Flights at Catania Airport in Sicily will remain suspended until early Saturday because of ash from Mount Etna’s ongoing volcanic activity. Hundreds of flights have been canceled or rerouted over the past week, disrupting thousands of travelers during the busy summer holiday season. The airport operator said arrivals would remain suspended until 2 a.m. local time on August 15 and advised passengers to check with … Continue reading Mount Etna eruption draws crowds as volcanic ash disrupts Sicily flights

Record-breaking rainfall flooded areas east of Tokyo overnight, killing at least five people, injuring more than 30 and stranding thousands across Chiba prefecture. Some areas received nearly four inches of rain in just one hour, causing widespread flooding, landslides, power outages and damage to homes, cars and railway tracks. About 4,000 stranded people were rescued from a train station, while hundreds of others sheltered at … Continue reading Record-breaking rain floods Chiba east of Tokyo, killing at least 5 people

NATO fighters shot down a drone over eastern Latvia on Friday after authorities said it entered the country’s airspace due to Russian electromagnetic warfare. The drone was destroyed in the Balvi region by aircraft participating in NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission. Finland also temporarily restricted airspace and a sea area as a precaution, although no drones entered Finnish territory. Latvia has experienced repeated drone incursions … Continue reading NATO aircraft shoot down drone over Latvia

A ferry caught fire in rough seas near Bali early Wednesday while traveling toward the neighboring island of Lombok. Rescuers evacuated 172 people from the vessel and recovered the body of a 19-year-old passenger, while at least two others were hospitalized. Officials initially said 131 people were aboard, but later discovered the ferry was carrying more passengers than listed on its manifest. The vessel was … Continue reading 1 dead, scores rescued from Indonesian ferry that caught fire in rough seas near Bali

North Korea launched a suspected ballistic missile toward the sea on Wednesday, according to Japan and South Korea. The missile reportedly landed in waters off North Korea’s east coast, marking the country’s second weapons launch in less than a week. The launch came just days before South Korea and the United States are scheduled to begin their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises. North Korea … Continue reading North Korea launches a suspected ballistic missile, Japan’s says

Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened retaliation after Western countries seized commercial vessels linked to Russia, calling the actions “piracy” and a violation of international law. He warned that Russia could respond anywhere it considers necessary, potentially including the Pacific. Russia’s Pacific Fleet says it is prepared to inspect and detain commercial ships connected to countries Moscow considers unfriendly. The West has targeted hundreds of … Continue reading Putin threatens retaliation for Western seizures of Russian commercial vessels

Germany’s government has approved a controversial draft law that would significantly expand the powers of its intelligence agencies following two recent security incidents. The reforms would give agencies greater authority to conduct cyberattacks, collect and analyze data, use AI, and monitor suspected criminals. Officials say the changes are needed to counter growing threats from Russia, China, terrorism, sabotage, and extremist groups. Critics support stronger intelligence … Continue reading Germany approves lifting curbs on spy agencies in security ‘revolution’

The 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia killed at least 265 people and left hundreds, or potentially thousands, missing. More than 25,800 families were affected as buildings collapsed, roads buckled, and vehicles were crushed. Regional aid began arriving Wednesday as rescue teams searched devastated cities including Cali, Pereira, Manizales, and Quibdo for survivors. Rescuers continued finding signs of life, including a baby and 32-year-old Daniela … Continue reading Colombia earthquake death toll rises as frantic search for survivors continues