*) Taliban close to forming new government in Afghanistan

Taliban is expected to announce a new government in Afghanistan. The announcement of a new administration could be made after Friday afternoon prayers, Taliban sources say. It's been almost three weeks since the group took control of the country, and many essential services and government institutions are still not functioning. The country faces an economic crisis as Qatar and Turkey try to restart operations at Kabul airport. *) State of emergency declared in New York and New Jersey

The northeast US has been hit by flash floods and a rising death toll, after record breaking rainfall from the remnants of Hurricane Ida.

At least 45 people are now known to have died in the northeastern United States after heavy rain caused by the remnants of the hurricane led to flash flooding.

The storm was the 5th worst in US history and President Joe Biden says the event's ferocity shows the climate crisis has arrived.

*) Japan PM Suga won't seek re-election after year in office

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshide Suga says he will not run for re-election in September, stepping down from leading the ruling LDP. Suga has been in office for a year - taking over from Shinzo Abe, who resigned due to health issues. Suga's support ratings have dropped as the nation struggles with rising Covid-19 infections. National elections are due in Japan in October. *) S.Korea says it is developing more powerful missiles to deter N.Korea

South Korea is reportedly in the final stages of developing a ballistic missile that can carry a warhead of up to 3 tonnes.

This comes as the country unveiled budget proposals aimed at bolstering its defences against North Korea.

The missile would be the latest in a tit-for-tat conventional missile race between the two Koreas that is set to accelerate after Seoul and Washington agreed to scrap all bilateral restrictions on missile development.

And finally...

*) ABBA back after 40 years with new album

And yes here they go again - the return of ABBA - after 40 years of one of the most successful pop groups of all time.

ABBA are finally set to unveil a new 10-song album and a virtual stage show. Abba Voyage will be released in November, before a 'revolutionary' set of concerts where they will be represented by holograms in a show.

The quartet - who split up in 1982 - said they ended up back in the recording studio while working on the stage show.