News

World Desk August 2, 2026

Russia Launches Airstrikes on Kherson, Kharkiv and Kyiv, Killing Civilians

Russian air and missile strikes hit Ukrainian cities including Kherson, Kharkiv and Kyiv, causing deaths, injuries and extensive damage to cultural sites. The attacks come amid heightened pressure on both sides of the war and renewed calls for diplomatic talks.

Over Four-Hour Passport Checks Paralyze Brussels Airport

Passengers at Brussels Airport faced queues exceeding four hours at passport control, prompting criticism and a government response. The delay underscores operational challenges at Belgium's main gateway compared with smoother processing at other major hubs.

Norway Urges Immediate Action as Road Fatalities Continue to Climb

Norwegian authorities have issued an urgent warning over a rise in road deaths, calling for swift safety measures. The alert follows new casualty data and a recent crash that left a driver trapped in a vehicle.

UNAM Secretary General Resigns Amid Cheating Scandal Involving Up to 75,000 Students

Mexico's National Autonomous University (UNAM) confirmed the resignation of Secretary General Patricia Dávila as a massive cheating scandal engulfed its entrance exam. The New York Times reported that as many as 75,000 candidates may have been implicated, prompting a nationwide debate on university admissions.

Slovak Police Officer Killed in Liptov Motorcycle Crash by Wrong‑Way Driver

A police officer on a service motorcycle died after being struck by a car that entered the opposite lane on a road in Liptov, northern Slovakia. Police have opened a criminal investigation and detained the driver pending charges.

Trump's Influence Over GOP Senators in Question

The influence of former US President Donald Trump over Republican senators is being questioned as they navigate the lame-duck session. Trump's leverage is being tested as senators consider various nominations and legislation, including the stalled nomination of Blanche.

Austrian Government Publishes First Evaluation of Advertising Scandal

Vienna released an independent assessment of the so‑called "Inseratenaffäre," confirming procedural breaches in public advertising contracts. The report has sparked renewed calls for accountability from opposition parties and civil society.

Dutch Police Arrest Three Teens Over Alleged Terror Plot

Police in the Netherlands detained three teenagers, aged 16, 17 and 19, on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack. The investigation, which has not disclosed a target, marks the country's most high‑profile domestic security case in recent months.

Philippine Senator Lacson Flags Photo Duplication in Taguig Flood Projects, Calls for Probe

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson alleges that identical photographs were used to document multiple slope‑stabilization projects in Taguig City, suggesting possible irregularities. He has dismissed a government‑offered cease‑fire on the investigation and urged an audit of the Department of Public Works and Highways’ contracts.

South Africa’s anti‑corruption directorate faces credibility crisis as senior investigator accuses chief of misleading Parliament

A senior investigator at the Independent Directorate of Anti‑Corruption (IDAC) has alleged that director Andrea Johnson deliberately misled Parliament’s ad‑hoc committee. The claim adds to mounting political pressure for a sweeping overhaul of the agency.

Üsküdar Mayor and Five Officials Sent to Court on Bribery and Organized‑Crime Charges

Turkey’s anti‑corruption office has referred Üsküdar district mayor Sinem Dedetaş and five municipal staff to court on accusations of bribery and forming a criminal organization. The move is part of a widening series of investigations targeting opposition‑run local governments.