Niles

Sudan and Egypt have denied claims by Ethiopia that they are backing the Tigray opposition amid the conflict in northern Ethiopia. The two countries dismissed the accusations, which add to rising diplomatic tensions in the Horn of Africa and the Nile basin, where disputes already exist over water and border issues.

Sudan's army has rejected claims by Ethiopian officials that it is backing an anti-government coalition opposed to Ethiopia's federal authorities. The denial, reported by Sudan Tribune, comes amid already strained relations between Khartoum and Addis Ababa over border disputes and the Nile dam negotiations. The Sudanese military says it plays no role in Ethiopia's internal political conflicts.

The Sudanese army has seized dozens of motorcycles as part of a curfew imposed in Sudan's Blue Nile state. The impounding of the vehicles is part of enforcement measures in the region, though authorities have not detailed how long the curfew will last or what prompted the restrictions. Sudan remains deeply unstable amid the ongoing conflict between the army and the Rapid Support Forces.

The Sudanese army has impounded dozens of motorcycles in Blue Nile State after their riders were caught violating a curfew imposed in the area. The seizure is part of security measures enforced by the military in the state, and the story was picked up by international outlets, drawing attention to ongoing restrictions in the region.

Attention in the Netherlands is turning to the West Nile virus after reports that four Dutch people and numerous birds have already died from it. Regional outlet De Limburger asks whether the virus, until now mostly a concern elsewhere in the country, is now spreading toward the southern province of Limburg. The report notes there is no outbreak comparable to COVID-19, but questions remain about the role of blood banks and donation screening as the mosquito-borne virus moves westward.

Ethiopia has ordered the expulsion of an Egyptian diplomatic staff member, a move that comes as relations between the two countries continue to deteriorate. The dispute adds to long-standing friction between Cairo and Addis Ababa, centred on regional rivalries and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Observers say the expulsion signals a further cooling of diplomatic ties at a sensitive moment for the Horn of Africa and the Nile basin.

A multi-sectoral needs assessment has been published for White Nile State, Sudan, profiling humanitarian conditions across the state. Such assessments typically measure needs in areas like food, water, shelter and health to guide aid prioritisation. The report's release comes as Sudan's conflict continues to drive displacement and deepen shortages across the country, keeping attention on where assistance is most urgently required.

The African Union has urged Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt to refrain from any actions that could undermine stability in the Horn of Africa and the Nile region. The appeal comes amid ongoing tensions between the three countries, and the bloc's statement is being circulated by international news outlets as regional observers watch for further developments.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi said Egypt remains committed to a diplomatic solution over Ethiopia's Grand Renaissance Dam, but stressed that the country's water security is a red line that cannot be compromised. His remarks underline the ongoing tension between Cairo and Addis Ababa over the Nile dam, which Egypt sees as a threat to its freshwater supply.

US lawmakers are moving to phase out the penny, raising questions about whether Americans can still use the one-cent coin in everyday transactions. Discussion centres on what a 'penniless' future would mean for cash payments, pricing and the Treasury's minting costs, as Congress plots an end to penny production.

Ethiopian state media insist that diplomacy does not require Addis Ababa to seek Cairo's permission, a pointed statement in the ongoing dispute over Nile waters and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. The message frames Ethiopia's regional dealings as sovereign and independent, rejecting any Egyptian claim to veto Ethiopian projects or agreements with other Nile basin countries.

The village board of Niles, Illinois, has approved commissioning a feasibility study into building an indoor sports facility in the village. The move is a preliminary step: the study will examine whether such a facility is practical and worthwhile before any commitment to design or construction. Details on cost, location and timeline were not given.