Fire crews combat the Little Fire in Northern California

A vegetation fire in Sunol Valley, known as the Little Fire, burned more than 1,000 acres but was about 40% contained by Wednesday morning. The fire began Tuesday afternoon near Little Valley Road and Hubbard Lane south of Pleasanton, prompting evacuation orders for several nearby communities. Authorities later lifted some evacuation orders as firefighters continued containment efforts, and no property damage was reported. A firefighter … Continue reading Fire crews combat the Little Fire in Northern California

Zelensky tasks new army chief with stepping up offensive operations

Ukraine’s new commander-in-chief, Mykhailo Drapatyi, said President Volodymyr Zelensky has directed him to intensify offensive operations and modernize the country’s armed forces. Drapatyi replaced Oleksandr Syrskyi after Zelensky dismissed him following days of public protests over recent military leadership changes. The leadership shake-up was sparked by the removal of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who was widely credited with advancing Ukraine’s drone warfare capabilities. Drapatyi … Continue reading Zelensky tasks new army chief with stepping up offensive operations

US attacks Iran for 11th consecutive night

The U.S. military said it carried out its 11th straight night of airstrikes against Iran, targeting military facilities to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. According to U.S. Central Command, the strikes hit operations centers, drone storage sites, aircraft hangars, maritime assets, and logistics infrastructure. Iranian media reported explosions near Tehran, Bushehr, Sirik, Tabriz, and parts of Khuzestan province, although … Continue reading US attacks Iran for 11th consecutive night

Hitler’s birthplace in Austria reopens as a police station to deter Nazi pilgrimages

Austria has officially opened Adolf Hitler’s birthplace in Braunau am Inn as a police station to prevent it from becoming a gathering place for Nazi sympathizers. The building was extensively renovated at a cost of about €20 million, while a memorial stone outside remains to honor the victims of fascism and the Holocaust. Austrian officials said the project reflects the country’s commitment to confronting its … Continue reading Hitler’s birthplace in Austria reopens as a police station to deter Nazi pilgrimages

France becomes first European Union country to ban social media for kids under 15

France has become the first European Union country to ban social media for children under 15 after lawmakers overwhelmingly approved the measure. Starting in September, children under 15 will be blocked from creating new accounts on platforms like TikTok and Snapchat, while existing accounts will be disabled in January 2027, alongside new age verification requirements. The law also bans high school students from using phones … Continue reading France becomes first European Union country to ban social media for kids under 15

Model scout for Jeffrey Epstein found dead at his home near Paris

Daniel Siad, a 69-year-old modeling scout accused of recruiting women for Jeffrey Epstein, was found dead at his home near Paris, and French authorities have opened an investigation into the cause of death. He was under investigation for rape and other charges related to alleged human trafficking and appeared in more than 1,000 documents from the recently declassified U.S. Department of Justice Epstein files. Prosecutors … Continue reading Model scout for Jeffrey Epstein found dead at his home near Paris

Artemis III will be NASA’s most complicated mission ever

NASA’s Artemis III mission is expected to be one of the most complex spaceflights ever attempted, testing key technology needed to return astronauts to the Moon. The mission will send four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft to rendezvous with two commercial lunar landers, SpaceX’s Starship and Blue Origin’s Blue Moon. The crew will test docking procedures, spacecraft systems, and equipment needed for future lunar landings. … Continue reading Artemis III will be NASA’s most complicated mission ever

Microsoft to fund Mistral’s European AI expansion in multibillion-dollar deal

Microsoft has agreed to invest billions of dollars in Mistral’s European AI computing infrastructure as part of a partnership to expand the French startup’s technology. The deal will allow Microsoft Azure customers to use Mistral’s data centers in France and access its AI models through Microsoft platforms. The partnership aims to provide European businesses with more control over AI infrastructure while still benefiting from U.S. … Continue reading Microsoft to fund Mistral’s European AI expansion in multibillion-dollar deal

