Finland has charged the captain and two crew members of the oil tanker Eagle S, suspected of belonging to Russia’s “shadow fleet,” with aggravated criminal mischief and interference with communications over the December 2024 sabotage of five telecom cables in the Gulf of Finland. The defendants deny the charges, arguing the damage occurred outside Finnish waters. The case, which led to the seizure of the vessel, … Continue reading Finland charges suspected Russian shadow fleet ship crew over cable sabotage

A massive jellyfish swarm clogged the cooling water intake at France’s Gravelines nuclear power plant, forcing all four reactors offline late Sunday. Three reactors shut down automatically, while a fourth was already offline for maintenance. EDF said there was no safety risk or impact on power exports. The North Sea–fed plant, which can power 5 million homes, joins a long list of coastal facilities worldwide … Continue reading Swarm of jellyfish shuts nuclear power plant in France

Greek police, tipped off by the UK’s National Crime Agency, seized nearly 600 pounds of cocaine worth over $6.5 million hidden in a banana container from Ecuador. The shipment arrived in Thessaloniki, and most of the drugs were removed before the container was sent to Aspropyrgos, where three men — two Greeks and a Bulgarian — were arrested. Authorities say the Bulgarian coordinated with a … Continue reading Nearly 600 pounds of cocaine found hidden in banana shipment in Greece

The remains of British meteorologist Dennis “Tink” Bell, who died in a crevasse accident in Antarctica in 1959 at age 25, have been found in a melting glacier by a Polish research team. Bell, known for his humor, cooking skills, and devotion to sled dogs, was working for the Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey when he fell during a surveying trip on King George Island. His … Continue reading British man who perished in Antarctic glacier found 65 years later

The Sea of Galilee recently turned blood red, prompting onlookers to compare it to a biblical plague. However, Israel’s environmental ministry explained the red color was caused by harmless algae that turns red under intense sunlight and warm temperatures. Scientists have also suggested natural explanations for the biblical story of the Red Sea parting, with computer simulations showing strong winds could have temporarily cleared a … Continue reading Locals panic as Sea of Galilee turns blood red in Biblical scenes

A shooting at a nightclub in Santa Lucía, Ecuador, on Sunday left eight people dead and three injured, marking another violent incident in the country’s coastal Guayas province. Police said the attackers, armed and arriving on motorcycles and in vehicles, opened fire on victims aged 20 to 40. The motive remains unknown, but authorities link recent violence to organized crime groups tied to international drug … Continue reading Shootout at Ecuador nightclub kills 8 as violent crime surges, police say

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck Turkey’s northwestern Balikesir province on Sunday evening, killing an 81-year-old woman and injuring 29 others. The quake, centered in the town of Sindirgi, caused 16 buildings to collapse and was felt as far as Istanbul. Search and rescue operations have ended, with officials reporting no further casualties, though images show severe destruction, the BBC has reported. Turkey, located on multiple … Continue reading Turkey earthquake flattens buildings in north-east Balikesir province

Italian firefighters and the army are battling a wildfire on Mount Vesuvius that has burned over 500 hectares since Friday, forcing the closure of all hiking trails in the popular national park near Naples. Twelve firefighting teams, six Canadair planes, and reinforcements from other regions are working to contain the blaze, which is concentrated on the densely vegetated Mount Somma slopes. High temperatures, wind, and … Continue reading Italy’s Mount Vesuvius, a popular tourist destination, closes over wildfire

London police arrested 532 people on Saturday after supporters of the recently banned group Palestine Action staged a protest to challenge the government’s enforcement of the ban. Most were detained for displaying signs supporting the proscribed organization, with others arrested for offenses such as assaulting officers. The group, outlawed for past violent actions and property damage, argues the ban unlawfully restricts free speech, while officials … Continue reading UK police say more than 500 people arrested in pro-Palestinian events over weekend

An Israeli airstrike near Gaza City’s Shifa Hospital on Sunday killed Al Jazeera correspondents Anas al-Sharif and Mohamed Qreiqeh, along with four other journalists and two additional people who were sheltering outside the complex. The blast damaged the hospital’s emergency building entrance. Press advocates condemned the strike as retaliation against those documenting the war, while Israel’s military claimed al-Sharif was a Hamas cell leader — … Continue reading Israel targets and kills Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected reports that U.S. President Donald Trump secretly approved military operations against drug cartels in Mexico. She emphasized that her government will not permit any foreign military presence on Mexican soil. While open to collaboration and intelligence sharing with the United States, Sheinbaum stated there is no agreement allowing U.S. troops to operate in the country, Straight Arrow News has reported. … Continue reading Mexico’s president rejects claims of planned US military operations in her country

A medical evacuation plane operated by AMREF Flying Doctors crashed in a residential area near Nairobi, Kenya, on Thursday, killing at least six people. The Cessna Citation XLS was en route to Somaliland when it went down in Mwihoko, Kiambu County. Four people on board and two residents in the house it hit were killed, the Associated Press has reported. AMREF is cooperating with aviation … Continue reading Six dead in Kenya medical small plane crash, official says

Italy has approved plans to build the world’s largest suspension bridge, connecting the mainland to Sicily, in a €13.5 billion ($15.5 billion) project long delayed by concerns over earthquakes, the environment, and mafia involvement. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini called it the West’s biggest infrastructure project, expected to create 120,000 jobs annually and boost southern Italy’s economy. Preliminary work may begin by late 2025, with construction … Continue reading Italy approves $15.5 billion for world’s longest suspension bridge

