Istanbul (AFP) – A civilian cargo ship hoisting a Hong Kong flag arrives in Istanbul after departing from Ukraine. The Joseph Schulte is the first vessel to directly challenge Russia’s new bid to seal Ukraine’s access to the Black Sea since retreating from the grain agreement last month.
Hong Kong (AFP) – Workers in Hong Kong are struggling to cope with record-breaking temperatures as doubts linger over government-issued guidelines meant to reduce heat-related health risks.
Sydney (AFP) – The first captain of the Australian national women’s football team, Julie Dolan, reflects on the Matildas’ journey – from their first match, when they had to borrow kits from the men’s team, to playing in the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2023.
Bogotá (AFP) – A strong earthquake has struck the Colombian capital Bogota, the country’s geological services reported, setting off sirens and sparking brief panic on the streets. The epicenter of the 6.1-magnitude quake, which struck at 12:04 pm (1704 GMT), was located in El Calvario in the center of the country, and was followed by a 5.9-magnitude aftershock, the agency posted on social media. IMAGES
Guayaquil (Ecuador) (AFP) – Ecuadorian soldiers are deployed across the country to help safeguard a general election to be held on August 20. The South American nation has become a hub for the global drug trade, sparking corruption and brutal violence between gangs.
Ukraine (Ukraine) (AFP) – Images provided by the 59th Motorized Infantry Brigade of Armed Forces of Ukraine show soldiers within a US-made Humvee as it hits a land mine on the east Ukraine frontline. The crew reportedly did not sustain any serious injuries. Ukraine launched its counteroffensive in June, but has acknowledged tough battles as it struggles to break through heavily fortified Russian positions.
Lahaina (United States) (AFP) – “The ocean did literally save my life.” When Annelise Cochran suddenly found herself surrounded by flames in Hawaii’s Lahaina, she had no other solution but to jump into the ocean. The catastrophic wildfire left almost 100 dead and more than 1,000 missing.
Sydney (AFP) – Players from the Spanish national football team train at the Leichhardt Oval stadium in Sydney, days ahead of the Women’s World Cup final against England, to be played on August 20. Spain secured their place in the final after beating Sweden 2-1.
Madurai (India) (AFP) – Everywhere you turn in India’s ancient temple town Madurai, the heady and fragrant smell of jasmine fills the air, a reminder of its symbolism of love in Hinduism. But the delicate white flower, renowned for its longevity and fragrance in Madurai, also plays another role thousands of miles away — it is an essential ingredient in some of the world’s most recognisable perfumes, including J’adore by Dior and Mon Guerlain by Guerlain.
Unknown (AFP) – Brazilian footballer Neymar says he wants to “write history” after joining Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League on a two-year deal. “I am so excited and happy to be joining a new league… it’s a new experience and a new challenge,” the forward says in his first interview since his departure from Paris Saint-Germain.
