A strong earthquake hit Colombia, and three days later, people are surprised that the Colombian government did not accept help from rescue teams from other countries. Rescue efforts are ongoing as officials search for survivors.
Key Facts
An earthquake occurred in Colombia.
The earthquake happened more than 72 hours ago from the report time.
The Colombian government did not accept assistance from foreign rescue teams.
People and journalists have expressed surprise at the refusal of international help.
Rescue teams are working to find survivors.
The situation remains critical as time passes since the quake.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A person in Norway's Svalbard islands was fined $5,255 for waking a sleeping polar bear using a ship's foghorn. Disturbing polar bears is against local rules because they are protected animals in the area.
Key Facts
The incident happened in northeastern Svalbard, about 620 miles from the North Pole.
A person on a boat used the foghorn to wake a polar bear that was sleeping on land.
The governor's office fined the person $5,255, and the fine will be paid.
It is illegal in Svalbard to disturb, attract, or chase polar bears without good reason.
Polar bears have been protected in Svalbard since 1972.
About 260 polar bears live in the archipelago according to a 2015 count.
Scientists say polar bears in Svalbard are doing well despite climate change and melting ice.
Research showed polar bears are adapting to smaller ice areas and may be hunting seals more easily.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake hit western Colombia shortly after President Abelardo de La Espriella took office, killing over 260 people and injuring thousands. The new government is working to provide aid and support while managing challenges from a difficult transition between administrations.
Key Facts
The earthquake struck three days after President de La Espriella was sworn in.
More than 260 people died, and thousands were injured.
The president declared an “economic emergency” and three days of national mourning.
Firefighters and emergency teams responded quickly, with aid being flown to affected areas.
Heavy machinery was used in big cities, but smaller towns still cleared rubble by hand and lacked power.
The government announced temporary help like rent subsidies and postponed utility bills for some affected families.
A poor handover between the old and new government slowed disaster response coordination.
Infrastructure, including airports and roads, was damaged; hospitals lost parts of their buildings.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
More than 135 million people in Europe, especially in France, Italy, Spain, and the UK, will face temperatures above 35°C (95°F) during a heatwave. Around 340 million Europeans could experience temperatures over 30°C (86°F) on Thursday, accompanied by drought and strain on water and health services.
Key Facts
Over 135 million people in Europe will face temperatures above 35°C (95°F).
About 340 million Europeans are expected to have temperatures above 30°C (86°F) on Thursday.
The heatwave is affecting countries including France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
Central and southeast England may reach up to 38°C (100°F), possibly the hottest day this year.
France could see temperatures as high as 40°C (104°F).
The UK’s nursing staff report dangerous working conditions due to extreme heat, with some lacking cooling systems.
Both France and the UK are experiencing drought, affecting crops, water supplies, and the environment.
Governments are seeking short- and long-term solutions to address the effects of climate change linked to this heatwave.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Israel is removing and crushing large amounts of rubble from the Gaza Strip as part of its military actions. Human rights groups say this could be an attempt to erase evidence of war crimes and change the area's physical and demographic landscape.
Key Facts
At least 73,387 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have died since the war in Gaza began in October 2023.
Around 68 million tonnes of rubble exist in Gaza due to Israel’s military operations, with about 10 million tonnes already removed or crushed.
Nearly 100 Israeli trucks transport debris daily out of Gaza to locations in Israel and the occupied West Bank.
Human rights groups say the rubble removal may be destroying evidence of crimes and is part of deliberate efforts to hinder investigations.
The International Court of Justice is reviewing a genocide case against Israel related to the conflict.
Removing rubble alters land boundaries, house foundations, and streets, which may support plans to resettle Israelis in Gaza.
Experts describe the demolition as a form of collective punishment against the Palestinian population.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Taliban in Afghanistan have detained six workers from a women’s and children’s rights group after summoning them to retrieve confiscated devices. This follows the Taliban’s detention of two Afghan staff from the United Nations mission in the country, with no clear information provided on charges or locations.
