Arrivals resume at Sicily's Catania airport after Etna eruption
Rome: The airport at Catania in Sicily, a top Italian tourist destination, reopened late Saturday afternoon after suspending arrivals when an eruption at nearby Mount Etna spewed volcanic ash. "Following the downgrade of the volcanic activity alert level from RED to ORANGE, the resumption of flight»»»
Lise Klaveness, the Norwegian thorn in Infantino’s side
OSLO: A rare woman in the top echelons of football, the head of Norway’s federation Lise Klaveness has been a thorn in FIFA’s side for years. Now, some would gladly see her take over the leadership of football’s international governing body from Gianni Infantino. The 45-year-old lawyer and former f»»»
Lebanon detains Assad-era general and weighs his handover to Syria over alleged crimes
BEIRUT: Lebanese authorities detained a former senior Syrian military officer who commanded an army division under ousted President Bashar Assad and might hand him over to Damascus on alleged crimes that he committed, Lebanese judicial and security officials said Saturday. After the fall of Assad’s»»»
Senate passes stopgap funding bill to last through November elections - UPI.com
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, departs Senate Republican luncheons on Thursday. Collins on Sunday touted the Senate bill to fund the government through November. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Aug. 8 (UPI) -- The U.S. Senate passed a stopgap funding bill Saturday that would fund the governm»»»
Fijian rugby player Saimoni Vunilagi, 26, dies after suspected heatstroke at training in Japan
FUKUOKA, Japan: Fijian rugby player Saimoni Vunilagi has died of suspected heatstroke after a training session in Japan. He was 26. His death was announced on Saturday by his team, Kyushu Electric Power Kyuden Voltex — known as Kyushu KV. The Japanese second-division club said Vunilagi died Friday »»»
World Snooker Tour China Open begins with 12 Chinese players in record main draw
Taiyuan, China: The 2026 World Snooker Tour China Open began Saturday at Taiyuan Binhe Sports Center in north China's Shanxi Province, with a record 12 Chinese players among the 32 competitors in the main draw, which features all of the world's top 16-ranked players. China's Liu Linhao and Wu Sheng»»»
Got a high-paying UAE job offer? MOHRE warns job seekers to check it before accepting
UAE job seekers warned about fake offers and recruitment scams The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has warned job seekers in the UAE and abroad about fake job offers and recruitment scams. Scammers may promise high salaries, immediate hiring and fast recruitment, but then ask »»»
Saudi Arabia tops International Nuclear Science Olympiad with four medals
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia emerged as the top-performing nation at the International Nuclear Science Olympiad, securing first place and the title of “Nuclear Science Ambassador,” as four members of the Kingdom’s team won international medals at the competition’s third edition. The event, held at King Abd»»»
Colombia shifts right as de la Espriella assumes presidency with hardline security and economic pledges
New right-wing Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn into office on Friday, vowing in his inaugural address to launch a fierce crackdown on drug trafficking, end peace talks with armed groups, and implement strict austerity measures to restore economic confidence. De la Espriella, »»»
Brighton send Argentinian midfielder Facundo Buonanotte on loan to Spanish club Elche
ELCHE, Spain: Brighton midfielder Facundo Buonanotte will play for Spanish team Elche this season in what is the Argentinian playmaker’s fourth loan spell since joining the Premier League club in January 2023. The 21-year-old Buonanotte, who signed with Brighton from Rosario Central, was loaned to »»»
Senate confirms Todd Blanche as new attorney general - UPI.com
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche speeks during a press conference on the department's efforts to investigate the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion, a cartel based in Mexico, at the Department of Justice headquarters on Wednesday. On Saturday, Blanche was confirmed as attorney general by the Senat»»»
Fidesz attacks Tisza’s presidential nominee
The Fidesz parliamentary group leader has launched a sharp attack on András Baka, the former president of Hungary’s Supreme Court, after the Tisza Party nominated him as the country’s next president. János Bóka said on Saturday that Fidesz considers the election of a new head of state illegitimate,»»»
US-Iran conflict: What UAE residents need to know this evening (August 8)
The Strait of Hormuz remains the primary source of concern as Iran and Oman negotiate a temporary shipping deal, while an ADNOC vessel is targeted by a missile strike and US forces intensify a blockade surrounding Iranian ports. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reiterated that Tehran is open»»»
Large Crowds Rally in Germany's Plauen to Protest Against Merz - Reports
