaders by promising American involvement in providing security guarantees for Ukraine if a peace settlement with Russia ever comes together. Mark Rutte, the NATO secretary general, pronounced himself …
UN News
WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY 2025: AID WORKERS MULL RECORD TOLL OF THEIR OWN
UN News
Trucks carrying lifesaving medical supplies arriving in Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza. Aid agencies warn that far too little aid is getting into the enclave while missions are frequently delayed.
USA TODAY
LETTER: CONDEMNATORY RHETORIC UNLIKELY TO CUT IT WITH ISRAEL
Financial Times
Your editorial “Netanyahu’s disastrous plan to take control of Gaza” (FT View, August 11) strikes the right note in highlighting the reckless adventurism of an Israeli leadership hell-bent on dragging the Middle East, and the wider …
Financial Times
HOW WE MADE IT: SOUTHERN EUROPE’S WILDFIRE SUMMER
Financial Times
Spain, Portugal, France, Turkey, Greece and Montenegro have been particularly affected as temperatures in parts of southern Europe soared above 40C and countries issue warnings. Despite many larger European countries expanding …
Financial Times
INSIDE SYRIA’S BATTLE TO DISMANTLE ASSAD’S NARCO-STATE
Financial Times
There was no shortage of captagon under Assad, who during the 14-year civil war financed his regime with a $5bn-a-year industry that turned Syria into one of the world’s most prolific narco-states.
ABC News
QATAR URGES A GAZA CEASEFIRE AFTER A ‘POSITIVE RESPONSE’ FROM HAMAS
ABC News
International headlines from ABC NewsCatch up on the developing stories from around the globe making headlines. JERUSALEM — A key …
News-Medical.net
EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS PUT CHILDREN’S BRAINS AND MENTAL HEALTH AT RISK, RESEARCHERS WARN
News-Medical.net
However, newer frameworks like TRACEs (Traumatic and Adverse Childhood Experiences), which include both family and broader societal trauma, expand this to include community- and society-level adversities. Still, environmental stressors …
Here And Now
STATE DEPARTMENT SHIFTS FOCUS TO FREE SPEECH FOR CONSERVATIVES IN EUROPE
Here And Now
Human rights activists are concerned about the way the Trump administration is changing the U.S. focus on some foreign policy issues. In its latest country reports, the State Department has downplayed women’s and LGBTQ rights.
The Interpreter
REPORTS OF CHINESE DIPLOMAT’S DETENTION REFLECT SUCCESSION DILEMMA IN FOREIGN MINISTRY
The Interpreter
Liu wasn’t expected to replace Wang outright, but rather to relieve him as foreign minister, allowing Wang to focus on the more powerful CFAO role. In China’s political system, the CFAO – an organ of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) – outranks the Foreign …
www.radiotamazuj.org
SUDAN: MSF SUSPENDS ACTIVITIES AT ZALINGEI HOSPITAL AFTER GRENADE ATTACK
reliefweb.int
This forced suspension will interrupt people’s access to health care, including treatment for those affected by the ongoing cholera outbreak. Amid a deadly cholera outbreak, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been forced to …
Reuters India
US TREASURY CHIEF SAYS STATUS QUO WITH CHINA ‘WORKING PRETTY WELL’
Reuters India
WASHINGTON, Aug 19 (Reuters) – U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Tuesday that the status quo situation with China was “working pretty well” as the world’s two biggest economies have in recent days extended a truce in their bitter trade …
ReliefWeb
WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA: LATEST EVENTS AT A GLANCE (12 – 18 AUGUST 2025)
ReliefWeb
Cabo Verde. Flash floods kill nine people and displace 1,500. Following torrential rains on 11 August, flash floods struck the northern islands of São Vicente, Santo Antão, and São Nicolau, leaving nine people dead, three missing, and displacing 1,500 …
uwaterloo.ca
TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2025
uwaterloo.ca
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 · People disregard advice when making tough decisions, study finds · Amor Fati: Nick Orr speaks on his busy summer and the season ahead · Waterloo and partners launch initiative to drive AI adoption across Canada.
