An explosion and fire hit Qatar’s Ras Laffan industrial area at the Barzan gas facility as workers attempted to restart operations following earlier wartime disruptions. The incident injured at least 54 people and left 18 others missing, according to later reports from Qatar’s Interior Ministry. The blast occurred amid efforts to resume exports after Iran’s previous attacks and disruptions linked to tensions over the Strait … Continue reading Explosion at Qatar natural gas export terminal injures 54, leaves 18 missing

More than 20,000 people gathered at Stonehenge to celebrate the summer solstice, with special access to the stone circle extended into Sunday morning. Thousands more watched the sunrise event through a livestream from around the world. The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, when the Earth is tilted most directly toward the sun. Stonehenge is believed to have … Continue reading Stonehenge revelers ring in summer solstice

A large fire at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel in the Dominican Republic killed a 46-year-old Italian tourist and forced the evacuation of nearly 1,700 guests. Three people were hospitalized, while six others received treatment at the scene, including guests and emergency responders. Authorities said the fire spread quickly because of the resort’s palm-thatched roof and windy conditions. The blaze was brought under control, … Continue reading Woman killed, 1,700 evacuated in beach hotel fire in Dominican Republic

Thousands of people protested in Prague on Sunday against government plans to change funding for public broadcasters. Critics accuse Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and his coalition of trying to gain greater control over the media. Opponents have compared the proposed changes to media policies pursued by Robert Fico in Slovakia and Viktor Orbán in Hungary. Demonstrators gathered outside the public television headquarters, carrying banners that … Continue reading Czechia: Thousands march in support of public media funding

Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz dropped sharply after Iran announced it had closed the strategic waterway in response to Israeli strikes on Lebanon. Maritime tracking data showed only 12 vessels crossed the strait on Sunday, compared with 35 the day before, while many ships reportedly turned off tracking systems. However, U.S. Central Command disputed Iran’s claim, saying safe passage remained open and that … Continue reading Shipping stalls in Strait of Hormuz after Iran declares key waterway shut

Ukraine intensified attacks on fuel infrastructure in Russian-occupied Crimea, prompting authorities to suspend civilian gasoline sales. Crimea’s Kremlin-appointed leader, Sergey Aksyonov, said overnight Ukrainian strikes killed four people and injured 28. Fuel will temporarily be reserved for government agencies responsible for security and essential services. Ukrainian forces have repeatedly targeted fuel supplies in Crimea, contributing to the region’s most severe energy crisis since Russia annexed … Continue reading Ukrainian attacks prompt Russian-held Crimea to halt civilian gasoline sales

Niger’s main airport in Niamey was attacked by gunmen early Thursday, leaving 11 soldiers and two civilians dead. The Defense Ministry said security forces repelled the assault, killing 22 attackers and arresting 20 suspects. Witnesses reported gunfire and explosions during the attack, but airport operations later returned to normal. The airport serves as a major military hub for both the Nigerien air force and the … Continue reading Gunmen attack Niger airport, killing 11 soldiers and 2 civilians

The ancient Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, believed to be around 1,200 years old and linked to the legend of Robin Hood, has reportedly died after failing to grow leaves this spring. Conservationists say decades of heavy tourism compacted the soil around the tree, limiting water access to its roots, while climate change, drought, and age likely contributed to its decline. The tree had long … Continue reading 1,200-year-old Robin Hood oak tree in Sherwood Forest has died

Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed at least three people, according to Lebanese state media, despite growing calls for a ceasefire following a new U.S.-Iran agreement. Hezbollah said it repelled a four-day Israeli offensive, claiming its fighters used drones, rockets, and artillery to stop Israeli advances. The United States urged all parties, including Israel and Hezbollah, to maintain a complete ceasefire and support ongoing negotiations. … Continue reading Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon kill three despite US-Iran deal