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - A large-scale demonstration against German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his policies took place in the eastern German city of Plauen on Saturday, the DPA news agency reported. Demonstrators reportedly demanded the resignation of the German government, a snap election, lower elec»»»
US Senate narrowly confirms Trump loyalist Todd Blanche as attorney general
The US Senate on Saturday voted 50-49 to confirm President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer Todd Blanche as the country's attorney general. Blanche was serving as the top US law enforcement officer in an acting capacity after Trump fired another loyalist, Pam Bondi. His confirmation caps one o»»»
India’s tourism industry eyes Saudi arrivals with Riyadh Air’s new Mumbai route
NEW DELHI: India’s tourism players are expecting a boost in premium and business travel from Saudi Arabia, following the launch of Riyadh Air’s daily flights to Mumbai. Riyadh Air started operating flights between the Saudi capital and Mumbai on Tuesday, marking the airline’s first Indian route and»»»
Trump’s former lawyer Todd Blanche confirmed as US attorney general
Washington: The US Senate confirmed President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer Todd Blanche as attorney general early Saturday after Republican lawmakers shrugged off Democratic concerns over politicization of the Department of Justice. Blanche, who has already been serving as the top US law e»»»
PIE: in 2025 nearly 30% of SMEs did not implement AI
Nearly 30% of Polish SMEs failed to adopt artificial intelligence in 2025 because employees lacked the necessary skills, according to the Polish Economic Institute. Only 7% of Polish SMEs use AI, compared with an EU average of 35%, placing Poland near the bottom of the bloc. The institute says weak»»»
Philippines, GCC to open more clinics for Gulf-bound workers
MANILA: The Philippines and the Gulf Cooperation Council are in talks to open more accredited medical centers and clinics in the Southeast Asian country, as they seek to improve health screening for Filipino workers headed for the Gulf. More than a million Filipino nationals are living and working »»»
BREAKING: Tisza announces its nominee for Hungary’s next president
Hungary’s ruling Tisza Party has nominated András Baka, the former president of the country’s Supreme Court, as its candidate for President of the Republic. The party’s parliamentary group made the decision in a secret vote on Saturday, selecting the 73-year-old legal scholar from three potential c»»»
US Senate confirms Trump’s ex lawyer as attorney general
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer Todd Blanche was confirmed as US attorney general on Saturday after Senate Republicans shrugged off Democratic concerns over politicization of the Justice Department. Blanche, who has already been serving as the top US law enforcement offi»»»
Trump vows appeal over ballroom halt
More headaches for US President Donald Trump over his planned White House ballroom: a federal appeals court has ruled that the administration must halt the $400 million construction project, saying it has not been approved by Congress. The ruling follows a challenge by the National Trust for Histor»»»
Syria revises bus blast toll to 14 injured, no dead
Syria's Health Ministry said Friday that 14 people were wounded, three of them critically, but that there were no fatalities in the explosion of a minivan taxi a day earlier in a Damascus suburb. The Health Ministry had said Thursday night that two people were killed in the blast. In a statement Fr»»»
EU’s hidden food border inspectors get busier in an era of expanding trade
First published in Respekt. Europe is opening new trade routes and strengthening its system for controlling imported food. We went directly to Antwerp to see how it is done. “Once we found a frozen dog in a container from China. That was strange, because importing frozen dogs into the EU is not all»»»
CNN: Top US Military Leaders Seek Face-Saving Exit from Iran War
Senior US military leaders are actively seeking a face-saving way out of the six-month-long war with Iran, according to a CNN report citing informed sources. The network stated that in recent weeks, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Keane has made it clear in private conversations with othe»»»
UAE men add five more medals to Jiu-Jitsu World Championship tally
ABU DHABI: The UAE Jiu-Jitsu National Team continued its strong performances at the 2026 Jiu-Jitsu World Championship by winning three gold and two silver medals in the Adult men’s competition on Friday at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi. The latest results take the national team’s overall tally at the»»»
US senate confirms Todd Blanche for attorney general
Washington, United States: President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer Todd Blanche was confirmed as US attorney general on Saturday. Blanche, who has already been serving as the top US law enforcement officer in an acting capacity, represented Trump as his private attorney in several criminal »»»
