Herald section
The latest reporting from across the Belfast Herald news desks.
A new policy mandates Northern Ireland civil servants to work at least two days in the office from September, requiring 40% of weekly hours to be spent in designated workplaces. The change follows a formal consultation and affects over 24,000 staff across the Northern Ireland Civil Service.
Israeli forces launched a major aerial bombardment on Gaza City, resulting in 123 deaths across the Gaza Strip, as reports emerged of an imminent ground operation.
China and the United States extend their trade truce another 90 days to ease world tension after the international tariffs that went into effect after being signed on April 2.
A botulism outbreak in southern Italy kills three people and hospitalizes at least 17 others following the consumption of contaminated meat and vegetables in Diamante, Calabria, and Cagliari, Sardinia, a week prior.
A targeted Israeli strike near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City killed seven people, including five Al Jazeera journalists and prominent Palestinian reporter Anas Al-Sharif. The attack occurred at a tent housing journalists at the hospital's main gate.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Anchorage, Alaska, on 15 August 2025, to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. The meeting took place at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, a U.S. military installation.
Germany has suspended shipments of weapons that could be used in Gaza, citing Israel's planned military occupation of the territory. The move follows concerns over civilian harm and humanitarian access.