Nebius stock surges 17% as Nvidia discloses significant stake in neocloud

Nebius shares jumped 17% after Nvidia revealed a 9.3% stake in the AI infrastructure company. The Amsterdam-based neocloud provider has become a major beneficiary of the artificial intelligence boom, with its stock rising nearly 250% over the past year. Nvidia and Nebius are partnering on AI infrastructure, including computing systems, data centers, and AI factory development. The company has also secured major agreements, including a … Continue reading Nebius stock surges 17% as Nvidia discloses significant stake in neocloud

Judge approves a $1.5B Anthropic settlement over pirated books used to train the Claude

A federal judge approved a $1.5 billion settlement requiring AI company Anthropic to compensate authors whose books were used without permission to train its Claude chatbot. More than 482,000 books are covered by the agreement, with authors and publishers receiving about $3,000 per claimed work. The settlement follows a ruling that found AI training itself may qualify as fair use, but Anthropic improperly obtained millions … Continue reading Judge approves a $1.5B Anthropic settlement over pirated books used to train the Claude

Ozempic-maker accuses rival of false advertising

Novo Nordisk, the maker of Wegovy and Ozempic, has sued rival Eli Lilly over claims that its advertising falsely suggests Lilly’s weight-loss drugs are more effective. The lawsuit alleges Eli Lilly used outdated comparisons that favored Mounjaro and Zepbound over lower doses of Novo Nordisk’s treatments while leaving out newer data. Eli Lilly denied the accusations, saying its advertising is accurate, transparent, and based on … Continue reading Ozempic-maker accuses rival of false advertising

Republicans push back as Mamdani mulls Netanyahu arrest during NYC visit

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced criticism from President Trump and Republican leaders after saying the city was exploring legal options to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits. Mamdani cited an International Criminal Court warrant accusing Netanyahu of war crimes and said his administration would follow applicable laws. Trump and other Republicans argued Netanyahu would not be arrested in the U.S., … Continue reading Republicans push back as Mamdani mulls Netanyahu arrest during NYC visit

Trump imposes 50% tariffs on Canadian goods

President Donald Trump announced 50% tariffs on most Canadian goods, accusing Canada of unfair trade practices involving automobiles, alcohol, and dairy products. The tariffs are expected to take effect in 30 days and could increase economic tensions between the two closely linked countries. Some goods, including energy products, potash, fish, and critical minerals, will be exempt from the new duties. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney … Continue reading Trump imposes 50% tariffs on Canadian goods

House Democrat: Trump not sharing Iran war casualty statistics with Congress

Rep. Adam Smith accused President Trump and the Pentagon of withholding casualty and equipment loss information from Congress during the ongoing conflict with Iran. The House Armed Services Committee member said the lack of transparency is alarming, especially after three U.S. service members were killed and dozens more injured in recent attacks. The Pentagon confirmed the deaths of several troops and said nearly 100 service … Continue reading House Democrat: Trump not sharing Iran war casualty statistics with Congress

Italy’s Meloni calls for ‘truth’ on arrest death, condemns clashes

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for a full investigation into the death of Abderrahim Fakir, who died during a police arrest in Bologna. Video of the incident showing Fakir restrained by officers and saying he could not breathe has sparked debate over police use of force. Meloni also condemned violent protests that followed the death, where dozens of police officers were injured during clashes … Continue reading Italy’s Meloni calls for ‘truth’ on arrest death, condemns clashes

Andy Burnham becomes 7th British prime minister in a decade

Andy Burnham became the new British prime minister after Keir Starmer stepped down following political setbacks and declining support. The Labour leader promised major reforms, including a 10-year plan to address the cost-of-living crisis, improve public services, and reduce homelessness. Burnham reshuffled the Cabinet, bringing in new ministers while moving some of Starmer’s allies out of key roles. He faces major challenges, including economic struggles, … Continue reading Andy Burnham becomes 7th British prime minister in a decade

Mexican drug lord ‘El Mayo’ sentenced to life in prison in US federal court

Mexican drug kingpin Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada García was sentenced to life in prison in a U.S. federal court after pleading guilty to leading the Sinaloa cartel and trafficking massive amounts of drugs. The 76-year-old co-founder of the cartel also agreed to forfeit $15 billion in illegal profits as part of his punishment. Zambada accepted responsibility for his crimes and called for an end to … Continue reading Mexican drug lord ‘El Mayo’ sentenced to life in prison in US federal court