Key Facts
Six employees of the Women and Children Legal Research Foundation were detained on July 18 in Kabul.
They were called to their office to collect laptops and phones before being detained.
Their families have not been told where they are or if they face any charges.
Two Afghan staff members of the U.N. mission were also detained by the Taliban in Herat city recently.
The U.N. mission has not been informed about charges or allowed to visit the detained Afghan staff.
Human Rights Watch demands the Taliban allow visits to the detainees and release them unless formally charged.
The Taliban have restricted women’s rights since returning to power in August 2021, limiting education, work, and public participation.
The detentions occur amid escalating tensions between Taliban forces and Pakistan and ongoing humanitarian challenges in Afghanistan.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United Nations reported that civilian deaths in Ukraine in July reached their highest since early 2022, with at least 437 killed and 2,610 injured. Russia continues attacks across Ukraine, including a deadly drone strike on a passenger train, while Ukraine has increased long-range strikes inside Russia.
Key Facts
At least 437 civilians were killed and 2,610 injured in Ukraine in July, a 30% rise from June.
The UN has verified 16,874 civilian deaths since Russia’s invasion began in 2022, likely an underestimate.
Kyiv was heavily affected, with at least 54 civilians killed in July; Russia reported 79 civilian deaths.
A Russian military official was killed in an explosion in Crimea, according to Russian agencies.
A Russian drone struck a passenger train in Ukraine’s Odesa region, killing two crew members and injuring none of the 340 passengers.
Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy condemned the train attack as targeting civilians and highlighted ongoing Russian drone strikes on multiple Ukrainian regions.
Russia’s military claimed control of a village in eastern Donetsk and continues missile and drone attacks on Ukraine.
Ukraine has increased attacks inside Russia, including striking an oil refinery used by the Russian military.
Zelenskyy has called for more advanced air defense systems from allies to protect Ukraine against fast Russian missile attacks.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2027 will take place in Burgas, Bulgaria, from May 12 to 15. This decision follows Bulgarian singer Dara's win in the 2026 contest, marking Bulgaria's first victory. The event will be held at Arena Burgas, a new sports and entertainment venue.
Key Facts
Eurovision 2027 will be held in Burgas, a city on the Black Sea in Bulgaria.
The contest dates are May 12 to May 15, 2027.
Bulgarian singer Dara won Eurovision 2026 with the song "Bangaranga."
This is Bulgaria's first time winning the Eurovision Song Contest.
The venue for Eurovision 2027 is Arena Burgas, opened in 2023.
Burgas was chosen over other Bulgarian cities including Sofia, Varna, and Plovdiv.
Organizers emphasized Burgas's music culture, infrastructure, and capacity to host the event.
Eurovision updated rules now say if a country in armed conflict wins, it cannot host the next contest for security reasons.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Australia’s foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, criticized Pauline Hanson’s call for a “monocultural” Australia, calling it a harmful idea that would damage national security and social unity. Wong emphasized that Australia’s multiculturalism is a strength and warned that political division could hurt the country’s future.
Key Facts
Penny Wong called Pauline Hanson’s idea of a monoculture a “melancholic fantasy.”
Hanson wants Australia to be a monocultural society, blaming immigration for losing national identity.
Wong said monoculture would isolate Australia from friends, trade partners, and growth opportunities.
Wong warned political leaders should not encourage division among Australians.
One Nation’s political support recently rose to 25% in a poll, surpassing the Coalition’s 22%.
Wong highlighted Australia’s focus on the Indo-Pacific region and working with groups like the Pacific Islands Forum and the EU.
She mentioned challenges like weaponized supply chains, disinformation, foreign interference, and risks from artificial intelligence.
Wong stressed that resilience and cooperation are key tasks for the Australian government.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tropical Storm Hernan formed in the Pacific Ocean but is not expected to hit land. A different weather system near Hawaii may bring heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding starting Friday. Tropical Storm Cristobal in the Atlantic has weakened and is no longer a threat.
