She spent $33,600 on a safe room. Then an Iranian missile hit: ‘It saved us’ Maya Benita|01:47

She spent $33,600 on a safe room. Then an Iranian missile hit: ‘It saved us’ Family lawyer Kati Tal reinforced a room in her aging Tel Aviv apartment; when an Iranian strike hit the building, she and her husband walked away unharmed Maya Benita|01:47 https://www.ynetnews.com/real-estate/article/rkdtsfg00zg

The biggest election spin may be making Israelis forget October 7 Opinion: Ruth Elbaz|01:15

The biggest election spin may be making Israelis forget October 7 Opinion: Israel is already arguing over what will define its next election, from the Haredi draft dispute to settler violence, while the defining catastrophe behind nearly every major political question is being pushed aside Ruth Elbaz|01:15 https://www.ynetnews.com/opinions-analysis/article/r1f8kyfofl

US strikes Iran on Larak Island. Israel is left carrying the long-term risk Opinion: Amine Ayoub|03:12

US strikes Iran on Larak Island. Israel is left carrying the long-term risk Opinion: Washington can strike Iranian assets and step back, but Israel remains within Tehran’s reach and cannot outsource its deterrence to changing US political priorities Amine Ayoub Amine Ayoub|03:12 https://www.ynetnews.com/opinions-analysis/article/hjwmc9gdgl

Israel races to harden critical infrastructure as AI cyber threats accelerate Daniela Ginzburg|08:25

Israel races to harden critical infrastructure as AI cyber threats accelerate Banks, hospitals and telecom firms are rethinking local servers, cloud use and automated defenses as AI lets attackers move faster, cheaper and at far greater scale Daniela Ginzburg|08:25 https://www.ynetnews.com/tech-and-digital/article/rypl11kmugx

Israel briefed on US strikes as Trump warns Iran: ‘There will be a response’ Lior Ben Ari, Itamar Eichner|09:52

Israel briefed on US strikes as Trump warns Iran: ‘There will be a response’ Israel expects the US-Iran clash to remain limited unless either side suffers major damage; Tehran threatens a ‘decisive’ response, while the UAE condemns a ‘dangerous escalation’ and says Iran bears full responsibility Lior Ben Ari, Itamar Eichner|09:52 https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1nrseqomx#autoplay

‘Where are your Jews?’: Hillel Neuer takes on the UN’s Israel double standard ALL CAPS Episode 24: ynet Global|Yesterday | 09:00

‘Where are your Jews?’: Hillel Neuer takes on the UN’s Israel double standard ALL CAPS Episode 24: The UN Watch executive director joins Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, Sarai Givaty and India Naftali to explain why Israel remains uniquely targeted at the United Nations, whether the institution can ever change and why October 7 shattered what little faith he had left in its leadership ynet Global|Yesterday | 09:00 https://www.ynetnews.com/culture/allcaps/article/hjb9ylzdmx#autoplay

Israel, Greece sign €3 billion deal to build multilayered defense based on Israeli architecture Reuters|06:05

Israel, Greece sign €3 billion deal to build multilayered defense based on Israeli architecture Agreement will see Israel build an integrated Greek defense network against drones and missiles, with a separate €26 million deal for Drone Dome systems Reuters|06:05 https://www.ynetnews.com/article/s18mmamoze

Israeli desalination plants shut nationwide as Negev farm water is cut Ilana Curiel|07:25

Israeli desalination plants shut nationwide as Negev farm water is cut Severe seawater turbidity forced most plants offline, leaving only Hadera operating among six major facilities as Israel prioritizes household drinking water Ilana Curiel Ilana Curiel|07:25 https://www.ynetnews.com/environment/article/bj9zi0zomx

Más de 1400 muertos en un trimestre violento en Haití Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Más de 1400 muertos en un trimestre violento en Haití PUERTO PRÍNCIPE – Al menos 1408 personas murieron, 656 resultaron heridas y 796 fueron violadas entre abril y junio de este año en Haití, víctimas de la violencia sostenida por pandillas criminales en lo que va de década, indicó un nuevo balance trimestral del Buró Integrado de las Naciones Unidas en ese país (Binuh). https://ipsnoticias.net/2026/08/mas-de-1400-muertos-en-un-trimestre-violento-en-haiti/?utm_source=email_marketing&utm_admin=146128&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Fragmentacin_de_la_informacin_otro_desafo_democrtico_para_Amrica_Latina_La_agricultura_cubana_otro_s Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Incertidumbre y temor por nuevas inundaciones en Amazonia boliviana Franz Chávez Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Incertidumbre y temor por nuevas inundaciones en Amazonia boliviana Franz Chávez COBIJA, Bolivia – Las casas derruidas por la inundación de 2024, en la fronteriza ciudad de Cobija, en el norteño departamento de Pando, en la Amazonia boliviana, quedan como muestra de la fragilidad de la zona colindante con Brasil y separada por el divisor río Acre, que en el momento de mayor caudal aumentó hasta 17 metros su nivel. https://ipsnoticias.net/2026/08/incertidumbre-y-temor-por-nuevas-inundaciones-en-amazonia-boliviana/?utm_source=email_marketing&utm_admin=146128&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Fragmentacin_de_la_informacin_otro_desafo_democrtico_para_Amrica_Latina_La_agricultura_cubana_otro_s Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Grand Planetary Challenges Need a Grand Coalition to Solve Them By Lulseged Tamene Desta and Cargele Masso Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Grand Planetary Challenges Need a Grand Coalition to Solve Them By Lulseged Tamene Desta and Cargele Masso NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 26 2026 (IPS) - Several coalitions exist today to defend the territories in which people live and work. Global leaders have long understood the importance of shared responsibility for collective security and have invested significant time in establishing networks, partnerships and alliances. In 2025, global spending on defense reached a record $2.9 trillion. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/08/grand-planetary-challenges-need-a-grand-coalition-to-solve-them/?utm_source=email_marketing&utm_admin=146128&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The_Plastics_Treaty_Process_Needs_Greatly_Improved_Observer_Participation_Retired_in_Ukraine_One_Che Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Crisis climática y extractivismo: el duro impacto en las mujeres amazónicas Mariela Jara Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Crisis climática y extractivismo: el duro impacto en las mujeres amazónicas Mariela Jara PUYO, Ecuador – “Tenemos que aprender a vivir en equilibrio y armonía con la naturaleza para aliviar el cambio climático, que es un desorden que ha creado el propio ser humano con su afán de riqueza”, invocó Zuly Rivera, joven lideresa indígena del pueblo nasa, perteneciente a la cuenca amazónica conformada por ocho países. https://ipsnoticias.net/2026/08/crisis-climatica-y-extractivismo-el-duro-impacto-en-las-mujeres-amazonicas/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Alto costo humano, material y ambiental deja la guerra contra Irán Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Alto costo humano, material y ambiental deja la guerra contra Irán AMSTERDAM – La guerra contra Irán, lanzada hace seis meses por Estados Unidos e Israel, ha tenido un costo humano resaltado en la pérdida de más de 8000 vidas, pero además daños materiales a la infraestructura y a la economía internacional, y también impactos ambientales. https://ipsnoticias.net/2026/08/alto-costo-humano-material-y-ambiental-deja-la-guerra-contra-iran/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

La agricultura cubana, otro sector que languidece por la crisis Dariel Pradas Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

La agricultura cubana, otro sector que languidece por la crisis Dariel Pradas LA HABANA – Tras más de 30 años trabajando en el sector de la agricultura como ingeniera agrónoma, Leydis Díaz, de 55 años, pidió unas tierras al Estado en forma de usufructo y fundó en 2022 la finca Los Encinos, afiliada a una cooperativa agropecuaria en la provincia de Pinar del Río, el extremo occidental de Cuba. https://ipsnoticias.net/2026/08/la-agricultura-cubana-otro-sector-que-languidece-por-la-crisis/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

35 Years After Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan’s Nuclear Choice Still Challenges the World By Katsuhiro Asagiri Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

35 Years After Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan’s Nuclear Choice Still Challenges the World By Katsuhiro Asagiri TOKYO / ASTANA, Aug 31 2026 (IPS) - Across the vast steppe of northeastern Kazakhstan, the scars of the Cold War remain visible. At the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site, the Soviet Union conducted 456 nuclear tests between 1949 and 1989, exposing nearby communities to radiation and leaving health and environmental consequences that have endured across generations. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/08/35-years-after-semipalatinsk-kazakhstans-nuclear-choice-still-challenges-the-world/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Beyond Resilience: Climate Change and the Rights of Char Dwellers in Bangladesh By Mohammad Zaman Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Beyond Resilience: Climate Change and the Rights of Char Dwellers in Bangladesh By Mohammad Zaman DHAKA, Bangladesh, Aug 31 2026 (IPS) - Bangladesh’s riverine and coastal chars have always been landscapes of movement, but climate change is making that movement more violent, frequent, and unequal. The shifting islands of the Jamuna, Brahmaputra, Padma, and other rivers now reveal how climate stress multiplies deprivation, weakens citizenship, and forces char dwellers to absorb the costs of a crisis they did little to create. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/08/beyond-resilience-climate-change-and-the-rights-of-char-dwellers-in-bangladesh/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Zambia: An Uneven Contest, an Easy Win By Andrew Firmin Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Zambia: An Uneven Contest, an Easy Win By Andrew Firmin LONDON, Aug 31 2026 (IPS) - On 24 August, police sealed off access to Zambia’s courts, closed the day before the deadline for petitions to challenge the results of the 13 August presidential election. The judiciary’s top official cited security reasons, but the timing left little doubt that authorities meant to block the defeated candidate’s legal challenge. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/08/zambia-an-uneven-contest-an-easy-win/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Africa’s Pastoralists Need More Than COP17’s $1.2 billion Rangelands Pledge By Kizito Makoye Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Africa’s Pastoralists Need More Than COP17’s $1.2 billion Rangelands Pledge By Kizito Makoye DAR ES SALAAM, Aug 31 2026 (IPS) - When the rains fail across Tanzania’s northern Maasai Steppe, herders drive their cattle farther in search of pasture and water. Boreholes run low. Cattle lose weight, milk yields fall and families begin selling cows, often their main source of livelihood. If the dry spell persists, herds can die, leaving families facing hunger. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/08/africas-pastoralists-need-more-than-cop17s-1-2-billion-rangelands-pledge/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

On This Nearly Deserted Alaska Island, You Pay to Keep Hundreds of Empty Buildings Wired for Internet