CPJ Press Freedom Online
GUINEA-BISSAU SHUTS DOWN TWO PORTUGUESE MEDIA OUTLETS, EXPELS THEIR JOURNALISTS
CPJ Press Freedom Online
New York, August 19, 2025—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on authorities in Guinea-Bissau to rescind an August 15, 2025, order effectively suspending the work of the Portuguese state-owned news outlets LUSA and RTP and expelling Portuguese …
Church Times
DIOCESE OF JERUSALEM CONDEMNS FRESH ATTACKS ON AL-AHLI HOSPITAL IN GAZA
Church Times
SEVEN people were killed by Israeli drone-fire on the Anglican Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City on Sunday, after damage and disruption caused by local “outlaws”.
KSLA
CADDO SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES ONE-TIME $1500 STIPEND FOR ALL EMPLOYEES
KSLA
“Our teachers and staff give so much to our students every day, and we want them to know how much they are appreciated,” said Superintendent Keith Burton. This stipend is one way we can show that we value their hard work and dedication.
Yahoo News
AIR CANADA STRIKE ENDS. HERE’S HOW FLIGHTS ARE AFFECTED
Yahoo News
Flight attendants protest in front of the Air Canada headquarters near Pierre-Elliott Trudeau Airport in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on August 17, 2025. Credit – Andrej Ivanov – AFP via Getty Images. Air Canada has said that it will “gradually resume” …
ChinaFile
HOW MUCH HAS TRUMP CHANGED HIS POSITION ON CHINA?
ChinaFile
U.S. President Donald Trump came into office with tough talk on China, including promises to enact huge tariffs on China and erect a new trade regime, “aggressive new restrictions” on Chinese ownership of American land, an end to fentanyl trafficking, …
www.brasildefato.com.br
ANGOLA MARKS 50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE WITH DEADLY PROTESTS OVER FUEL HIKES AND INEQUALITY
www.brasildefato.com.br
In the weeks following the protests sparked by the increase in diesel prices that paralyzed Angola, leaving at least 30 people dead and 1,515 arrested, the government of President João Lourenço has moved to suppress further unrest in the streets.
Care.org
WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY 2025: CARE STAFF RISKED EVERYTHING IN SUDAN
Care.org
At first, Walaa thought it was fireworks. It was Ramadan in Khartoum, Sudan — a day that began in peace, with shared prayers and the quiet comfort of routine. Then, at 9 a.m., the sky cracked open. Explosions. Gunfire. A bullet tore through her house.
YVONNE’S JOURNEY THROUGH CANCER AND LIFE IN RURAL SOUTH AFRICA – GOOD THINGS GUY
Good Things Guy
Facing the challenges of cancer head-on, Yvonne Spierenburg finds hope in small victories and the support around her. KwaNgwanase, South Africa …
GOOD NEWS FOR 2 MILLION PEOPLE WHOSE IDS WERE BLOCKED IN SOUTH AFRICA – MYBROADBAND
MyBroadband
The mess has again highlighted the serious problems South Africa is experiencing with fraudulent IDs, especially green ID books, which are the …
MORE AFFORDABLE GWM TANK 300 GOES ON SALE IN SOUTH AFRICA – PRICING – TOPAUTO
TopAuto
GWM has launched a more affordable version of the Tank 300 in South Africa. The Tank made its debut back in February 2024, where it was initially …
STATELESS IN SOUTH AFRICA: THE UNTOLD CRISIS FACING MILLIONS WITHOUT DOCUMENTATION – IOL
IOL
Undocumented citizens in South Africa: A silent crisis affecting millions. Image: Supplied. Earlier this year, Home Affairs Minister Leon …
SOUTH AFRICA FACES CHEAP PUNISHMENT FROM THE UNITED STATES – BUSINESSTECH
BusinessTech
The United States Congressional Budget Office has estimated the financial impact of passing a bill to review relations with South Africa and …
NO, SOUTH AFRICA STILL ISN’T RAISING THE RETIREMENT AGE FOR GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES | NEWS24
News24
Claims are once again circling that the government has increased the retirement age for government employees in South Africa. Image: Screengrab.