Key Facts
Tropical Storm Hernan formed about 1,460 miles west of Baja California, with winds of 40 mph, moving west.
Hernan is not expected to threaten any land areas.
A different system called Potential Tropical Cyclone One-C is about 775 miles east-southeast of Hawaii.
This system may bring 5 to 10 inches of rain, with up to 20 inches possible, causing flooding and mudslides in Hawaii.
Potential Tropical Cyclone One-C could reach tropical storm strength and hit southern Big Island on Saturday.
Tropical Storm Cristobal in the Atlantic has weakened to a tropical depression.
Cristobal is about 610 miles west of the Azores and is not expected to affect land.
The National Hurricane Center in Miami monitors these storms.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Burgas, Bulgaria, in May 2027, marking the first time Bulgaria hosts the event. Bulgarian singer Dara won the 2026 contest, leading to this opportunity for the country to organize the music competition.
Key Facts
The 2027 Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Burgas, a city on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast.
Bulgaria won the contest for the first time in 2026, with singer Dara performing the song “Bangaranga.”
The contest dates are May 11 and 13 for the semifinals, and May 15 for the final.
Bulgaria’s public TV broadcaster BNT and the European Broadcasting Union will organize the event.
Burgas was chosen over Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia, to host Eurovision.
New rules prevent countries with armed conflicts or serious security risks from hosting Eurovision.
The minimum age for competitors has been raised from 16 to 18 to better protect young artists.
Eurovision has faced security and participation challenges due to geopolitical tensions in recent years.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Fighting between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and Yemeni government forces has increased, causing deaths and injuries. The conflict is spreading in Yemen and impacting nearby areas, including attacks on ships and oil facilities, while an oil spill in the Strait of Hormuz is raising environmental concerns.
Key Facts
Clashes between Houthi rebels and Yemeni government forces occurred in the Taiz and Marib provinces.
At least one Yemeni government soldier was killed and another was critically wounded.
The Houthis have attacked government areas using drones and missiles and targeted Saudi oil sites and shipping routes.
A commercial ship was hit near the Bab el-Mandeb strait, killing six people from Pakistan and injuring others, including Indonesians.
The Bab el-Mandeb strait is a key shipping route as the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed.
An oil spill near Qeshm Island in Iran, caused by wartime attacks, is affecting coastal waters and the environment.
Iran is cleaning up the oil spill and asks for compensation from parties benefiting from shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
An explosion in the Crimean city of Sevastopol killed a Russian military member. Russian authorities arrested a woman they say was acting on orders from Ukraine's intelligence services.
Key Facts
The explosion happened in Sevastopol, a city in Crimea and home to Russia's Black Sea Fleet.
A Russian service member died in the blast.
Russian law enforcement detained a woman born in 1994 in connection with the explosion.
Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) says the woman acted under orders from Ukraine's intelligence.
Sevastopol's governor confirmed the attack and expressed concern about the crime.
Sevastopol has been targeted by Ukraine since Russia’s full invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.
In 2023, the Black Sea Fleet's headquarters in Sevastopol was damaged by a Ukrainian missile strike.
The incident is part of ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine over Crimea.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Zambians are voting in a presidential and parliamentary election with more than eight million people registered to vote. President Hakainde Hichilema seeks a second term, competing mainly against Brian Mundubile, as Zambia faces challenges like high living costs and unemployment.
Key Facts
Over eight million Zambians are registered to vote in the election.
Voting started at 6:00 a.m. local time and will end at 6:00 p.m.
President Hakainde Hichilema is running for a second five-year term.
The main opponent is Brian Mundubile, a former government minister.
Zambia is seen as one of Africa’s most stable democracies, but political freedoms are a concern.
Economic issues like unemployment and high living costs are major concerns for voters.
A candidate needs more than 50% of votes to win; otherwise, a run-off election will follow.