On This Nearly Deserted Alaska Island, You Pay to Keep Hundreds of Empty Buildings Wired for Internet U.S. phone customers pay more than $340,000 a year for an Anchorage company to keep homes and buildings on Alaska’s Adak Island wired for obsolete internet service. All but a few of them sit empty. by Kyle Hopkins, Anchorage Daily News Co-published with Anchorage Daily News July 20, 2026, 5:00 am https://www.propublica.org/article/adak-island-alaska-internet-subsidy-fcc?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=majorinvestigations&utm_content=secondary On this nearly deserted Alaska island, you are paying to keep hundreds of empty buildings wired for internet. Adak Island is home to a couple dozen people, yet hundreds of thousands of dollars in public subsidies go to funding internet services in a place filled with abandoned buildings. As part of his investigation into why a telecom company keeps these buildings wired for obsolete internet service, Anchorage Daily News and ProPublica reporter Kyle Hopkins knocked on every door and talked to every person he could find to see whether anyone used the service. The president of the telecom company did not respond to our questions despite multiple requests. Before hanging up on our first call, he did say this: that he is playing by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission’s subsidy program, and if we had questions, we should ask the agency. We did, and the FCC never responded. Watch below to see what he learned. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wyNepe_JtXQ

He Spent 27 Years on Death Row as a Wrongfully Convicted Man. What Comes Next? by Richard A. Webster, Verite News, and Kathleen Flynn for ProPublica Co-published with Verite News

He Spent 27 Years on Death Row as a Wrongfully Convicted Man. What Comes Next? 23-hour solitary confinement. 115-degree heat. Jimmie Duncan is haunted by the decades he spent in Louisiana’s Angola prison — and how, even after being released, he still isn’t truly free. by Richard A. Webster, Verite News, and Kathleen Flynn for ProPublica Co-published with Verite News August 31, 2026, 5:00 am https://www.propublica.org/article/louisiana-angola-death-row-wrongful-conviction-jimmie-duncan?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=majorinvestigations&utm_content=secondary Since January 2025, I have been covering the ongoing saga of former death row inmate Jimmie “Chris” Duncan. The Louisiana native was convicted in 1998 of murdering his former girlfriend’s toddler, Haley Oliveaux, and sentenced to death. Duncan never wavered in his claim of innocence, always maintaining that the child’s death was a terrible accident. After spending nearly three decades on death row, the courts finally agreed. Richard A. Webster, Verite News Reporter and LRN Fellow In June, the Louisiana Supreme Court threw out Duncan’s conviction, finding that the alleged bite marks found on the child’s body, the only physical proof tying Duncan to the alleged crime, were likely fabricated and could not have been made by a human. Following the court’s decision, I got the green light to interview Duncan in person for the first time since my coverage began. Several weeks ago, photographer Kathleen Flynn and I sat down with Duncan. He spoke about the decades he spent on death row, the immense damage his wrongful conviction inflicted upon his family and the struggles he has experienced since his release. Through it all, Duncan remained poised and incredibly thoughtful, rarely exhibiting the anger most would expect from someone who had half their life taken away.

The Trump Administration’s Plan for Protecting Consumers? Politely Ask Companies to Behave.

The Trump Administration’s Plan for Protecting Consumers? Politely Ask Companies to Behave. by Andy Kroll August 31, 2026, 6:00 am Rather than investigate a buzzy fintech startup for throwing users’ accounts into chaos, the Russell Vought-led Consumer Financial Protection Bureau trusted that the company was “back on track.” Customers soon learned the hard way that this wasn’t true. https://www.propublica.org/article/bilt-cfpb-russell-vought-trump-consumer-protection-fintech?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=majorinvestigations&utm_content=feature Reporting Highlights Weakened Watchdog: After failing to dismantle the CFPB, Russell Vought and his allies have reshaped the bureau into an industry-friendly, less aggressive regulator. Face Value: The CFPB’s ask-nicely approach faced its first test when a buzzy startup failed its customers, but the CFPB took the company’s word that it fixed its problems. The New Abnormal: Current and former CFPB staffers say the bureau’s light-touch approach and reliance on political aides breaks from precedent and leaves consumers vulnerable.

When Waste Becomes a Competitive Advantage: Rwanda Explores Korea's Green Industrial Model

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2026/08/24/when-waste-becomes-a-competitive-advantage-rwanda?cid=ECR_E_NewsletterWeekly_EN_EXT Story Highlights Rwanda is expanding its industrial parks under its Industrial Policy 2024–2034, creating a unique opportunity to embed eco-industrial principles from the outset. Through the World Bank-supported Green Industrialization through Industrial Parks and Special Economic Zones (GIIPS) program, financed by the Korea Green Growth Trust Fund (KGGTF), Rwanda is strengthening the foundations for greener and more competitive industrial development. Korea’s experience shows that integrating eco-industrial park principles early is more cost-effective—and more impactful—than retrofitting later.

How data and evidence can make anticorruption reforms more inclusive Francesca RecanatiniMonica Kirya August 12, 2026 This page in: English

https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/governance/data-and-evidence-make-anticorruption-reforms-more-inclusive?cid=ECR_E_NewsletterWeekly_EN_EXT&deliveryName=DM288014 Fighting Corruption Means Measuring It Differently Corruption doesn't hit everyone equally — but most data collection has treated it as if it does. When Ghana started disaggregating its surveys, the share of women reporting sexual extortion rose from 6.6% to 17% between survey rounds. The lesson: better measurement doesn't just reveal the problem. It tells governments exactly where to act.

Unlocking Job Creation in Fragile Settings Q&A with Anastasia Gekis and Randolphe Gohore September 2, 2026 10:00-10:20 a.m. EDT (local time)

https://live.worldbank.org/en/event/2026/ask-experts-unlocking-job-creation-by-enabling-private-investment-in-fcv-economies Private investment is essential to creating jobs, rebuilding infrastructure, and supporting businesses in countries affected by fragility, conflict, and violence (FCV). But what does it take to attract investment in some of the world's most challenging markets? In this edition of You Ask, We Answer, MIGA and IFC experts respond to questions submitted by audiences around the world about the challenges and opportunities of investing in fragile and conflict-affected economies. Drawing on real projects and practical experience, our experts will explain how financing, guarantees, and partnerships can address the risks that often hold investors back. They will also discuss how governments, development institutions, and businesses work together to create opportunities for local businesses and communities.

Webinar on Digital Procurement Opportunities A dedicated session to help industry suppliers tap into new Multilateral Development Bank digital opportunities Date & Time September 02, 2026 08:00 AM - 09:30 AM ET 12pm-1:30pm GMT

Webinar on Digital Procurement Opportunities A dedicated session to help industry suppliers tap into new Multilateral Development Bank digital opportunities Date & Time September 02, 2026 08:00 AM - 09:30 AM ET 12pm-1:30pm GMT https://www.worldbank.org/en/events/2026/09/02/webinar-on-digital-procurement-opportunities?cid=ECR_E_NewsletterWeekly_EN_EXT&deliveryName=DM288014 Description: This is a dedicated session to help industry suppliers tap into new Multilateral Development Bank (MDB)-financed opportunities in the digital sector. Hear from the World Bank Group (WBG) and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) about procurement opportunities available in select, high impact digital projects.

Renewed Conflict Derails Lebanon’s Fragile Economic Recovery

Renewed Conflict Derails Lebanon’s Fragile Economic Recovery BEIRUT, August 21, 2026 – Lebanon’s economy is projected to contract by 6.4% in 2026 as renewed conflict reversed the fragile stabilization and recovery momentum recorded in 2025, according to the latest World Bank Lebanon Economic Monitor (LEM). While Lebanon continues to face urgent humanitarian and reconstruction needs, progress on reforms remains essential to restore confidence, revive growth, and support a durable recovery. https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/08/21/renewed-conflict-derails-lebanon-s-fragile-economic-recovery

What’s Next for Africa’s Integration Agenda Report advocates shift from trade links to production hubs

What’s Next for Africa’s Integration Agenda Report advocates shift from trade links to production hubs ADDIS ABABA, August 28, 2026—A new World Bank report released today titled Integrating Africa: From Threads to Hubs, finds that the continent’s next major integration gains will come from making African markets work together—connecting production across borders, reducing trade and regulatory frictions, strengthening implementation of regional agreements, and delivering the infrastructure, services, and jobs that regional markets need. https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/08/28/whats-next-for-africas-integration-agenda

Strong Sterling Investor Demand Drives World Bank's GBP 1.25 Billion 6-Year Benchmark Bond

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/08/26/strong-sterling-investor-demand-drives-world-bank-s-gbp-1-25-billion-6-year-benchm?cid=ECR_E_NewsletterWeekly_EN_EXT&deliveryName=DM288014 WASHINGTON, D.C., August 26, 2026 – The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD, Aaa/AAA) today priced a 6.3-year British pound sterling (GBP) benchmark maturing in November 2032. The Sustainable Development Bond raised GBP 1.25 billion from investors globally to support the financing of the World Bank’s sustainable development activities in member countries.

World Bank's EUR 3 Billion 10-Year Sustainable Development Bond Attracts Exceptional Global Demand

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/08/25/world-bank-s-eur-3-billion-10-year-sustainable-development-bond-attracts-exception?cid=ECR_E_NewsletterWeekly_EN_EXT&deliveryName=DM288014 WASHINGTON, D.C., August 25, 2026 –The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD, Aaa/AAA) today priced a 10-year euro-denominated benchmark bond maturing in September 2036, raising EUR 3 billion.

World Bank Group Backs Water Security and Agricultural Resilience in Brazil's Paraná State

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/08/26/world-bank-group-backs-water-security-and-agricultural-resilience-in-brazil-s-para?cid=ECR_E_NewsletterWeekly_EN_EXT&deliveryName=DM288014 WASHINGTON, D.C., August 26, 2026 — The World Bank Group will support the State of Paraná, Brazil, strengthen water security and protect farmers and rural communities from climate shocks through a new project. It is expected to generate and protect between 54,000 and 78,000 jobs across agriculture, water services, and associated economic activity in one of Brazil's most economically vital regions.

Episode 47. The Foundations: Are Governments Measuring What Matters?

https://www.wbginstitute.org/ai-podcasts/episode-47-foundations-are-governments-measuring-what-matters Nearly 70% of the indicators used to assess public financial management reforms in Malawi measured changes in form—not whether the system actually worked. This episode, the second on the series from The Government Analytics Handbook, explores how misleading metrics can create an illusion of success and even harmful incentives. Learn how balanced data, qualitative evidence, leadership, and strong review routines can help governments turn analytics into better decisions and meaningful action.