South Korean investigators have requested an arrest warrant for Kim Keon Hee, wife of jailed former President Yoon Suk Yeol, over allegations including bribery, stock manipulation, and political interference. Kim was questioned for seven hours on Wednesday and is accused of receiving gifts and influencing political nominations. Her husband, Yoon, resisted attempts for questioning related to her case for the second time in a week, … Continue reading South Korean investigators seek arrest of wife of jailed ex-President Yoon

Families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza sailed toward the enclave Thursday in a symbolic protest, urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to halt plans to expand the war. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum called the flotilla an “SOS” to prevent further risk to the remaining 50 hostages, at least 20 of whom are believed to be alive. As Israel’s cabinet considered a … Continue reading Hostage families sail toward Gaza calling for Israel to end the war

Three people in need of medical care were evacuated from McMurdo Station in Antarctica by New Zealand’s air force during a daring 20-hour rescue mission in freezing temperatures and total darkness. One patient required urgent care, prompting the U.S. National Science Foundation to request help due to limited medical resources. A Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J Hercules, equipped with a doctor and night vision … Continue reading 3 people rescued from U.S. Antarctica base in high-risk operation

Rescue teams are searching for U.S. climate journalist Alec Luhn, who went missing while hiking on a glacier in Norway’s Folgefonna National Park on July 31. Luhn, 38, is an experienced outdoorsman and climate reporter known for covering Arctic regions and shrinking glaciers. Poor weather is hindering rescue efforts, with crews using dogs and drones instead of helicopters. Luhn’s wife reported him missing after he … Continue reading Rescuers in Norway search for missing US climate journalist Alec Luhn

Firefighters in Ashcroft, British Columbia, believe a brush fire on July 30 was sparked when an osprey dropped a large fish onto power lines, likely due to heat exhaustion. The fish ignited dry grass below, causing a blaze that briefly cut power to the town. About 4,800 gallons of water were used to extinguish the fire. Thankfully, the bird—dubbed the “prime suspect”—was unharmed, the Associated … Continue reading A bird dropped a fish on power lines and sparked a brush fire in Canada, firefighters say

A sudden cloudburst triggered a devastating flash flood and mudslide in the Himalayan town of Dharali, Uttarakhand, India, on Tuesday, killing at least four people and leaving around 60 missing, including soldiers. The flood, fueled by intense rainfall, swept away buildings and overwhelmed the town during a local festival. Rescue operations are underway, but ongoing rain and damaged roads are hampering efforts. Authorities warn of … Continue reading 100 people missing as flash flood tears through town in northern India

NATO has begun coordinating regular large-scale weapons deliveries to Ukraine, with key contributions from European nations. The Netherlands pledged €500 million in air defense and other military aid, while Sweden, Denmark, and Norway will jointly send $500 million in weapons and equipment, arriving by September. These packages, largely sourced from U.S. stockpiles, target Ukraine’s urgent battlefield needs—especially air defenses—as Russia intensifies its attacks. European allies … Continue reading NATO to coordinate regular and large-scale arm deliveries to Ukraine

China is experiencing a surge in chikungunya virus cases, with over 10,000 infections reported, mostly in Guangdong Province. The city of Foshan alone has over 7,000 cases, prompting Covid-like isolation measures for patients. Though no deaths have been reported, the virus—spread by Aedes mosquitoes—can cause fever, joint pain, and, in rare cases, severe complications. The CDC has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for the … Continue reading Pandemic fears explode as virus rips through China

India and the Philippines conducted their first joint naval exercises in the disputed South China Sea, a move that drew criticism from China. The two-day drills, aimed at strengthening defense ties and promoting regional stability, were closely monitored by Chinese naval vessels. While no incidents occurred, the Philippines reported being shadowed by Chinese ships. Both nations share territorial disputes with China, which condemned the joint … Continue reading India and the Philippines stage joint naval drill in the disputed South China Sea

Storm Floris brought severe winds and heavy rain to northern Britain, disrupting travel, downing trees, and cutting power to over 22,000 properties. Scotland was hardest hit, with gusts reaching 90 mph, prompting an amber warning from the UK Met Office. Trains, ferries, and events like the Edinburgh Military Tattoo were canceled, the Associated Press has reported. Authorities urged residents to secure outdoor items and prepare … Continue reading Storm Floris batters Scotland with 90 mph winds

Aalborg Zoo in northern Denmark is asking the public to donate small pets—such as guinea pigs, rabbits, and chickens—as food for its predators. The zoo says the animals will be humanely euthanized by trained staff to promote natural feeding behaviors and animal welfare. The initiative aims to reduce waste and maintain professional care standards, the Associated Press has reported. The zoo also expressed interest in … Continue reading Denmark zoo asks people to donate their small pets as food for captive predators

Violence flared in Syria overnight into Sunday at two key flashpoints, straining a fragile ceasefire. In the north, government-aligned forces clashed with Kurdish-led troops, while in the south, fighting broke out between government forces and Druze militias in Sweida province. The unrest challenges interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s efforts to unify the country following his ousting of Bashar Assad in December, NPR has reported. At least … Continue reading Fresh clashes break out in Syria as the interim government struggles to ease tensions