Taiwan kicks off annual military drills to counter a potential Chinese attack

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) – Taiwan kicked off annual military exercises Wednesday aimed at simulating a response to a potential Chinese invasion of the self-governed island Beijing claims as its own. The live-fire exercises will test the Taiwanese army’s ability to sustain 24-hour defense operations as well as counter China’s “gray-zone tactics.”

Ebola outbreak is outpacing response as aid workers strike over pay

KINSHASA, Congo (AP) – The world’s fastest-growing Ebola outbreak is spreading faster than efforts to fight it, the head of the World Health Organization said on Wednesday during a visit to Congo where some health workers are striking over a lack of pay.

Child malnutrition is at critical level, cuts in funding will halt food aid in Afghanistan

WFP says child malnutrition is at critical level, cuts in funding will halt food aid in Afghanistan

Editorials from The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Guardian and others

Editorials from The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Guardian and others

Tibetans hope to preserve language and customs despite China's new law

LHASA, Tibet (AP) – Kalsang Lhamo traces a series of vertical strokes, slow but firm, practicing Tibetan calligraphy. A 73-year-old retired nurse, she has spoken Tibetan all her life but never learned to write it. Now, in classes at a center for older adults, she immerses herself in the script.

Australian airline Jetstar charges passengers to use overhead lockers

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) – For passengers on the budget Australian airline Jetstar, the days of cramming your bag into an overhead locker already full of your seatmates’ full-sized suitcases are coming to an end, but there’s a catch. The carrier will charge passengers for stowing carry-on bags in the overhead compartments, beginning in February 2027.

Today in History: August 5, Nelson Mandela arrested

Today is Wednesday, Aug. 5, the 217th day of 2026. There are 148 days left in the year. Today in history: On Aug. 5, 1962, South African anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela was arrested on charges of leaving the country without a valid passport and inciting workers to strike; it was the beginning of 27 years of imprisonment.

El-Sayed stresses unity as he accepts Michigan Democratic Senate nominee

El-Sayed stresses unity as he accepts Michigan Democratic Senate nominee

The Trump Report: Latest Updates

In negotiations with Republican senators whose support he needs to be confirmed as attorney general, Todd Blanche formally rescinded a $1.8 billion fund meant to compensate President Donald Trump’s political allies. But a sweeping audit immunity plan conferred on the president, his sons and the Trump Organization remains in place.