Africa’s Growth Challenge: Scaling Firms, Productivity, and Jobs

https://www.wbginstitute.org/news/africas-growth-challenge-scaling-firms-productivity-and-jobs Why do some countries struggle to achieve sustained growth and job creation? In Africa, the challenge is not simply about attracting more investment — it is about turning ideas, talent, and innovation into productivity and jobs at scale. That was a central message emerging from the Growth Academy Africa: Accelerating Productivity, Jobs, and Firm Growth in South Africa, a high-level conference co-organized by the World Bank Group Institute for Economic Development, the Growth Academy, and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA‑NEPAD), with support from the Ministry of Finance of Japan through the Knowledge for Change Program. At the event, policymakers, economists, and researchers explored what it will take to unlock long-term growth across the continent.

Protecting the Most Vulnerable from the Middle East Shock

https://www.wbginstitute.org/topic/342/protecting-the-most-vulnerable-from-the-middle-east-shock Since the outbreak of war on February 28, 2026, ship transits through the Strait of Hormuz have fallen by roughly 95 percent. The consequences are global: historic highs in energy prices, cascading cost increases in fertilizers, aluminum, and petrochemicals, and disruption of production and trade. For the World Bank Group's client countries, this shock risks undoing years of hard-won development progress.

Tax Cuts and the 2026 Oil Shock: Can They Deliver?

Tax Cuts and the 2026 Oil Shock: Can They Deliver? https://www.wbginstitute.org/multimedia/tax-cuts-and-2026-oil-shock-can-they-deliver?cid=DEC_HP_wbinstitute_EN_InF

AgriConnect Series: Scaling Agricultural Insurance September 16, 2026 Online

https://www.wbginstitute.org/events/agriconnect-series-scaling-agricultural-insurance?cid=DEC_HP_wbinstitute_EN_InF Agricultural insurance has the potential to help farmers manage risk, strengthen resilience to climate shocks, and invest more confidently in productive opportunities. Yet despite its promise, coverage remains limited across many low- and middle-income countries, raising important questions about how insurance solutions can be designed, delivered, and scaled effectively. Join the next webinar of the AgriConnect Knowledge Series: Evidence for Better Jobs in Farming and Agribusiness for a discussion on the role of agricultural insurance in supporting smallholder farmers and strengthening agrifood systems. The webinar will explore the evidence on what works in agricultural insurance, the challenges, and practical approaches to expanding access at scale.

Episode 46 August 15, 2026 Language: ENGLISH | 7 languages available +...

https://www.wbginstitute.org/ai-podcasts/episode-46-overview-unlocking-data-governments-already-have?cid=DEC_HP_wbinstitute_EN_InF $10 billion in annual savings. A potential 40% increase in tax revenue. A 32% greater chance of completing public projects. This episode explores how governments can unlock these gains by using the administrative data they already collect.

AGORA 2026 Conference October 26, 2026 - October 27, 2026 Palermo, Italy

https://www.wbginstitute.org/events/africa-growth-and-opportunity-research-action-conference-2026?cid=DEC_HP_wbinstitute_EN_InF How can investment in skills be translated into jobs that drive growth at scale in Africa? The Africa Growth and Opportunity: Research in Action 2026 Conference (AGORA 26) will explore how better alignment between skills, workforce development, and entrepreneurship and firm demand can support Africa’s growth and job creation. Co-hosted by the World Bank Group Institute for Economic Development with the Bank of Italy, Italy’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, and African partners, AGORA 26 will connect policymakers, researchers, and private sector leaders to turn ideas into action. The conference will bridge research, policy dialogue, and implementation, with a focus on translating growth strategies into jobs. Building on the AGORA 2025 conference—which explored the foundational role of physical infrastructure and regulatory reforms in energy and agriculture—AGORA 2026 will focus on the next step: turning investments in skills into jobs and growth. As investment in energy, agribusiness, and value chains expands, the challenge is ensuring these translate into firm productivity and sustained employment. Stay tuned for updates and follow the online conversation using #AGORA26.

The Promise of Artificial Intelligence + +...

https://www.wbginstitute.org/topic/335/world-development-report-2026?cid=DEC_HP_wbinstitute_EN_InF Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming one of the most transformative technologies of our time. As a new general-purpose technology, AI has the potential to reshape economies, improve public services, expand access to knowledge, and create new opportunities for businesses and workers. For developing countries, AI offers the possibility of accelerating progress in areas such as education, health, productivity, and public administration. Yet the benefits of AI are not automatic. Gaps in infrastructure, data, skills, and institutional capacity could widen existing inequalities, while weak governance can amplify risks ranging from bias and exclusion to market concentration. https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/wdr2026

Bureaucracy Labs Day: Turning Government Data into Better Policy

https://www.wbginstitute.org/news/bureaucracy-labs-day-turning-government-data-better-policy?cid=DEC_HP_wbinstitute_EN_InF Government data represent an enormous resource for problem solving—how are analytical labs around the world tapping this resource to drive evidence-based reforms? The Bureaucracy Lab is a joint initiative of the World Bank’s Development Impact Group and Governance Global Department that seeks to promote government administration reform through the use of evidence and technology. On June 23, the Lab hosted the inaugural Bureaucracy Labs Day—a conversation among public servants about repurposing government data to strengthen public administration, and how to build organizations to sustain this work.

Institute for Economic Development From ideas to impact, we build partnerships to make knowledge accessible and move solutions forward – fast, far, and for all.

https://www.wbginstitute.org/

From Evidence to Impact: How We Are Reimagining Learning

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2026/08/25/from-evidence-to-impact-how-we-are-reimagining-learning?cid=ECR_E_NewsletterWeekly_EN_EXT&deliveryName=DM288014 What does it really take to move from knowledge to impact at a global scale? Rethinking how knowledge is created, translated, and delivered so that it reaches the people who need it, when they need it, in a format they can use is necessary for impact. That is the challenge the World Bank Group Institute for Economic Development has taken on.

Digital IDs can connect ASEAN Mahesh Uttamchandani August 25, 2026 This page in: English

https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/voices/digital-ids-can-connect-asean?cid=ECR_E_NewsletterWeekly_EN_EXT&deliveryName=DM288014 Imagine a Thai family driving across the border into Malaysia, where officials authenticate their mobile driving license by scanning a QR code. A Filipino engineer could upload a digital qualification with a job application in Brunei and have it verified in seconds. An Indonesian company applying for a license in Singapore could prove its registration, while its representative could prove that they are authorized to act on the company’s behalf. From Singapore to Vietnam, digital IDs are already part of daily life. The missing piece: systems that speak the same language. Cross-border jobs, trade, and investment still rely on paper, scanned documents, and manual checks. Here's what it would take — and what the region stands to gain.

Trump promised ‘regime change’: the hard-line core that has taken control of Iran News Agencies|06:02

Trump promised ‘regime change’: the hard-line core that has taken control of Iran Six months into the war, hard-line generals and clerics are consolidating power in Iran as Mojtaba Khamenei elevates old allies and former protest crackdowns return to senior posts News Agencies|06:02 https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sy085zlumx

Rare summer storms reach Israel after battering Cyprus Nina Fox|10:38

Rare summer storms reach Israel after battering Cyprus Yellow alert issued for thunderstorms in the north as forecasters scale back rainfall estimates; Cyprus storm disrupts flights, downs trees and cuts power Nina Fox Nina Fox|10:38 https://www.ynetnews.com/environment/article/hy2t1wedze

The Indian Ocean Is Sounding the Alarm and Its Islands Are Among the First to Hear It By James Alix Michel Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

The Indian Ocean Is Sounding the Alarm and Its Islands Are Among the First to Hear It By James Alix Michel VICTORIA, Seychelles, Aug 26 2026 (IPS) - Across this vast ocean, the latest monitoring by Mercator Ocean International shows marine heatwave conditions ranging from moderate to severe. At the same time, the World Meteorological Organization expects a strong El Niño to intensify through August to October, with a positive Indian Ocean Dipole also likely to develop. These are not distant scientific signals. They are an urgent warning that the ocean system on which millions depend is under mounting stress. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/08/the-indian-ocean-is-sounding-the-alarm-and-its-islands-are-among-the-first-to-hear-it/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

UN Secretary General Expresses Sadness Over Lives Lost in Nepal-Tibet Flash Floods By IPS Correspondent Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

UN Secretary General Expresses Sadness Over Lives Lost in Nepal-Tibet Flash Floods By IPS Correspondent KATHMANDU, Aug 27 2026 (IPS) - A massive geophysical disaster along the mountainous Nepal-Tibet border has left at least 160 people dead and hundreds more missing after a glacial collapse triggered devastating flash floods and mudslides on Wednesday. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/08/un-secretary-general-expresses-sadness-over-lives-lost-in-nepal-tibet-flash-floods/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

U.S. Midwest Flooding Is a Growing Threat to Agriculture By Esther Ngumbi and Christy Gibson Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

U.S. Midwest Flooding Is a Growing Threat to Agriculture By Esther Ngumbi and Christy Gibson URBANA, Illinois, US, Aug 27 2026 (IPS) - Across the U.S. Midwest, from Illinois to Indiana to Ohio, severe storms and heavy rains caused devastating flooding, extensive damage to infrastructure, and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. The historic scale and severity of flooding led to the issuance of disaster proclamations for the States of Illinois and Indiana. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/08/u-s-midwest-flooding-is-a-growing-threat-to-agriculture/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Consequences of Inaction: UN Security Council Pressed to Act Before Hunger Becomes Famine By Shuli Wong Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Consequences of Inaction: UN Security Council Pressed to Act Before Hunger Becomes Famine By Shuli Wong UNITED NATIONS, Aug 28 2026 (IPS) - Across the board, UN officials and humanitarian organizations urged the Security Council to act before the consequences of food insecurity and famines hit, during a high-level open debate on Tuesday, August 25. More than 80 representatives took part in Tuesday’s conversation on conflict-related food insecurity under the theme “Food under fire: the Security Council’s role in mitigating global and local food crises”. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/08/consequences-of-inaction-un-security-council-pressed-to-act-before-hunger-becomes-famine/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Internally Displaced in Ukraine: Between Hell and a Future That Does Not Exist By Karlos Zurutuza Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Internally Displaced in Ukraine: Between Hell and a Future That Does Not Exist By Karlos Zurutuza UZHGOROD, Ukraine, Aug 28 2026 (IPS) - It is impossible to ignore. Loudspeakers across the city broadcast a recorded voice announcing a minute’s silence for those who have fallen in the war. After 60 ticks of the second hand, it is time for the national anthem: “Ukraine has not yet perished.” https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/08/internally-displaced-in-ukraine-between-hell-and-a-future-that-does-not-exist/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Family Planning and Population Dynamics Are Key to Water Security By Céline Delacroix Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Family Planning and Population Dynamics Are Key to Water Security By Céline Delacroix OTTAWA, Canada, Aug 28 2026 (IPS) - This week is World Water Week, the annual conference of governments, business, and civil society on building a water-secure future as global population, climate disruptions, and water demand increase. In Washington, it’s also Water Resources Development Act season, when every two years the US Congress reauthorizes the legilslation that funds US drinking water, wastewater systems, and flood risk management projects. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/08/family-planning-and-population-dynamics-are-key-to-water-security/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Uganda Announces End of Ebola Outbreak, Yet Regional Risks Remain By Shreya Komar Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Uganda Announces End of Ebola Outbreak, Yet Regional Risks Remain By Shreya Komar UNITED NATIONS, Aug 28 2026 (IPS) - Following 42 consecutive days without a new confirmed case, The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have announced the end of the Ebola outbreak in Uganda. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/08/uganda-announces-end-of-ebola-outbreak-yet-regional-risks-remain/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Fishers’ Organisations in India Demand Recognition From FAO By Bharath Thampi Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Fishers’ Organisations in India Demand Recognition From FAO By Bharath Thampi HIRUVANANTHAPURAM, India,, Aug 27 2026 (IPS) - India is ranked the second-largest fish-producing nation globally, accounting for around 8 percent of global output. The fisheries sector in India accounts for nearly 7.43 percent of Agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA), the highest (independent) share among the agriculture and allied sectors. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/08/fishers-organisations-in-india-demand-recognition-from-fao/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

