Norway’s King Harald in ‘extremely serious’ condition, palace says
Norway’s palace says King Harald is in an extremely serious condition after being hospitalized in Oslo since August 17 with a blood disease.
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At least 22 dead, hundreds missing after Nepal–Tibet border floods
Flash floods and a mudslide along the Nepal–Tibet border have killed at least 22 people, left hundreds missing and damaged homes, roads, bridges and hydropower facilities.
Fourteen newborns die in fire at Islamabad’s largest state hospital
A fire in the maternity ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences killed 14 newborn babies on August 26, 2026, while one infant was rescued, hospital authorities said.
US pauses immigrant visa processing during consular training overhaul
The US State Department has paused immigrant visa processing at embassies and consulates while officers receive updated training on evaluating whether applicants may rely on public assistance.
Syrian Democratic Forces announce dissolution and army integration
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces said on August 25 they would dissolve as an independent force and integrate with Syria’s army under an agreement with Damascus.
Nigeria launches operation to rescue about 600 abducted people
President Bola Tinubu announced a rescue operation on August 25 after residents reported that about 600 people, including women and children, were abducted in Niger State.
NHS England opens home HPV testing to millions overdue for cervical screening
Women aged 30 to 65 in England who have missed cervical screening can order free home HPV testing kits as the NHS seeks to improve participation.
Europe records at least 35,000 excess deaths during successive 2026 heatwaves
Provisional figures from about half of Europe show at least 35,000 more deaths than expected during four successive heatwaves, with the final toll likely to rise.