Sausalito leaders to discuss city manager’s job after arrest, charges

Sausalito officials are reviewing City Manager Elaine Forbes’ position after she was arrested on suspicion of burglary-related charges while on leave from her job. Forbes, 53, was accused of staying on two boats at the Sausalito Yacht Harbor without permission and faces misdemeanor charges including prowling, unauthorized lodging, and petty theft. The City Council held a closed session to discuss her job performance and possible … Continue reading Sausalito leaders to discuss city manager’s job after arrest, charges

Fleeing suspect captured after wild Range Rover chase across Los Angeles County

A suspect was arrested Tuesday morning after leading California Highway Patrol officers on a high-speed chase through Los Angeles County. The pursuit began when Santa Monica police attempted to detain the driver of a Range Rover allegedly connected to a recent road rage incident. The suspect fled onto freeways and surface streets, reaching speeds over 100 mph while driving dangerously through traffic. The chase ended … Continue reading Fleeing suspect captured after wild Range Rover chase across Los Angeles County

Father, son charged with kidnapping 2 U.S. Forest Service biologists at gunpoint

A father and son have been charged with kidnapping two federal biologists at gunpoint in Northern California’s Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Prosecutors allege Joseph Henrichsen, 49, used an AR-15-style rifle to restrain the Forest Service employees while his 23-year-old son, Phoenix, assisted during the hourslong incident. The victims were held at a trailer and allegedly threatened before negotiators secured their release and the suspects surrendered. Authorities … Continue reading Father, son charged with kidnapping 2 U.S. Forest Service biologists at gunpoint

Army veteran allegedly lit fire outside federal building in lower Manhattan, FBI says

A former U.S. Army and National Guard servicemember was arrested after allegedly setting a fire and detonating fireworks outside a federal building in lower Manhattan that houses immigration courts and government offices. The suspect, 43-year-old Andrew Arrabaca, allegedly used gasoline and an incendiary device, injuring four people before being tackled by security. The FBI said Arrabaca was armed with multiple weapons, including axes, knives, a … Continue reading Army veteran allegedly lit fire outside federal building in lower Manhattan, FBI says

Ontario wildfires expand as smoke lingers in parts of the US

Wildfires in Ontario have expanded to more than 735,000 hectares, with 190 active fires forcing about 1,800 people to evacuate communities in the province’s northwest. Smoke from the fires has improved in southern Ontario but continues to cause unhealthy air quality across parts of the U.S. Midwest. The fires have also sparked political tensions after U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Canada’s wildfire response and threatened … Continue reading Ontario wildfires expand as smoke lingers in parts of the US

Ukraine fires 400 drones toward Moscow as Zelenskyy grapples with protests

Ukraine launched more than 400 drones toward Moscow in one of its largest attacks on the Russian capital, with Russian officials reporting multiple injuries and damage to buildings and infrastructure. The strike came just hours after Russia fired ballistic missiles at Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, continuing the escalating exchange of attacks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the drones targeted Russian logistics sites, an oil … Continue reading Ukraine fires 400 drones toward Moscow as Zelenskyy grapples with protests

Ann Widdecombe was hit on head 21 times with hammer, prosecutors say

Former British politician Ann Widdecombe was fatally attacked in her home, where prosecutors say she was struck 21 times with a hammer during a robbery. Authorities charged 28-year-old Joshua Kerry with murder after security footage allegedly captured the two-minute attack. Investigators are examining whether the killing was politically motivated or linked to terrorism, though no conclusion has been reached. Kerry has been remanded in custody … Continue reading Ann Widdecombe was hit on head 21 times with hammer, prosecutors say

Man stabs and wounds tourists near the Acropolis in Athens, Greece

A 60-year-old Greek man stabbed two Greek American tourists near the Acropolis in Athens in what police believe was a random attack. The victims, a 53-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to a hospital. Police arrested the suspect at the scene, and authorities said he may have been experiencing psychological problems. The Acropolis and nearby museum remained open, and … Continue reading Man stabs and wounds tourists near the Acropolis in Athens, Greece