SWEDEN: ‘The New Migration Laws Are so Vague That People Don’t Know What Might Be Used Against Them’ By CIVICUS Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

SWEDEN: ‘The New Migration Laws Are so Vague That People Don’t Know What Might Be Used Against Them’ By CIVICUS Aug 28 2026 (IPS) - CIVICUS discusses Sweden’s new migration laws with John Stauffer, legal director and deputy executive director of Civil Rights Defenders, a Swedish civil society organisation that acts as a civil rights watchdog at home and supports human rights defenders in repressive contexts worldwide. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/08/sweden-the-new-migration-laws-are-so-vague-that-people-dont-know-what-might-be-used-against-them/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Will the Future of the UN be Dictated by a Hostile US? By Thalif Deen Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Will the Future of the UN be Dictated by a Hostile US? By Thalif Deen UNITED NATIONS, Aug 28 2026 (IPS) - As the UN commemorates its 81st anniversary, one lingering question remains: what is the future of the world body.? Will a hostile US downsize its operations at the United Nations, cut down its funding, continue defaulting in its payments — and perhaps eventually, withdraw from the world body? https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/08/will-the-future-of-the-un-be-dictated-by-a-hostile-us/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Money on the table: Why better budget planning is key to fixing the water crisis Saroj Kumar JhaArturo Herrera GutierrezKaushiki Singh August 20, 2026 This page in: English Français Español العربية 中文 日本語

https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/voices/Money-on-the-Table-Why-Better-Budget-Planning-IsKey-to-Fixing-the-Water-Crisis Water underpins good health, food production, and the energy that powers businesses. It also supports an estimated 1.7 billion jobs worldwide. Yet the world is massively off-track on Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to ensure clean water and sanitation for all by 2030. The water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) financing gap demanding dramatically higher public investments. And even the money governments do allocate for water routinely goes unspent.

Only 1 in 5 succeeds: An urgent agenda to improve secondary education in Latin America and the Caribbean Date & Time September 04, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM ET

Only 1 in 5 succeeds: An urgent agenda to improve secondary education in Latin America and the Caribbean Report launch: Where Paths Divide: Transforming Secondary Education in Latin America and the Caribbean https://www.worldbank.org/en/events/2026/08/27/como-mejorar-la-educacion-secundaria-en-america-latina-y-el-caribe Over the last two decades, Latin America and the Caribbean has brought millions of adolescents into secondary education. Net enrollment increased from 59 to 81 percent, with particularly significant gains among the poorest households. But expanding access has not been enough: only about 1 in 5 young people (19%) complete secondary education with minimum proficiency in reading and math. Among the poorest youth, only about 1 in 20 (6%) achieve this. How can this historic expansion be turned into better learning and real opportunities? As we await the new PISA results, we invite you to join the presentation of the World Bank’s new regional report on secondary education in Latin America and the Caribbean: Where Paths Divide: Transforming Secondary Education in Latin America and the Caribbean. Drawing on two decades of household survey data and standardized learning assessments, the report examines why expanded access has not translated into better learning outcomes and what governments can do to change this reality.

How well does AI speak your language? Daniel Gerszon Mahler August 21, 2026 This page in: English

https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/opendata/how-well-does-ai-speak-your-language- Artificial intelligence (AI) is often described as a general-purpose technology (GPT) — an innovation so profound and universal that it fundamentally alters entire economies and societies. As a universal tool, AI has the potential to bridge gaps in human understanding and democratize access to knowledge.

Why an extreme poverty line is still needed Daniel Gerszon MahlerChristoph LaknerUmar Serajuddin August 25, 2026 This page in: English

https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/opendata/why-an-extreme-poverty-line-is-still-needed Since 1990, the World Bank has tracked extreme poverty around the world using an international poverty line, often referred to as the extreme poverty line. Ending poverty under this line, currently set at $3 per person per day in 2021 prices, has long been integral to the mission of the World Bank and it underpins the first target of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Data story: what informal workers really value William MaloneyGuillermo BeylisNathalie Gonzalez PrietoAndrés Zambrano August 25, 2026 This page in: English Español

https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/latinamerica/historia-de-datos-lo-que-los-trabajadores-informales-realmente-valoran Latin America and the Caribbean has spent nearly two decades with 55% of its workers in informality. Yet informality is not a homogeneous block. It brings together informal wage workers—typically young, with short job tenure and more exposed to distortions such as minimum wages and high hiring costs—and the self-employed, who tend to be older and remain in the sector for years. Each group follows a different logic.

History’s lesson for taxing wealth today Sacha DrayCamille LandaisStefanie Stantcheva August 25, 2026 This page in: English

https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/developmenttalk/history-s-lesson-for-taxing-wealth-today U.S. property tax records spanning more than a century show how governments once measured and taxed wealth at scale—and how gaps between assessed and market values ultimately undermined the system.

Digital IDs can connect ASEAN Mahesh Uttamchandani August 25, 2026 This page in: English

Imagine a Thai family driving across the border into Malaysia, where officials authenticate their mobile driving license by scanning a QR code. A Filipino engineer could upload a digital qualification with a job application in Brunei and have it verified in seconds. An Indonesian company applying for a license in Singapore could prove its registration, while its representative could prove that they are authorized to act on the company’s behalf. https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/voices/digital-ids-can-connect-asean

The Pacific Islands return to the International Comparison Program after 15 years: Why does it matter? Rui CostaMarko Rissanen August 26, 2026 This page in: English

https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/opendata/the-pacific-islands-return-to-the-international-comparison-progr Stretching across vast distances of ocean, the Pacific is home to some of the world's most geographically dispersed countries. That geography can make data collection a challenge. Yet, after more than a decade, 17 Pacific Islands’ economies are once again coming together to participate in the International Comparison Program (ICP), bringing the region back into the global statistics that help measure poverty, living standards and economic performance.

The unequal costs of a global trade disruption Erhan ArtucJohan OrtegaClaudia Rivas August 27, 2026 This page in: English

https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/developmenttalk/the-unequal-costs-of-a-global-trade-disruption The Strait of Hormuz, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean, caries a substantial share of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows. A disruption to shipping through the strait, whether from conflict or geopolitical pressure – does not stay regional. The shock spreads through global value chains, raising energy prices, squeezing producers of energy-intensive goods, and suppressing demand. What are the real impacts on countries, sectors, and workers worldwide?

Girls outperform boys in school. Then the gap reverses. The HCI+ explains why Brian StacyNandita Roy August 27, 2026 This page in: English

https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/opendata/girls-outperform-boys-in-school--then-the-gap-reverses--the-hci- Girls now outperform boys in school in much of the world. Yet men end up with a 21 percent advantage in expected earnings globally. The reason is almost entirely about what happens after school, not during it. The Human Capital Index Plus (HCI+) measures human capital through working life, to age 65. Its latest update adds three new features that make the data more actionable than ever: a female employment deep dive that pinpoints exactly where women fall behind in the labor market, a NEET deep dive tracking the millions of young people — disproportionately women — who are neither working nor in school between the ages of 18 and 25 and a revamped simulation tool.

Nepal flash floods leave 93,000 affected as Red Cross warns of rising death toll TNIE online desk Updated on: 28 Aug 2026, 12:39 pm

Nepal flash floods leave 93,000 affected as Red Cross warns of rising death toll Thousands of homes were destroyed or badly damaged, leaving many without shelter and basic necessities, while the organisation warned that the death toll, which already crossed 500, could rise as emergency teams reach areas cut off by the disaster. https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2026/Aug/28/nepal-flash-floods-leave-93000-affected-as-red-cross-warns-of-rising-death-toll

US midterm polls: Democrats and Republicans draw battle lines for November after primaries Associated Press Updated on: 28 Aug 2026, 11:57 am

US midterm polls: Democrats and Republicans draw battle lines for November after primaries A transition is underway over the final days of summer as Democrats and Republicans push past internal fights over the direction of their parties and begin a two-month sprint to the general election. https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2026/Aug/28/us-midterm-polls-democrats-and-republicans-draw-battle-lines-for-november-after-primaries

China removes high-ranking officers Zhang Youxia, Liu Zhenli from key military body AFP Updated on: 28 Aug 2026, 10:08 am

China removes high-ranking officers Zhang Youxia, Liu Zhenli from key military body The announcement fit into the sweeping anti-graft drive that has defined Xi Jinping's time in power -- but Zhang's fall from grace in particular shocked observers, given his seniority and closeness to Xi. https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2026/Aug/28/china-removes-high-ranking-officers-zhang-youxia-liu-zhenli-from-key-military-body

Russian drones batter Ukraine's Kyiv region, hitting apartments and warehouses for a second day Associated Press Updated on: 28 Aug 2026, 11:15 am

Russian drones batter Ukraine's Kyiv region, hitting apartments and warehouses for a second day The attacks stretched into daylight hours, and Tkachenko urged residents to stay in safe locations and heed air raid alerts. https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2026/Aug/28/russian-drones-batter-ukraines-kyiv-region-hitting-apartments-and-warehouses-for-a-second-day

Iran war reaches its six-month mark as Trump tries increasing economic pressure Associated Press Updated on: 28 Aug 2026, 12:08 pm

Iran war reaches its six-month mark as Trump tries increasing economic pressure Trump's war has stretched on far longer than he told Americans it would. It didn't stop him from sharing a social media post this week declaring "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED 2026." https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2026/Aug/28/iran-war-reaches-its-six-month-mark-as-trump-tries-increasing-economic-pressure

US sees generational gap over China policy By SHI GUANG in New York | China Daily | Updated: 2026-08-28 09:09

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202608/28/WS6a90dfd4e4b06d4aa055ae1c.html A generational shift in US public attitude toward China may signal a long-term change in how Washington interacts with Beijing, according to a newly released survey. Conducted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, US broadcaster NPR and market research firm Ipsos, the survey found that younger people in the United States were less likely than older generations to view China as a threat.