Startup wrap — Saudi Arabia leads MENA investments in July
RIYADH: Startups operating in the Middle East and North Africa region raised $172.6 million across 45 deals in July, a monthly increase of 16 percent. According to Wamda data, Saudi Arabia regained the top spot in July after ranking outside the lead for the entire first half of the year, with start»»»
India wary of potential 100% US tariffs over Russian oil
PoliticsIndiaIndia wary of potential 100% US tariffs over Russian oilMidhat Fatimah with AP, AFP, Reuters, dpaThe US Senate passed a Russian sanctions bill that could result in tariffs on India, as a major Russian oil consumer. Follow DW for more. https://p.dw.com/p/5IU6fIndian exporters are faced »»»
Don't be fooled by discounts: Dubai shares shopping tips for parents
Dubai: The Dubai Consumer Protection Department has intensified inspection campaigns across retail outlets, markets and shopping centres as back-to-school promotions get under way, aiming to ensure compliance with promotional regulations, price transparency and consumer rights. Ahmad Ahli, Acting D»»»
Iran bets Strait of Hormuz leverage will force US to yield
Washington: The Strait of Hormuz is, by some accounts, named for a Zoroastrian deity destined to emerge victorious after a 9,000-year standoff with an adversary. Iran's leaders feel their own victory is at hand and won't require the same epic patience. They are betting that military pressure will u»»»
Civil Service Bureau concludes participation in ‘My Career, My Future’ programme
DOHA: The Civil Service and Government Development Bureau concluded its participation as a strategic partner in the eighth edition of the 'My Career, My Future' programme, organised by the Qatar Career Development Center from August 2 to 6. The programme was held in the presence of HE Dr Abdulaziz »»»
Duke Law discriminated by race, DOJ claims
Duke University School of Law has largely disregarded the US Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action and continued to discriminate against white and Asian applicants, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) has alleged. In 2023, the Supreme Court issued a landmark decision in cases brought by Stude»»»
Musk blocks Ukraine from using Starlink for deep strikes in Russia
Elon Musk has refused to allow Ukraine to use his Starlink satellite internet service to guide drone strikes deep inside Russian territory, The Atlantic reported on Friday, citing two close allies of former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov. According to the publication, Fedorov, a tech-sa»»»
Bangladesh crash to heavy defeat ahead of Australia Tests
Darwin, Australia: Bangladesh folded for just 54 Saturday to lose their only warm-up game ahead of a two-Test series against top-ranked Australia by an innings and 38 runs. The tourists were skittled by young quick Campbell Thompson, who claimed a stunning 8-25 off 11 overs as a Cricket Australia X»»»
UAE holiday, free Oman visa, Salman Khan, BTS and more: Top 10 stories you missed this week
It has been a busy week for headlines across the region and beyond. UAE residents can look forward to an upcoming three-day weekend, while Oman opens its doors wider with a free 14-day visa. In local news, a tragic gas cylinder blast in Dubai drew emergency responses, while travel rules take centre»»»
Why the United States keeps losing wars
If you are American, then you might be getting damn tired of losing wars. I know I am. And you may be asking yourself, “Why does this keep happening?” It’s an intriguing and disheartening puzzle: Although the United States has been far-and-away the world’s most powerful country for many decades, wi»»»
What to know about Trump's new attempt to limit birthright citizenship
The Trump administration is once again trying to limit who can become an American, with a pair of executive orders issued this week that attempt to place restrictions on birthright citizenship and on foreigners who give birth in the US. A Supreme Court decision in June struck down a previous attemp»»»
US General Caine warns Trump advisers airpower won't defeat Iran, seeks off-ramp as weapon stockpiles dwindle: Report
Washington, DC: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Dan Caine has spent recent weeks privately advising top US President Donald Trump administration officials that the United States must seek an "off-ramp" from the conflict with Iran. Citing sources familiar with the matter, CNN reported that Cain»»»
Rybakina advances while Andreeva exits at Toronto
Toronto, Canada: Reigning Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina advanced to the fourth round of the WTA Toronto Masters on Friday while French Open winner Mirra Andreeva was eliminated by Canada's Leylah Fernandez. World number two Rybakina from Kazakhstan defeated American 28th seed Ann Li 6-2, »»»
Why is it a problem if Péter Magyar decides who can lead Hungary's public media?