MADIKWE CRISIS: NSPCA, DA ACCUSE NORTH WEST PARKS OF TRYING TO RAISE REVENUE ON ELEPHANT MISERY
Daily Maverick
It said that while Madikwe was “flaunting themselves as the fifth-largest game reserve in South Africa and ‘one of the best conservation areas in …
AFRICA’S MOST FEARED SNAKE CAN HELP TO SNIFF OUT POLLUTION – WITS UNIVERSITY
Wits University
The Black Mamba inhabits a wide geographic range in sub-Saharan Africa. In South Africa, its range is confined to the coastal regions of KwaZulu-Natal …
ALL BLACKS COACH EXPECTS BEATEN SOUTH AFRICA TO REVERT TO ‘DNA’ – SUPERSPORT
SuperSport
New Zealand coach Scott Robertson says the All Blacks will not alter their approach to playing South Africa in light of the Springboks’ surprise …
TRAVEL TRENDS SOUTH AFRICA CAN EMBRACE IN 2025 AND BEYOND – GETAWAY MAGAZINE
Getaway Magazine
Discover the global travel trends shaping experiences today and how South Africa can capitalise on wellness and immersive adventures.
SOUTH AFRICA’S EDEN AI LAUNCHES BLOSSOMCARE, A MENTAL HEALTH COMPANION FOR VULNERABLE WOMEN
iAfrica.com
South Africa’s Eden AI Launches BlossomCare, a Mental Health Companion for Vulnerable Women. 19 August 2025 Updated: 19 August 2025 2 Mins Read.
DOUBLE PODIUM FOR TGRSA IN SARRC ROUND 3 | MOTORSPORT SOUTH AFRICA
MOTORSPORT SOUTH AFRICA
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA) tackled the critical South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC) double-header in Parys this weekend, and …
STARLINK LOCKED OUT: SOUTH AFRICA STALLS WHILE NEIGHBOURS SURGE AHEAD – TECHCENTRAL
TechCentral
When Elon Musk claimed Starlink was being blocked in South Africa because of BEE rules, it ignited a debate that went far beyond satellite …
SOUTH AFRICA HAS CHOSEN A RISKY APPROACH TO GLOBAL POLITICS: 3 STEPS IT MUST TAKE TO SUCCEED
Polity.org
South Africa’s response has been one of strategic autonomy. This involves taking independent and non-aligned positions on global affairs, to navigate …
SHOWDOWN FOR SOUTH AFRICA’S BIGGEST BANKS ACCUSED OF MANIPULATING THE RAND
BusinessTech
In filings, big banks in South Africa like Standard Bank and FirstRand said that they had suffered reputational and financial harm because of the …
YAMAHA PAINTS VRYBURG BLUE | MOTORSPORT SOUTH AFRICA
MOTORSPORT SOUTH AFRICA
… South Africa National. Four wins, podiums galore at Cross Country National … South Africa. Follow · Follow · Follow · Follow · Follow · Follow.
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA ARRIVES IN JAPAN TO PARTICIPATE AT THE NINTH TOKYO INTERNATIONAL … – DIRCO
DIRCO
President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, 19 August 2025, arrived in Japan to lead South Africa’s High Level Delegation participation to the Ninth …
SOUTH AFRICA TO ATTRACT MORE FOREIGN INVESTMENT AT TICAD 2025
Brand South Africa
As the world turns its attention to the upcoming 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-9), South Africa is set to cement …
ELECTRIC CAR TAX WARNING IN SOUTH AFRICA – MYBROADBAND
MyBroadband
An emerging electric vehicle infrastructure company in South Africa has joined a chorus of appeals for government to reduce import taxes on …
FORMER ORLANDO PIRATES & MAMELODI SUNDOWNS FORWARD IMPRESSES SCOUTS IN SOUTH AFRICA …
Goal.com
South Africa crashed out of the continental tournament following a match which saw Bafana Bafana take a two-goal lead in the second-half.