Japan urged to mend strained relations By ZHOU JIN | China Daily | Updated: 2026-08-28 09:14

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202608/28/WS6a90e111e4b06d4aa055ae2d.html A senior Chinese official on Thursday urged Japanese political figures with insight into China-Japan relations to work to bring bilateral ties back on the right track, expressing hope that Tokyo will take practical steps to create the conditions needed to overcome difficulties in ties.

Iran urges UN to denounce US sanctions Washington's 'economic terrorism' forcing nations to alter trade ties: Tehran By JAN YUMUL in Hong Kong and CUI HAIPEI in Dubai, UAE | China Daily | Updated: 2026-08-28 09:18

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202608/28/WS6a90e1dee4b06d4aa055ae3d.html Iran is urging the United Nations to condemn the United States' "economic terrorism" against Tehran after Washington introduced expanded sanctions this week, saying the measures extended beyond US laws and jurisdictions, forcing countries to alter lawful trade relations.

China voices opposition to potential tariff Nation reserves the right to take all necessary measures, ministry says By ZHANG CHENXU | China Daily | Updated: 2026-08-28 09:12

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202608/28/WS6a90e090e4b06d4aa055ae27.html China has voiced firm opposition to a potential move by the United States to impose an additional 7.5 percent tariff on Chinese goods, and said it would keep a close eye on any follow-up steps Washington makes while reserving the right to take all necessary measures, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

Former Kyrgyz ambassador: Information resilience need of the hour chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2026-08-28 17:11

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202608/28/WS6a9150a5e4b06d4aa055b0f7.html Artificial intelligence is making disinformation appear increasingly convincing. Text, images and videos can now be harder than ever to distinguish from the real thing. What does this mean for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which brings together 10 member states representing more than 3 billion people?

Pakistani scholar: SCO injecting new energy into Global South chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2026-08-28 12:08

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202608/28/WS6a9109dae4b06d4aa055afd7.html In a recent interview with China Daily, Zamir Ahmed Awan, chair of the Global Silk Route Research Alliance, noted that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has expanded its mandate and achieved full-fledged cooperation in all dimensions while Western powers are flexing their muscles. "It will emerge as a Global South power," he said, adding, "The Shanghai Cooperation Organization has given a platform for the Global South to sit together and formulate a policy where we can utilize our own human resource and natural resources to change our own lifestyle."

Craig Allen: US-China cooperation has unlimited potential chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2026-08-28 18:53

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202608/28/WS6a9168bae4b06d4aa055b136.html After attending the third China-US Track 1.5 Dialogue in Beijing on Tuesday, Craig Allen, former president of the US-China Business Council, said there were very good outcomes from US President Donald Trump's meeting with President Xi Jinping on May 14. He said the two countries can make significant progress together in areas such as AI and healthcare, adding that the potential for US-China cooperation is unlimited.

China's aspiration for multipolar world explained By Chen Weihua | China Daily | Updated: 2026-08-28 10:23

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202608/28/WS6a90f13de4b06d4aa055af3a.html China's foreign policy has long been misinterpreted or deliberately distorted in the West, with many assuming that a rapidly rising China will behave just like the United States as a hegemonic power.

Idaho Law Protects Faith Healers. It Wasn’t Always That Way. by Audrey Dutton Co-published with The Oregonian/OregonLive

Idaho Law Protects Faith Healers. It Wasn’t Always That Way. From at least the 1880s through the early 1970s, it was illegal for parents in Idaho to choose prayer over medical care when a child’s life was at stake. by Audrey Dutton Co-published with The Oregonian/OregonLive August 26, 2026, 5:00 am https://www.propublica.org/article/idaho-law-faith-healing-exemption?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=majorinvestigations&utm_content=river

The Costly Blunders in the Army’s $533 Million Fiasco ProPublica - by ProPublica August 26, 2026, 6:00 am

The Costly Blunders in the Army’s $533 Million Fiasco ProPublica revealed how a rushed effort to arm Ukraine with artillery shells wasted half a billion dollars in taxpayer funding. Here are the biggest takeaways from that reporting. by ProPublica August 26, 2026, 6:00 am https://www.propublica.org/article/army-artillery-factory-fiasco-takeaways?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=majorinvestigations&utm_content=river

How to Check In on Your 401(k) Fees by Teddy Amenabar, Maya Miller and Paul Kiel August 27, 2026, 5:00 am

How to Check In on Your 401(k) Fees The 401(k) has become the financial tool many Americans rely on for their retirement. We asked experts for their advice on how to take stock of your retirement plan. by Teddy Amenabar, Maya Miller and Paul Kiel August 27, 2026, 5:00 am https://www.propublica.org/article/401k-retirement-plan-fees-funds?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=majorinvestigations&utm_content=river

Listen to 911 Calls From Inside an Immigration Detention Center: “We Just Need to Take Him to the Hospital” by Perla Trevizo August 28, 2026, 5:00 am

Listen to 911 Calls From Inside an Immigration Detention Center: “We Just Need to Take Him to the Hospital” Reporters don’t have access to Camp East Montana, one of the largest immigration detention centers in the country. Emergency calls from the Texas facility offer a glimpse of unfolding crises faced by those locked inside, with few ways to get help. by Perla Trevizo August 28, 2026, 5:00 am https://www.propublica.org/article/911-calls-camp-east-montana-texas-detention?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=majorinvestigations&utm_content=river

Syracuse University Seeks to Prevent Campus Rape Victim From Obtaining Police Records by Joaquin Sapien August 28, 2026, 6:00 am

Syracuse University Seeks to Prevent Campus Rape Victim From Obtaining Police Records by Joaquin Sapien August 28, 2026, 6:00 am The university, whose 1980s rape crisis figured prominently in a ProPublica article, committed to support survivors at “every step of the process.” Now it’s in court to stop police from sharing many records with a student who was assaulted in 1987. https://www.propublica.org/article/syracuse-sexual-assault-lawsuit-records?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=majorinvestigations&utm_content=river When ProPublica recently investigated a rape crisis that surged through Syracuse University in the 1980s, we found evidence that the school had taken steps to suppress news coverage of the assaults. The university responded by portraying itself as a changed institution today, “committed to supporting the students who come forward and being there for them at every step of the process,” as a school spokesperson put it.

The True Story of Why Immigration Agents Raided a Chicago Apartment Building hosted by Jessica Lussenhop, with reporting by Melissa Sanchez and Sebastian Rotella

The True Story of Why Immigration Agents Raided a Chicago Apartment Building In the middle of the night, hundreds of agents stormed a Chicago apartment complex, some rappelling down from a helicopter. Trump officials claimed they successfully arrested Venezuelan gang members. But our reporters uncovered a very different story. hosted by Jessica Lussenhop, with reporting by Melissa Sanchez and Sebastian Rotella https://www.propublica.org/podcast/why-chicago-south-shore-apartment-immigration-raid?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=majorinvestigations&utm_content=secondary In the middle of a September night last year, hundreds of agents stormed a Chicago apartment building, some rappelling down from a Black Hawk helicopter. They arrested 37 immigrants and claimed that two were confirmed members of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua — but then never identified any of them. Reporters Melissa Sanchez and Sebastian Rotella set out to track down the people arrested, and, along with a team of ProPublica reporters, they uncovered a very different story behind the raid. “I Lost Everything”: Venezuelans Were Rounded Up in a Dramatic Midnight Raid but Never Charged With a Crime https://www.propublica.org/article/chicago-venezuela-immigration-ice-fbi-raids-no-criminal-charges?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=majorinvestigations&utm_content=secondary by Melissa Sanchez, Jodi S. Cohen, T. Christian Miller, Sebastian Rotella and Mariam Elba Co-published with Block Club Chicago and FRONTLINE

These Local Jails Were Supposed to Detain Immigrants for Only 72 Hours. One Woman Was Held for a Total of 26 Days.

These Local Jails Were Supposed to Detain Immigrants for Only 72 Hours. One Woman Was Held for a Total of 26 Days. Rebookings of immigrants into local jails are an effort to circumvent federal rules and regulations, legal experts say. Our nationwide analysis shows that in the past year, two Florida jails had unusually high numbers of rebookings. by Mario Ariza and Hannah Beckler, ProPublica, and Libby Seline for ProPublica; graphics by Chris Alcantara, ProPublica August 27, 2026, 10:50 am https://www.propublica.org/article/immigrants-rebooking-ice-jails-florida?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=majorinvestigations&utm_content=feature

Jeen Defense wins 14.9m NIS defense AI contract ByANNA AHRONHEIM AUGUST 27, 2026 10:30

Jeen Defense wins 14.9m NIS defense AI contract Jeen Technologies' subsidiary secures its largest Defense Ministry order, accelerating deployment of its sovereign AI platform designed to support intelligence, operations, and decision-making https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-906734 ByANNA AHRONHEIM AUGUST 27, 2026 10:30

Trump declares national emergency, bans some foreign power equipment over security threats ByREUTERS AUGUST 26, 2026 23:41

Trump declares national emergency, bans some foreign power equipment over security threats Last year, Reuters reported that rogue communication devices not listed in product documents had been found in some Chinese solar power inverters ​by US experts. ByREUTERS AUGUST 26, 2026 23:41 https://www.jpost.com/international/article-906703

Israel now has the power to respond to action against it with diplomatic consequences - editorial ByJPOST EDITORIAL AUGUST 27, 2026 05:55 Updated: AUGUST 27, 2026 10:46

Israel now has the power to respond to action against it with diplomatic consequences - editorial “Our message is clear,” Sa’ar wrote. “Those who act against Israel will have no foothold in the region. Israel will not allow measures to be taken against it without a response.” ByJPOST EDITORIAL AUGUST 27, 2026 05:55 Updated: AUGUST 27, 2026 10:46 https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-906691

The Muslim Brotherhood octopus inside Israel’s political system Opinion: Boaz Haetzni|Yesterday | 07:53