Péter Magyar’s intervention in two public media appointments has caused debate over the independence of Hungary’s state broadcaster. The independence of Hungary’s public media has been one of the country’s most sensitive political issues ever since the democratic transition of 1989–90. Following th»»»
Entrepreneurs sue Bishkek City Hall over pavilion demolition - | 24.KG
Pavilion owners in Bishkek’s 12th microdistrict have filed lawsuits in the district court and with the prosecutor’s office, challenging the City Hall’s decision to dismantle their retail outlets. The entrepreneurs are currently awaiting the court’s decision. They also met with members of the Bishke»»»
Pentagon Suddenly Removes Top General Overseeing Ukraine Aid Coordination
Lieutenant General Charles Costanza, commander of the US Army's V Corps, has been relieved of his command just two months before his scheduled departure, ABC News reports. Costanza, who took command in April 2024, was responsible for overseeing US Army forces and coordinating operations across Euro»»»
'Our children are suffering': Sri Lankan mother in UAE appeals for help as debt crisis and legal troubles tear family apart
Dubai: "The only reason why I have not given up and still have hope is because of my children," said Raziya Razick, a Sri Lankan expatriate who has called the UAE home for the past decade. Razick and her family are grappling with legal dues, the result of a series of setbacks that began when she lo»»»
Justice Alito confirms he will return for another Supreme Court term - UPI.com
Justice Samuel Alito said he is committed to returning for another term at the Supreme Court. His retirement had been widely rumored after a mistaken NPR report. File Photo by Jacquelyn Martin/UPI | License Photo Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Justice Samuel Alito said Friday in a rare interview that he is commit»»»
Trump urges Pirro to 're-visit' D.C. reflecting pool vandalism cases - UPI.com
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro has been in hot water with President Donald Trump since admitting last week that damage to the pool was due to a "botched installation and not vandalism." Trump on Friday urged the prosecutor to "re-visit" her decision. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Aug. »»»
Firefighting helicopter crashes while responding to Utah wildfire - UPI.com
Brian Curtis, deputy managing director for investigations, speaks at a hearing at the National Transportation Safety Board, which is investigating a helicopter that crashed while responding to a wildfire in Utah. File Photo by Alex Wong/UPI | License Photo Aug. 7 (UPI) -- A firefighting helicopter »»»
Syria arrests eight in Damascus countryside kidnapping ring, seizes arms cache
DAMASCUS: Syria’s Internal Security Forces have arrested eight members of an organized kidnapping gang operating in the Damascus countryside, accused of abducting businesspeople, traders, and owners of commercial and industrial enterprises before extorting their families for ransom. The arrests fol»»»
U.S. Senate passes bill to impose new sanctions on Russia
Washington, Aug. 7 (SANA) The U.S. Senate on Friday passed a bill imposing new sanctions on Russia, primarily targeting its energy revenues, with broad bipartisan support, according to the Associated Press. The bill, approved by a vote of 86 to 11, aims to penalize countries that continue to purcha»»»
Judge blocks HUD move to change funding for homelessness programs - UPI.com
House and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner has criticized programs for prioritizing permanent housing solutions that apply the Housing First model, in which individuals are housed without preconditions. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Aug. 7 (UPI) -- A federal judge on Friday »»»