A secret Russian-funded network is attempting to disrupt upcoming democratic elections in an eastern European state, the BBC has found. Using an undercover reporter, we discovered the network promised to pay participants if they posted pro-Russian propaganda and fake news undermining Moldova's pro-EU ruling party ahead of the country's 28 September parliamentary ballot. Participants were paid to find supporters of Moldova's pro-Russia opposition to secretly record - and also to carry out a so-called poll. This was done in the name of a non-existent organisation, making it illegal. The results of this selective sampling, an organiser from the network suggested, could lay the groundwork to question the outcome of the election.

UN'gravely alarmed' by deteriorating situation in Sudan's el-Fasher The United Nations secretary-general has called for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan's Darfur region after a deadly drone attack on Friday killed more than 70 worshippers in el-Fasher, expressing "grave" alarm about the "rapidly deteriorating situation". "The fighting must stop now," Antonio Guterres said in a statement issued by his spokesperson on Saturday, urging the warring parties to engage in dialogue and provide humanitarian corridors, with the brutal civil war wracking the nation in its third year. El-Fasher, the capital of the North Darfur region, remains the government-backed Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and its allies' last major stronghold across Darfur. It has been under siege for more than a year by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which launched a renewed offensive to capture the city in recent weeks. Humanitarian organisations have raised alarm about growing hunger in the city as hundreds of thousands of people remain trapped without access to food, medicine and other essentials.

A thermometer displays 42 degrees Celsius in the city of Isesaki, Gunma Prefecture, on Aug. 5. | JIJI The Environment Ministry plans to step up efforts to prevent elderly people from suffering heatstroke indoors, including at home. It has requested ¥1 billion for related measures under the government's fiscal 2026 budget. The government has set a target of halving the average annual number of heatstroke deaths by 2030 from some 1,300 marked during the five years through 2022, but fatalities hit a record high above 2,000 in 2024. According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, 57.4% of people taken to hospital by ambulance due to heatstroke in May-September 2024 were aged 65 or older. Of the total cases, 38.0% occurred at houses, making up the largest share. While elderly people are at higher risk of heatstroke due to their declining thermoregulation and ability to sweat, some refrain from using air conditioners even on very hot days.

How is Russia replenishing its military? What is a'coalition of the willing'? How China forgot promises and'debts' to Ukraine How are Europe, the US pulling apart on Ukraine? Russian forces launched a large-scale missile and drone attack, targeting areas across Ukraine, killing at least three people and wounding dozens more, according to Ukrainian officials. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia launched 580 drones and 40 missiles, and that the attacks took place across nine regions, including Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv, Zaporizhia, Poltava, Kyiv, Odesa, Sumy and Kharkiv.

British fighter jets have conducted a Nato air defence mission over Poland as part of an allied response to Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace, the Ministry of Defence said. The RAF Typhoon jets were deployed over Poland on Friday night as part of the military alliance's mission to bolster its eastern flank. Tensions have escalated following repeated Russian violations of Nato members' airspace this month - with a drone detected over Romania and then warplanes in Estonia's airspace following the incursions into Poland. Russia has denied or downplayed the violations. Defence Secretary John Healey said the RAF flights sent a clear signal: Nato airspace will be defended.

Dutch police deployed water cannons and tear gas to disperse a protest in The Hague. The protesters were rallying for immigration restrictions and stricter policies for asylum seekers. AI creates new'memories' of Palestinians killed in Gaza Drone strike on mosque kills dozens in Sudan's el-Fasher Russia becoming'more dangerous', EU foreign affairs head warns

What does recognising a Palestinian state mean? AI creates new'memories' of Palestinians killed in Gaza NewsFeed AI creates new'memories' of Palestinians killed in Gaza People are using AI to create new'memories' of Palestinians killed by Israel in Gaza, generating touching images of them with their loved ones. Drone strike on mosque kills dozens in Sudan's el-Fasher Russia becoming'more dangerous', EU foreign affairs head warns

Amazon's Zoox robotaxi service offers free driverless rides to Las Vegas Strip locations including Resorts World, AREA15 and Topgolf as part of its public launch.

Notre-Dame's iconic towers reopen six years after fire The iconic Medieval towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris have reopened to the public, six years after a massive fire ravaged parts of the historical landmark and forced its closure. The central part of the cathedral was reopened in December 2024, but it has taken longer for Notre-Dame's twin towers to be accessible once again for visitors. A huge restoration project has taken place over the past few years to bring the cathedral back to its former glory after parts of it were substantially damaged during 2019's fire. French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday reopened the newly-restored towers to the public. The BBC's Russia editor, Steve Rosenberg, reports from joint manoeuvres by Russia and Belarus, as part of the Zapad 2025 (West 2025) military drills.

Wealthy enclave sees a spate of'dangerous' incidents that have left residents terrified Charlie Kirk suspect's trans lover had a flirty relationship with ANOTHER man: Family and friends reveal couple's sick web of darkness What IS causing your maddening itch, should you scratch it... and when do you need to see a doctor? Fury as beach town eyes becoming new Vegas: Thousands of residents fear'predatory' casino will erase history Jimmy Kimmel was just the start. America is undergoing a tectonic shift. And the liberal Left, sick beyond help, are totally unprepared for what's coming next: MAUREEN CALLAHAN The sick moment I knew the'Zombie Hunter' was the sadistic serial killer I was looking for William's had a rotten 18 months. Many have remarked he's appeared unusually sombre - and not just when standing next to Prince Andrew.