The Muslim Brotherhood octopus inside Israel’s political system Opinion: Ra'am party head Mansour Abbas is a master of the tactic of speaking sympathetically in Hebrew while acting and speaking very differently in Arabic; Ra'am has an 'ideological connection to the Muslim Brotherhood, which calls for Israel's destruction Boaz Haetzni|Yesterday | 07:53 https://www.ynetnews.com/opinions-analysis/article/h10smvhpmg

Spain declares national security crisis in Ceuta. Israel can help Morocco make the enclaves costly Opinion: Amine Ayoub|01:57

Spain declares national security crisis in Ceuta. Israel can help Morocco make the enclaves costly Opinion: Madrid lectures Israel on borders while activating emergency powers over its African outposts; the Abraham Accords now give Israel and Morocco a real way to respond Amine Ayoub Amine Ayoub|01:57 https://www.ynetnews.com/opinions-analysis/article/bkkdwb6wzg

Al-Sharaa’s very busy week: Israel talks, Kurdish deal and Syria’s economic reopening Analysis: Smadar Perry|08:14

Al-Sharaa’s very busy week: Israel talks, Kurdish deal and Syria’s economic reopening Analysis: Syrian leader is moving on several fronts at once, seeking to consolidate control at home, draw Kurdish forces into the Syrian state, reopen the economy to foreign investment and maintain discreet regional channels without triggering new conflicts Smadar Perry|08:14 https://www.ynetnews.com/opinions-analysis/article/b19emutwzl

Hezbollah launches attack drones at IDF forces in southern Lebanon; Israel strikes back ynet Global|08:26

Hezbollah launches attack drones at IDF forces in southern Lebanon; Israel strikes back Military says one of two one-way attack drones targeting troops on the Ali al-Taher Ridge was downed; Israel retaliates with strikes across southern Lebanon ynet Global|08:26 https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hjmftq6pfl

US-Israel War on Iran © 2026 Sputnik

US-Israel War on Iran The Israeli and US military launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran on February 28, 2026, over its alleged development of a nuclear program. Iran consistently stated that the program was peaceful in nature. In retaliation to US-Israeli attacks, Iran launched operation True Promise 4. https://sputnikglobe.com/us-israel-war-on-iran/ © 2026 Sputnik

Moscow's Microelectronics to Make Their Mark in China © 2026 Sputnik

https://sputnikglobe.com/20260827/moscows-microelectronics-to-make-their-mark-in-china-1124636185.html The 14th CSEAC 2026 International Semiconductor Equipment, Materials, and Core Components Exhibition will be held in Wuxi, China, from August 31 to September 2. © 2026 Sputnik

Lebanon accuses Israel of burning forest, farmland in south AFP Updated on: 26 Aug 2026, 7:49 am

Lebanon accuses Israel of burning forest, farmland in south Lebanon's governmental National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS) says Israeli military activity has caused 160 square kilometres of land, half of it agricultural, to go up in flames. https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2026/Aug/26/lebanon-accuses-israel-of-burning-forest-farmland-in-south

'Not in a hurry': Trump says he has 'no time schedule' for Iran to return to talks TNIE online desk Updated on: 27 Aug 2026, 12:22 am

'Not in a hurry': Trump says he has 'no time schedule' for Iran to return to talks Trump said the US was 'winning very big' and cited Iran's economic difficulties to explain his position. https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2026/Aug/27/not-in-a-hurry-trump-says-he-has-no-time-schedule-for-iran-to-return-to-talks

Trump says the US doesn’t need Canada. The economy says otherwise Associated Press Updated on: 27 Aug 2026, 1:10 am

Trump says the US doesn’t need Canada. The economy says otherwise Canada is the second-largest U.S. trading partner after Mexico, and energy is at the heart of that relationship. https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2026/Aug/27/trump-says-the-us-doesnt-need-canada-the-economy-says-otherwise

Hormuz remains shut despite promising talks De-escalation signals emerge as IRGC says deal reached on revenue sharing By CUI HAIPEI in Dubai, UAE and JAN YUMUL in Hong Kong | China Daily Hong Kong | Updated: 2026-08-27 09:26

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202608/27/WS6a8f926ae4b06d4aa055ab15.html While Iran and Oman have floated proposals for a temporary transit corridor and joint mine-clearing operations for the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran warned on Wednesday that the critical waterway would stay shut unless the United States brings an end to the nearly six-month-old conflict. https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world

China opposes possible US tariffs over so-called 'overcapacity' By Zhang Chenxu | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2026-08-27 17:14

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202608/27/WS6a90000fe4b06d4aa055ace0.html China's Ministry of Commerce has described the United States' invocation of "overcapacity" as merely a pretext for the imposition of unilateral tariffs amid reports that Washington was considering an additional 7.5 percent tariff on Chinese goods.

China reports poverty fight gains, income growth By ZHAO YIMENG | China Daily | Updated: 2026-08-27 09:00

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202608/27/WS6a8f8c2ae4b06d4aa055aa99.html Rural residents in counties lifted out of poverty saw their per capita disposable income rise to 18,627 yuan ($2,772) in 2025, up from 12,588 yuan in 2020, as China consolidates gains in its fight against poverty, according to a State Council report.

China launches science month to boost innovation knowledge By Li Menghan | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2026-08-27 14:07

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202608/27/WS6a8fd417e4b06d4aa055ac10.html The National Science Popularization Month will kick off on Tuesday to boost public understanding of scientific innovation, organizers said at a news conference in Beijing on Wednesday.

Services seen having bigger role in GDP Efforts intensified to steer economy to more consumption-led growth model By ZHANG CHENXU and LI JIAYING | China Daily | Updated: 2026-08-27 07:59

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202608/27/WS6a8f7ddfe4b06d4aa055aa6f.html Services consumption is poised to assume a more important role in driving China's economic growth this year, officials and experts said, pointing to a structural shift in domestic demand, with services accounting for a growing share of household spending.

China's major industrial firms post double-digit rise in profits By Zhang Chenxu | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2026-08-27 13:16

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202608/27/WS6a8fc81ce4b06d4aa055abd9.html Profits at China's major industrial firms recorded solid growth through July, buoyed by rapid gains in electronics-related industries and high-tech manufacturing, official data showed on Thursday.

A look at China's economic data in July chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2026-08-27 16:06

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202608/27/WS6a8ff00ce4b06d4aa055aca0.html China's economic performance remained steady in July amid external uncertainties and domestic challenges, with industrial production continuing to expand, buoyed by strong gains in high-tech and equipment manufacturing.

Restrictions a disservice to US interests: China Daily editorial chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2026-08-27 20:28

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202608/27/WS6a902d51e4b06d4aa055ad1f.html The US administration has been trying to wall off China from the United States' robotics industry only to discover that US robots have already been learning to walk on Chinese feet.

El insulto de las «cucarachas» desata el mayor desafío al régimen represivo de Modi Este es un artículo de opinión de Andrew Firmin, redactor jefe de Civicus, la alianza internacional de la sociedad civil. Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

El insulto de las «cucarachas» desata el mayor desafío al régimen represivo de Modi Este es un artículo de opinión de Andrew Firmin, redactor jefe de Civicus, la alianza internacional de la sociedad civil. Andrew Firmin LONDRES – El líder autoritario de la India, el primer ministro Narendra Modi, se ha visto obligado a efectuar precisamente lo que menos le gusta: hacer concesiones en respuesta a las protestas. https://ipsnoticias.net/2026/08/el-insulto-de-las-cucarachas-desata-el-mayor-desafio-al-regimen-represivo-de-modi/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

El alto costo de la vivienda aleja el sueño de casa propia en El Salvador Edgardo Ayala Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

El alto costo de la vivienda aleja el sueño de casa propia en El Salvador Edgardo Ayala SAN SALVADOR – Sentada cómodamente en el sofá de su pequeña casa, cerca del centro de San Salvador, Irene Barrera narró todas las tribulaciones que tuvo que pasar para que, por fin, después de andar dando tumbos de un lugar a otro, lograra tener su propia vivienda, una realidad que soporta buena parte de la población salvadoreña. https://ipsnoticias.net/2026/08/el-alto-costo-de-la-vivienda-aleja-el-sueno-de-casa-propia-en-el-salvador/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Defensores de derechos de las mujeres en África coordinan acción contra ofensiva sobre el derecho de familia Chemtal Kirui Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Defensores de derechos de las mujeres en África coordinan acción contra ofensiva sobre el derecho de familia Los activistas advierten que los movimientos contrarios a los derechos de las mujeres en África utilizan cada vez más el derecho de familia para cuestionar los derechos de las mujeres a la herencia, la propiedad, el divorcio y la custodia de los hijos. Chemtal Kirui NAIROBI – Defensoras de los derechos de las mujeres, jueces y abogados lanzaron una campaña coordinada para reformar las leyes de familia que discriminan a las mujeres y las niñas en África. https://ipsnoticias.net/2026/08/defensores-de-derechos-de-las-mujeres-en-africa-coordinan-accion-contra-ofensiva-sobre-el-derecho-de-familia/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

El desempleo juvenil aumenta en el mundo Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

El desempleo juvenil aumenta en el mundo GINEBRA – El desempleo juvenil está aumentando a nivel mundial, mientras que el acceso a un trabajo decente se vuelve cada vez más difícil para millones de jóvenes, según un nuevo informe de la Organización Internacional del Trabajo (OIT). https://ipsnoticias.net/2026/08/el-desempleo-juvenil-aumenta-en-el-mundo/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

La ONU propone un mecanismo para aliviar el cerco en Ormuz Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

