Photos: Patriotic music and flags mark Taliban rule anniversary in Kabul

Crowds create carnival-like atmosphere in Afghan capital as Taliban celebrates five years since its return to power.

Douglass breaks 50m freestyle swimming world record, Ledecky loses 800m

US swim superstar Katie Ledecky was upstaged by Lani Pallister, while Kate Douglass made history twice in 50m freestyle.

Australia to begin gun buyback scheme in response to Bondi shooting

Australia will begin buying back guns in November, almost a year after a shooting at Sydney's Bondi killed 15 people.

Rogue AI aren’t science fiction anymore

This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more on AI safety, follow Robert Hart. The Stepback arrives...

Lionel Messi misses penalty as Nashville thrash Inter Miami in MLS

Messi's record from the penalty spot is poor by his sky-high standards, including missing twice at the 2026 World Cup.

New satellite images show Europe’s disappearing rivers due to drought

Half of Europe’s land is experiencing drought with rivers running low from the Danube to the Rhine.

UFC 330: Makhachev secures record-setting win against Machado Garry

Islam Makhachev records 17th UFC victory in a row in his welterweight title defeat of Ian Machado Garry.

Bangladesh make history with first-ever Test cricket win in Australia

Bangladesh dominated Australia throughout, and the margin of victory will send shockwaves through the cricketing world.

How a simple lighter has become the backbone of life in Gaza

In Gaza the struggle to find lighters can mean the difference between cooking a meal or going to bed hungry.

A nation divided: What do Israelis want in October’s elections?

Despite a genocide and multiple wars, analysts say the issues determining October’s elections fall far closer to home.

Indonesia’s magnitude 7.7 quake kills at least 51, displaces thousands

Over 1,300 homes damaged and 5,000 people displaced as Indonesia grapples with one of its deadliest quakes in years.

Russian strikes kill Ukrainian woman as NATO jet downs drone over Romania

Romania's Defence Ministry didn't specify origin of the drone but has previously blamed Russia for similar incidents.

Israel strikes south Lebanon again as families flee north

Israeli airstrikes hit the Nabatieh district of southern Lebanon just hours after the deadliest day of Israeli raids.

Australia gun buyback spurred by Bondi attack to start in November, PM says

Australia introduced measures to reduce gun ownership following a deadly attack on Sydney's Bondi Beach last year.

Yemeni government forces hit back after new Houthi offensive

Yemeni government forces, backed by Saudi Arabia, have struck back after a new Houthi offensive in areas it controls.

Who killed Tupac? What to know about the trial of Duane ‘Keffe D’ Davis

Three decades after rapper Tupac Shakur's death, a former California gang boss is the first person to be prosecuted.

Observers say Zambia’s election marred by reports of intimidation, violence

Vote counting in Thursday's presidential polls were briefly suspended amid security threats to the electoral process.

Al Jazeera journalist opens beach cafe in the Gaza she loves

Palestinian journalist Hind Khoudary has opened a Gaza beach cafe, hoping to revive a much-loved part of life in the war

As petrol prices soar, electric bikes gain ground in Nigeria

Riders say the switch is helping them cut fuel and maintenance costs.

Army drops roses on Syrian crowds in a far cry from war

Syrian army helicopters dropped roses on crowds at Damascus Citadel’s Summer Syria festival.

Hamas leader heads to Cairo for Gaza talks ahead of Kushner visit

Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya to meet Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad in Cairo amid ongoing Gaza tensions.

Iran war live: Talks on Hormuz Strait continue; Israel kills 11 in Lebanon

Israel kills 11 in deadliest attacks on Lebanon since June truce as Iran and Oman continue talks on Hormuz.

Yemen’s government says Houthi strikes hit residential areas in Marib

Yemen's Ministry of Information denounces attacks on Marib as 'escalation' that threatens lives and increases suffering.

At least five reported dead amid flooding in US state of Indiana

Indiana's state governor says that US government has promised assistance after a week of heavy rainfall.

Colombia asks Trump to suspend tariffs as country reels from earthquake

Post-earthquake reconstruction is expected to cost about $6.4bn, but Colombia has been hit by renewed US tariffs.

Polaroid’s tiny instant camera is $72 and includes a free pack of film

The compact Polaroid Go is great for road trips and adventures. | Image: Polaroid Smartphone cameras are convenient, but they lack the charm of analog instant c...

US Democrats finalise major shakeup to 2028 presidential primary calendar

South Carolina will again take centre stage as the first nominating contest, pushing Iowa from its top spot.

Why is the latest Ebola outbreak worsening?

Virus spreading in DRC faster than containment efforts.

Woman claims her stepfather used Grok to transform childhood photo into explicit imagery

The woman claimed that AI tools are "taking everyday life and turning it into child sexual abuse."

VisionQuest trailer kicks off Disney's D23 fan event

Also: Ahsoka S2 teaser, Doomsday trailer, news about MCU's X-Men and Star Wars: Starfighter