The time is 17:00 (UTC) on August 18th, 2006, and this is Audio Wikinews News Briefs.
North Korea
In the wake of last month's floods North Korea has agreed to accept aid from South Korean donors as well as international organisations. 
Citing unnamed senior military and State Department officials, ABC News says that there is new evidence that North Korea is planning an underground nuclear test bombing. The intelligence is based on "suspicious vehicle movement" as observed from either a spy satellite or a U-2 spy plane.
Chechnya
A younger brother of Chechen warlord Doku Umarov is the latest of around 120 rebels whom have surrendered in the Russian republic Chechnya alone since an amnesty was declared following last month's killing of rebel leader Shamil Basayev.
Canada
The funeral for the Canadian soldier Jeffrey Walsh was in Regina. The Regina soldier died August 9, after he was wounded by another Canadian soldier's accidental discharge with a weapon near Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Greenland
The Danish government has invited a group of influential American politicians to Greenland, for them to witness with their own eyes the consequences of climate change on the arctic ice.
Egypt
Nearing the one year anniversary of the publication of twelve controversial editorial cartoons depicting Muhammad in a Danish newspaper, a leading authority of the Sunni Islam has demanded that the newspaper be shut down.
Ireland
Irish firm Steorn has placed an advertisement in The Economist magazine asking for 12 scientists to test their "free energy" invention.
The Dublin based firm, founded in 2000, says it has developed technology that takes a small amount of mechanical energy and returns a bigger amount, using magnetic fields.
New Zealand
Two New Zealand men have been convicted of running an illegal mobile text based competition after 27 winners did not receive the car prizes.  
Canada
The province of Nova Scotia has agreed to set aside 300 acres in Cape Breton for the country's first orbital launch facility, the Toronto Star reported Wednesday.
United States
Web.com has released its second quarter financial results, and associated statements - it's clear that the company has experienced both the ups and downs of executing on its goals.
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Wikinews:Briefs/August 18, 2006