La ONU propone un mecanismo para aliviar el cerco en Ormuz NACIONES UNIDAS – Un nuevo mecanismo para reducir el cerco al comercio en el estrecho de Ormuz, una de las principales arterias comerciales del planeta y epicentro del conflicto que mantienen Estados Unidos e Irán, propuso este lunes 24 el secretario general de las Naciones Unidas, António Guterres. https://ipsnoticias.net/2026/08/la-onu-propone-un-mecanismo-para-aliviar-el-cerco-en-ormuz/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Crece el reclutamiento de menores por grupos armados en Colombia Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Crece el reclutamiento de menores por grupos armados en Colombia BOGOTÁ – El reclutamiento de menores por los grupos armados ilegales en Colombia se cuadruplicó en cinco años, y la violencia pone en peligro la vida de decenas de miles de niños y niñas, advirtió este jueves 12 el Fondo de las Naciones Unidas para la Infancia (Unicef). https://ipsnoticias.net/2026/08/crece-el-reclutamiento-de-menores-por-grupos-armados-en-colombia-2/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Fragmentación de la información es otro desafío democrático para América Latina Humberto Márquez Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Fragmentación de la información es otro desafío democrático para América Latina Humberto Márquez CARACAS – La dispersión y el consumo de noticias rápidas y divididas entre redes sociales, que se impone día tras día sobre los medios tradicionales, tiene, entre sus efectos, desconfianza en la información y distanciamiento creciente hacia quienes la transmiten, tal como muestran fuentes concordantes. https://ipsnoticias.net/2026/08/fragmentacion-de-la-informacion-es-otro-desafio-democratico-para-america-latina/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Nicaragua: el oro que sostiene al régimen y lo aísla del mundo José Mendieta Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Nicaragua: el oro que sostiene al régimen y lo aísla del mundo José Mendieta MANAGUA – El oro se ha convertido en el principal sostén financiero del régimen de Nicaragua, que generó cerca de 1960 millones de dólares en 2025. Sin embargo, el país ha pagado un alto costo ambiental, político y humano que no se visualiza fácilmente en las estadísticas económicas. https://ipsnoticias.net/2026/08/nicaragua-el-oro-que-sostiene-al-regimen-y-lo-aisla-del-mundo/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Cada vez mayor el deterioro de los derechos humanos en Myanmar Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Cada vez mayor el deterioro de los derechos humanos en Myanmar GINEBRA – La situación de los derechos humanos en Myanmar ha caído a mínimos históricos, en particular por los brutales abusos contra minorías como los rohinyá y el impacto devastador de economías ilícitas como la minería de tierras raras, señaló un nuevo informe de las Naciones Unidas. https://ipsnoticias.net/2026/08/cada-vez-mayor-el-deterioro-de-los-derechos-humanos-en-myanmar/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

La Cruz Roja y la ONU llaman a restringir las armas autónomas Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

La Cruz Roja y la ONU llaman a restringir las armas autónomas NACIONES UNIDAS – El secretario general de las Naciones Unidas, António Guterres, y la presidenta del Comité Internacional de la Cruz Roja (Cicr), Mirjana Spoljaric, pidieron este martes 25 a los Estados que negocien prohibiciones y restricciones claras sobre los sistemas de armas autónomas. https://ipsnoticias.net/2026/08/la-cruz-roja-y-la-onu-llaman-a-restringir-las-armas-autonomas/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Colombia Declares State of Emergency Following Deadly Earthquake By Oritro Karim Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Colombia Declares State of Emergency Following Deadly Earthquake By Oritro Karim UNITED NATIONS, Aug 25 2026 (IPS) - Over the past week, the humanitarian crisis in Colombia has deteriorated significantly following the Mw 7.4–7.5 earthquake that struck the Chocó department on August 10. With the Colombian government declaring a State of Emergency across 15 departments, the nation continues to struggle with massive civilian casualties, immense damage to critical infrastructure, and the disruption of basic services. The national government and the humanitarian community continue to coordinate lifesaving responses and monitor conditions as they evolve. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/08/colombia-declares-state-of-emergency-following-deadly-earthquake/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Retired in Ukraine: One Cheese, Two Chickens and a Dozen Eggs By Karlos Zurutuza Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Retired in Ukraine: One Cheese, Two Chickens and a Dozen Eggs By Karlos Zurutuza UZHGOROD, Ukraine, Aug 25 2026 (IPS) - Marina says she does not particularly like her flowers, but that, “for some reason,” people buy them. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/08/retired-in-ukraine-one-cheese-two-chickens-and-a-dozen-eggs/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Grand Planetary Challenges Need a Grand Coalition to Solve Them By Lulseged Tamene Desta and Cargele Masso Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Grand Planetary Challenges Need a Grand Coalition to Solve Them By Lulseged Tamene Desta and Cargele Masso NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 26 2026 (IPS) - Several coalitions exist today to defend the territories in which people live and work. Global leaders have long understood the importance of shared responsibility for collective security and have invested significant time in establishing networks, partnerships and alliances. In 2025, global spending on defense reached a record $2.9 trillion. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/08/grand-planetary-challenges-need-a-grand-coalition-to-solve-them/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

ECUADOR: ‘Criminalisation Serves as a Deterrent, Seeking to Discipline Others’ By CIVICUS Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

ECUADOR: ‘Criminalisation Serves as a Deterrent, Seeking to Discipline Others’ By CIVICUS Aug 24 2026 (IPS) - CIVICUS discusses the rapid erosion of civic space in Ecuador with Gabriela Panchana, an activist, communicator and founder of the En Voz Alta and Rumbo Plural digital platforms. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/08/ecuador-criminalisation-serves-as-a-deterrent-seeking-to-discipline-others/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

The Plastics Treaty Process Needs Greatly Improved Observer Participation at this Critical Point in the Negotiations and Beyond By Craig Boljkovac Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

The Plastics Treaty Process Needs Greatly Improved Observer Participation at this Critical Point in the Negotiations and Beyond By Craig Boljkovac GENEVA, Aug 24 2026 (IPS) - In 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly mandated an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop a global, legally binding instrument addressing the full life cycle of plastics, from production and product design to disposal. After the resumed fifth session adjourned without consensus in Geneva in August 2025, the divided process moved into informal consultations before INC-5.4 in March 2027. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/08/the-plastics-treaty-process-needs-greatly-improved-observer-participation-at-this-critical-point-in-the-negotiations-and-beyond/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

How the Taliban Hunt Women in Afghanistan By Ariel F. Dumont Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

How the Taliban Hunt Women in Afghanistan By Ariel F. Dumont ROME, Aug 20 2026 (IPS) - FIVE years after the Taliban returned to power, Fawzia Koofi, the former Deputy Speaker of the Afghan Parliament, denounces what she describes as “gender apartheid.” https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/08/how-the-taliban-hunt-women-in-afghanistan/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

GEF Proposes $140 Million Program to Strengthen Drought Resilience By Kizito Makoye Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

GEF Proposes $140 Million Program to Strengthen Drought Resilience By Kizito Makoye DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, Aug 24 2026 (IPS) - For pastoralists in Arvaikheer — a village in Mongolia’s dry central plains — rain can determine whether there is enough grass for cattle to roam, whether waterholes are replenished and whether families make it through another dry season. But as climate change makes rainfall increasingly unpredictable, even a wet season may no longer provide water and pasture needed to sustain people and livestock. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/08/gef-proposes-140-million-program-to-strengthen-drought-resilience/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

South Africa’s Anti-Immigrant Violence Slows SDG Goals, Rips Apart Africans’ Free Movement Call By Charles Mpaka Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

South Africa’s Anti-Immigrant Violence Slows SDG Goals, Rips Apart Africans’ Free Movement Call By Charles Mpaka The xenophobic protests against Malawians, Nigerians, Zimbabweans, and other Africans in South Africa not only created a humanitarian crisis but also jeopardised the achievement of some SDGs. BLANTYRE, Malawi, Aug 25 2026 (IPS) - When the Malawian government announced the conclusion of the repatriation of its citizens trapped in anti-immigrant violence against foreign Africans in South Africa on August 12, 2026, it had brought home 56,723 nationals, according to data from the Department of Disaster Management Affairs. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/08/south-africas-anti-immigrant-violence-slows-sdg-goals-rips-apart-africans-free-movement-call/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

A Divided Vote for the UN’s Human Rights Chief By Samuel King Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

A Divided Vote for the UN’s Human Rights Chief By Samuel King BRUSSELS, Belgium, Aug 26 2026 (IPS) - On 24 July, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly reappointed Volker Türk as High Commissioner for Human Rights for a further four years. Only 10 states – among them Israel, Russia and the USA – opposed the decision. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/08/a-divided-vote-for-the-uns-human-rights-chief/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Beyond the Horizon: Raising a Generation to Protect the Blue Pacific By Sera Sefeti Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Beyond the Horizon: Raising a Generation to Protect the Blue Pacific By Sera Sefeti There is a saying that people protect what they love, and to love something, you first need to understand it. — Hannah Nanovu, Whole School Ocean Coordinator, International School Suva SUVA, Fiji, Aug 26 2026 (IPS) - For generations, Pacific children have grown up with the ocean as part of everyday life. It is where families fish, where stories are passed down, where livelihoods begin and where cultures are rooted. Yet many young people are inheriting an ocean facing pressures unlike anything their ancestors experienced, from warming seas and coral bleaching to plastic pollution and declining marine ecosystems. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/08/beyond-the-horizon-raising-a-generation-to-protect-the-blue-pacific/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

Luxembourg ends Israel Bonds approvals, leaving future EU bond issuance uncertain ByASSAF UNI/GLOBES/TNS AUGUST 25, 2026 09:37

Luxembourg ends Israel Bonds approvals, leaving future EU bond issuance uncertain A year after replacing Ireland as the approval center for Israel Bonds, Luxembourg has decided to end the arrangement, creating uncertainty for future EU issuances. ByASSAF UNI/GLOBES/TNS AUGUST 25, 2026 09:37 https://www.jpost.com/international/article-906497

Philippines seeking to expand military drone capabilities in modernization push, defense chief says ByREUTERS AUGUST 25, 2026 10:34

Philippines seeking to expand military drone capabilities in modernization push, defense chief says US defense ally the Philippines also plans to acquire additional guided-missile corvettes and other major defense assets to beef up its external defense capabilities. ByREUTERS AUGUST 25, 2026 10:34 https://www.jpost.com/international/article-906502

Azerbaijan mediating between Israel, Turkey in effort to reduce Syria tensions ByTHE MEDIA LINE STAFF AUGUST 25, 2026 14:03

Azerbaijan mediating between Israel, Turkey in effort to reduce Syria tensions Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev initiated direct dialogue between Israel and Turkey a year ago, resulting in an operational coordination mechanism intended to prevent conflict in Syria. ByTHE MEDIA LINE STAFF AUGUST 25, 2026 14:03 https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-906536

'A small taste': MK Sukkot confirms he destroyed monument in West Bank town while guarded by IDF ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM, SHIR PERETS, AVI SOLOMON AUGUST 25, 2026 09:34 Updated: AUGUST 25, 2026 12:25

'A small taste': MK Sukkot confirms he destroyed monument in West Bank town while guarded by IDF The IDF confirmed that it had diverted troops from standard operational duties to guard Sukkot and his aides on what he called a 'memorial tour' in several villages in Areas A and B in the West Bank. ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM, SHIR PERETS, AVI SOLOMON AUGUST 25, 2026 09:34 Updated: AUGUST 25, 2026 12:25 https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-906496

Israel must remember the danger carried by Gaza kites, Hamas dictating tempo at border - editorial ByJPOST EDITORIAL AUGUST 25, 2026 05:58

Israel must remember the danger carried by Gaza kites, Hamas dictating tempo at border - editorial Israel has paid far too high a price to relearn this lesson. The kites crossing the border today may contain nothing, but the next ones may not. We should not wait and see. https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-906466 ByJPOST EDITORIAL AUGUST 25, 2026 05:58

