THE REGISTER

Today's stories

More from today's coverage, told in the same calm voice.

1. Indiana Flooding Kills Five, Trump Approves Emergency Declaration

   At least five people have died in Indiana following the worst flooding the state has seen in more than 30 years. President Trump approved a federal emergency declaration, allowing Indiana to access disaster aid. More than 40,000 utility customers lost power, and dozens of flights were cancelled as floodwaters spread across the region.

   "At least five people dead in Indiana amid worst flooding in over 30 years, officials say."

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2. Qatar Denies Holding Iranian Military Pilots

   Qatar's government has formally rejected Iranian claims that it is detaining pilots from downed Iranian aircraft, calling the allegations misleading. One Iranian pilot, Majid Kazemi, is confirmed dead, while the status of three others remains disputed. Doha issued the denial amid active diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions, describing the timing of Tehran's statements as surprising. Iran has not withdrawn its account of events.

   "We are surprised by these misleading statements at this particular time, amid the ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions in the region."

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3. Indonesia earthquake kills dozens, displaces thousands

   A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia in August 2026, killing at least 51 people and displacing more than 5,000 residents. The National Disaster Management Agency reported over 900 homes and hundreds of other buildings severely damaged, with 341 aftershocks following the initial quake. Rescue teams continued searching for survivors as authorities worked to shelter those left without homes.

   "More than 900 homes and hundreds of other buildings were damaged severely by the quake and 341 aftershocks."

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4. Moroccan Police Detain Over 100 Near Ceuta

   Moroccan security forces arrested more than 100 people attempting to cross into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta on 15 August 2026. The operation took place at the Fnideq border zone, two weeks after a mass crossing on 30 July in which at least 96 people were killed. That earlier surge brought more than 72,000 migrants into Ceuta and left around 5,000 still stranded there. The events have sharpened political tensions within the EU and given fresh momentum to far-right parties in several countries.

   "The attempted crossing came two weeks after more than 72,000 migrants surged into Ceuta, causing tensions within the EU and prompting anti-immigration rhetoric among far-right parties worldwide."

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5. Belgium's Largest Wildfire Forces 600 Evacuations

   A wildfire in the High Fens region of eastern Belgium has prompted authorities to evacuate around 600 residents from the villages of Waimes, Sourbrodt and Buetgenbach. Shifting winds and heavy smoke raised concerns the fire could reach homes. Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin and Wallonia regional authorities coordinated firefighting resources and the evacuation orders. The blaze is the largest on record in Belgium.

   "Shifting winds and heavy smoke raised concerns that the fire could reach homes."

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6. Colombia requests US tariff relief after deadly earthquake

   Colombian President Gustavo Petro has asked the Trump administration to suspend tariffs on Colombian goods as the country begins rebuilding after an earthquake that killed nearly 300 people and destroyed around 13,000 homes. Petro framed the request around the compounding burden of reconstruction costs on top of what he described as an already severe economic situation. The White House has not yet indicated whether it will grant the suspension.

   "We have a huge challenge ahead: rebuilding Colombia amid the extremely difficult and apocalyptic economic situation that I inherited."

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7. Cambridge Professor Jason Arday Dies at 41

   Jason Arday, a professor at the University of Cambridge and one of the youngest Black academics to hold such a post in the institution's history, has died. His family said a sustained campaign of misinformation directed at him had become unbearable. The Prime Minister described the loss as a tragedy on multiple levels. Arday had been a prominent voice on race and inequality in higher education.

   "His family said a campaign of misinformation had been too much for him."

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8. Why is the latest Ebola outbreak worsening?

   It is spreading faster than any previous outbreak, outpacing efforts to contain it, says the World Health Organization.

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9. NATO jet downs Russian drone over Romania

   A Russian drone crossed into Romanian airspace and was intercepted by a NATO aircraft, marking another incursion along the 634-kilometre border Romania shares with Ukraine. Separately, Russian strikes on Kryvyi Rig and Kyiv killed at least one woman and wounded ten others. The incidents reflect an ongoing pattern of Russian bombardment that has repeatedly spilled into NATO-adjacent territory.

   "Romania has repeatedly seen Russian drones breaching its airspace as Moscow escalates its bombing campaign against Ukrainian civilian and military infrastructure."

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10. UK Energy Bills Rise 13% Under New Cap

    Ofgem, the UK energy regulator, raised the household price cap by 13% in July 2026, adding fresh pressure to household budgets already strained by broader cost of living increases. The rise threatens to push more families into fuel poverty and may complicate Bank of England decisions on interest rates. Consumer groups say lower-income households will feel the impact most sharply.

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