SOUTH AFRICA’S FOOD PRICE INFLATION MAY MODERATE IN THE SECOND HALF OF 2025
Wandile Sihlobo
Last month, South Africa’s consumer food price inflation rose to the highest level in 16 months, at 4.7% in June 2025, from 4,4% in May, underpinned …
SOUTH AFRICA BANKS CURB LENDING OVER CLIMATE-RELATED DEFAULT RISKS, STUDY FINDS
Engineering News
The report coincides with South Africa’s G20 presidency this year, where climate finance has emerged as a key focus. Officials have advocated for …
EKURHULENI PROUDLY HOSTS HISTORIC Y20 SOUTH AFRICA 2025 SUMMIT
City of Ekurhuleni
The City of Ekurhuleni is proud to host the first ever Y20 South Africa 2025 Summit which is currently underway at the Birchwood Hotel and OR …
ATAF SUPPORTS FIRST FRANCOPHONE AFRICA IFF TRACKER PILOT IN CÔTE D’IVOIRE
African Tax Administration Forum
SOUTH AFRICA. © Copyright 2025. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we …
MINISTER DION GEORGE WELCOMES ARREST OF INTERNATIONAL RHINO HORN SYNDICATE
South African Government
SAPS Hawks strike international rhino horn syndicate – six arrested in landmark investigation to protect South Africa’s wildlife After a …
NO PEACE FOR UKRAINE, SO WHO IS THE WINNER AFTER TRUMP-PUTIN SUMMIT? – SAIIA
South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA)
South Africa & Iran Military Alliance: What does does South Africa believe from this relationship? Chai FM; 14 Aug 2025. Steven Gruzd. What role …
BASIC EDUCATION DEPUTY MINISTER DR REGINAH MHAULE AND EASTERN CAPE EDUCATION MEC … – G20.ORG
G20.org
G20 South Africa. Basic Education Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule and … Explore South Africa · Disclaimer · Instagram Facebook-f Linkedin Tiktok …
HIGH-LEVEL EVENT ON THE GLOBAL INITIATIVE TO GALVANISE POLITICAL COMMITMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL …
DIRCO
… South Africa AugustAug 19 2025 08:30am – 04:30pm Africa/Johannesburg. Deputy Minister Botes to host High-Level Event on the Global Initiative to …
SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL PETROLEUM COMPANY MARKS 100 DAYS – CNBC AFRICA
CNBC Africa
This one-on-one interview with Mineral Resources and Petroleum Minister Gwede Mantashe outlines South Africa’s role in the commodities boom, relations …
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3 LATEST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:
CORRUPTION IMPLICATED CADRES APPONTED AS SETA ‘ADMINISTRATORS’
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance rejects Minister Manamela’s appointment of Oupa Nkoane, Lehlohonolo Masoga, and Zukile Mvalo as Construction SETA (CETA), Services SETA and Local Government SETA (LGSETA) “administrators”. These appointees are unfit- implicated in corruption, mismanagement, fraud in previous government jobs – or have proved themselves useless in the SETA space already. The DA…
20 August 2025
MPS SUBJECTED TO TERROR ATTACK
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) condemns an attempted robbery attack on three of its Members of Parliament responsible for police oversight in Philippi yesterday afternoon. Ian Cameron, Lisa Schickerling and Nicholas Gotsell were returning from an oversight to the police training college in Philippi, when the incident happened. Gotsell was hospitalised, but is not…
20 August 2025
YOU ARE 3 YEARS TOO LATE MINISTER SIMELANE!
Dear Editor The DA notes today’s visit to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) by National Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane – which comes a shocking three years after the 2022 floods – to engage with flood victims, introduce a contractor and hand over housing units. While the DA welcomes these long-overdue interventions, the response by the national…
19 August 2025
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