Israel plans development of space weapons capable of striking targets on Earth ByAMIR BOBOT AUGUST 24, 2026 14:23 Updated: AUGUST 24, 2026 14:47

Israel plans development of space weapons capable of striking targets on Earth Defense Minister Israel Katz said space capabilities would provide the IDF with an advantage in future conflicts as Israel seeks to become a leading space power. ByAMIR BOBOT AUGUST 24, 2026 14:23 Updated: AUGUST 24, 2026 14:47 https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-906421

Israel’s political rot is seeping into the IDF Opinion: Einav Schiff|Yesterday | 06:05

Israel’s political rot is seeping into the IDF Opinion: As Israel heads toward elections, political pressure, institutional fear and the trauma of October 7 are leaving the IDF increasingly hesitant, constrained and vulnerable to decisions driven as much by survival in power as by security needs Einav Schiff|Yesterday | 06:05 https://www.ynetnews.com/opinions-analysis/article/sjvb0lfpmx

What Israel’s Altalena crisis teaches about unity and sovereignty Opinion: Gadi Ezra|01:17

What Israel’s Altalena crisis teaches about unity and sovereignty Opinion: The 1948 Altalena crisis showed that Jewish unity and state sovereignty are not competing values; as Israel again debates equal military service and civic responsibility, that balance is being tested Gadi Ezra|01:17 https://www.ynetnews.com/opinions-analysis/article/h1gslc5dfx

Can Trump’s economic siege on Iran succeed where force has failed? Opinion: Sever Plocker|02:17

Can Trump’s economic siege on Iran succeed where force has failed? Opinion: Washington’s threatened secondary sanctions could deepen Iran’s economic crisis, but targeting countries that trade with Tehran risks widening the conflict into a global economic confrontation Sever Plocker Sever Plocker|02:17 https://www.ynetnews.com/opinions-analysis/article/hj4tt9cwml

How US envoy Tom Barrack nearly ignited an Israel-Turkey war ynet|06:06

How US envoy Tom Barrack nearly ignited an Israel-Turkey war Trump envoy is under fire after tensions with Israel and Turkey nearly boiled into a regional confrontation over Syria and the Golan Heights ynet|06:06 https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bylhta5vme

IDF, Shin Bet strike Hamas weapons sites hidden in Gaza mosques Dennis Bihler|08:15

IDF, Shin Bet strike Hamas weapons sites hidden in Gaza mosques The military says five storage facilities and a launch site were struck across Gaza, with rockets, explosives and ammunition found inside mosques and near humanitarian infrastructure Dennis Bihler|08:15 https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sk5ahxjpze

US puts $10 million bounty on Mojtaba Khamenei: ‘Have information? Send it to us’ ynet|07:56

US puts $10 million bounty on Mojtaba Khamenei: ‘Have information? Send it to us’ Iran’s supreme leader, Revolutionary Guards commander, interior minister and other senior officials appear on a US-published list, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as the main target ynet|07:56 https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sjooleodfg

Thailand threatens visa revocations as Israeli tourists face fresh scrutiny Itamar Eichner|04:14

Thailand threatens visa revocations as Israeli tourists face fresh scrutiny Thailand is stepping up scrutiny of foreign tourists, with Israelis named in several local reports; after complaints and incidents in Phuket and Koh Samui, the tourism minister warned that lawbreakers could face visa revocation and deportation Itamar Eichner Itamar Eichner|04:14 https://www.ynetnews.com/travel/article/sjjnh3cdgx

Three women, three worlds: Secular, Haredi and Bedouin women unite for political parity - Yael Yechieli, Fany Sukenik and Hanan Alsana - Karina Shtotland|07:49

Three women, three worlds: Secular, Haredi and Bedouin women unite for political parity Yael Yechieli, Fany Sukenik and Hanan Alsana come from very different parts of Israeli society, but through the 50:50 initiative they share one goal: equal representation for women in politics and decision-making Karina Shtotland|07:49 https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/hj7rr6qwfg

The unexpected winner of the Iran war: renewable energy Opinion: Dr. Nadav Nir|06:39

The unexpected winner of the Iran war: renewable energy Opinion: The conflict failed to eliminate Iran’s strategic threats, but the Hormuz energy shock is accelerating solar power and EV adoption worldwide while Israel lags behind Dr. Nadav Nir|06:39 https://www.ynetnews.com/opinions-analysis/article/hkhogyswmx

Children in a Faith-Healing Sect Keep Dying. The State Lets It Happen. by Audrey Dutton Co-published with The Oregonian/OregonLive August 25, 2026, 5:00 am

Children in a Faith-Healing Sect Keep Dying. The State Lets It Happen. by Audrey Dutton Co-published with The Oregonian/OregonLive For decades, Idaho laws have allowed parents who belong to the Followers of Christ and other faith-healing sects to pray rather than seek medical care. Since 2015, at least 15 children have died of treatable conditions. August 25, 2026, 5:00 am https://www.propublica.org/article/faith-healing-idaho-deaths-followers-of-christ?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=majorinvestigations&utm_content=feature

Oregon Is Spending More Than Ever on Low-Income Housing. A State Law Keeps the Details Secret. by Rob Davis Co-published with Oregon Public Broadcasting and The Oregonian/OregonLive August 21, 2026, 5:00 am

Oregon Is Spending More Than Ever on Low-Income Housing. A State Law Keeps the Details Secret. The state has given developers an unprecedented $1.4 billion, and the cost of developing each subsidized apartment has nearly doubled. But, thanks to a carve-out in its public records law, Oregon doesn’t have to provide the details of that spending. by Rob Davis Co-published with Oregon Public Broadcasting and The Oregonian/OregonLive August 21, 2026, 5:00 am https://www.propublica.org/article/oregon-affordable-housing-cost-secrecy?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=majorinvestigations&utm_content=secondary Oregon Is Spending More Than Ever on Low-Income Housing. A State Law Keeps the Details Secret. Oregon’s spending on low-income housing has exploded in the past five years. The state has given developers an unprecedented $1.4 billion, and the cost of developing each apartment has nearly doubled, to $540,000. But the public isn’t allowed to see the details of how all these dollars are being spent because Oregon is one of the only states in the U.S. with a carve-out in its public records law that prevents disclosing the financial details of subsidized housing projects. The issue is especially pressing in the Pacific Northwest, where leaders have tied the lack of affordable housing to the region’s dire homelessness crisis. Despite all of Oregon’s spending on housing, its homeless population continues to grow. Understanding and controlling construction costs could make it possible to, with the same amount of money, either build more rent-restricted apartments or discount rents more steeply. In other states, researchers and journalists have used developers’ financial records to investigate spiraling costs of subsidized housing. The state housing agency’s director said in a statement that she’s committed to transparency, but that she also takes seriously the agency’s responsibility to comply with the state records law that exempts housing financials from public disclosure. Asked whether she supported the exemption and thought it necessary, she said: “The cost of construction is a topic of growing interest. We will take your request under consideration as we assess ways to proactively share construction costs so that they are more readily available to the public.”

His Research on Pregnant Opioid Users Was Widely Celebrated. Auditors and Experts Found Major Flaws. by Amy Yurkanin August 24, 2026, 6:00 am

His Research on Pregnant Opioid Users Was Widely Celebrated. Auditors and Experts Found Major Flaws. by Amy Yurkanin August 24, 2026, 6:00 am His Research on Pregnant Opioid Users Was Widely Celebrated. Auditors and Experts Found Major Flaws. https://www.propublica.org/article/craig-towers-knoxville-tennessee-newborn-withdrawal-study?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=majorinvestigations&utm_content=secondary Dr. Craig Towers was hailed as a hero for his research on detoxing pregnant opioid users. After he published a study that found naltrexone could help patients stay off drugs, addiction specialists started asking if his work was too good to be true. Eight addiction and pregnancy specialists raised concerns about Towers’ study in a 2020 letter to his employer, the University of Tennessee. A university audit found that Towers had failed to get university approval for the study, that he provided “inaccurate and/or unverifiable, contradictory source documentation” for a component of the study and that he did not provide research databases or data analysis as requested. Auditors also were unable to determine the extent to which he protected confidential patient health information. In 2023, the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the journal that published the research, published a 78-word correction stating that the study had been improperly listed as a “prospective,” a rigorous type of research that follows patients in real time. We shared Towers’ study, the university’s audit and the journal’s correction with five experts on research ethics and substance abuse during pregnancy. All of them said that the documents raised major concerns about Towers’ conduct as a researcher and that the journal’s response didn’t do enough to address the issues the university unearthed. Elsevier, the company that publishes AJOG, disputed the experts’ assessment and said in a statement: “We uphold the highest standards of rigor and ethics in our publishing to protect the quality and integrity of research.” Towers told us the audit had reached erroneous conclusions, the auditors did not give him the opportunity to fully defend his work and the fact that the journal hasn’t retracted the study is proof that his research is sound. Towers said he stands by naltrexone as a treatment option: “I believe it is crucial in medicine to revisit old assumptions and consider all options.”

They Rebuilt After Texas’ Devastating Floods. Then Their Home Flooded Again. by Emily Foxhall, The Texas Tribune Co-published with The Texas Tribune August 24, 2026, 5:00 am

They Rebuilt After Texas’ Devastating Floods. Then Their Home Flooded Again. Texas lawmakers repeatedly failed to take action that could have protected residents in flood-prone areas. That’s left Kerr County residents with difficult choices after two straight summers of flooding. by Emily Foxhall, The Texas Tribune Co-published with The Texas Tribune August 24, 2026, 5:00 am https://www.propublica.org/article/texas-flooding-2026-kerr-county?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=majorinvestigations&utm_content=river

Missouri Republicans Are Trying to Repeal Abortion Rights by Leaning Into Anti-Trans Sentiment by Jeremy Kohler August 21, 2026, 6:00 am

Missouri Republicans Are Trying to Repeal Abortion Rights by Leaning Into Anti-Trans Sentiment Two years after falsely linking reproductive rights to gender transition care for minors, GOP lawmakers have packaged the two issues into one amendment in an effort to strip away the right to abortion. by Jeremy Kohler August 21, 2026, 6:00 am

Macro Poverty Outlook Country-by-country analysis and projections for the developing world

https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/macro-poverty-outlook The Macro Poverty Outlook (MPO) analyzes macroeconomic and poverty developments in 150 developing countries. The report is released twice annually for the Spring and Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. The MPO consists of individual country notes that provide an overview of recent developments, forecasts of major macroeconomic variables and poverty during 2026-2028, and a discussion of critical challenges for economic growth, macroeconomic stability, and poverty reduction moving forward.