There are 14 candidates in total, but the race is mainly between the incumbent and his strongest challenger.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Colorado mom named Erika Mathews transformed an unused spare room in her house into a library inspired by the Disney movie Beauty and the Beast. She spent two months renovating the room with custom shelves, a fake fireplace, stained-glass window, and detailed decorations, spending about $5,000.
Key Facts
Erika Mathews is 38 years old and lives in Colorado.
She decided to turn a spare room into a library because she loves reading.
The library design is inspired by the movie Beauty and the Beast’s famous grand library.
Renovations included removing old ceiling, wallpaper, and flooring.
She built bookshelves, an artificial fireplace, and added a stained-glass window with a red rose.
The hardest parts were applying ceiling wallpaper and gold leaf molding.
The project took two months and about $5,000 to complete.
Mathews shared the process on Instagram, where her videos got hundreds of thousands of views.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Eurovision Song Contest has announced that countries involved in armed conflicts or sensitive political situations will not be allowed to host the event. This new rule follows ongoing conflicts involving Russia, Ukraine, and Israel, and aims to ensure safety and fairness in the contest.
Key Facts
Eurovision is an annual music competition organized by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
Countries involved in armed conflict or unstable political situations cannot host Eurovision under new rules.
Russia was banned from competing in Eurovision in 2022 due to its invasion of Ukraine.
Israel has continued hosting and competing despite protests and boycotts related to its conflicts.
The EBU will assess the security situation of the winning country before confirming hosting rights.
If a country cannot host, Eurovision will select an alternative host.
Some countries have boycotted Eurovision because of Israel’s participation amid the Gaza conflict.
The contest is open to European broadcasters and some outside Europe, like Israel which joined in 1973.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Iran said it controls and manages the Strait of Hormuz after President Trump claimed the U.S. has total control over the waterway. Iran is also demanding compensation for an oil spill in the Strait and criticized nations benefiting from shipping through the area to help clean up environmental damage.
Key Facts
Iran’s Basij paramilitary leader said the Strait of Hormuz is under Iran’s control and management.
President Trump wrote he believes the U.S. has "total control" of the Strait of Hormuz.
There was an oil spill in the Strait of Hormuz that reached Qeshm Island, Iran.
Iran’s Department of Environment is investigating the oil spill and is carrying out cleanup operations.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson suggested that foreign commercial ships or their insurers might be responsible for the spill.
Iran claims damage to the Persian Gulf waters has caused trillions of dollars in harm to its coastal areas over decades.
More than 30 nations condemned Iran’s use of the death penalty to silence protesters.
The international statement urged Iran to respect freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Police in Ecuador seized over 1,000 pounds of cocaine hidden in a truck near the Colombian border. The drug packages had stickers of Norwegian soccer star Erling Haaland, which is a common practice by drug traffickers to mark their shipments.
Key Facts
Ecuador police found 469 kilograms (1,034 pounds) of cocaine in a truck with a false bottom.
The cocaine packages had stickers showing the face of soccer player Erling Haaland.
The driver of the truck was arrested after the seizure near the Colombia border.
A woman with Colombian ID was also arrested during the operation in Ecuador.
The drugs are worth about $842,000 in Ecuador, over $11 million in the U.S., and nearly $20 million in Europe.
Ecuador is a key location for drug trafficking routes to Central America, the U.S., and Europe.
Drug traffickers often use stickers of famous sports stars or celebrities to identify their products.
Similar packages with images of other figures like Lionel Messi and branded designs have appeared in previous drug seizures.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Romania has started shutting down the second reactor at its Cernavoda nuclear power plant because the Danube River’s water level is very low due to a severe drought. The drought and heat have already forced the plant to close its first reactor, and authorities say electricity needs will be met through other sources during the shutdown.
Key Facts
Romania’s Cernavoda nuclear plant uses water from the Danube River to cool its two reactors.
The first reactor was closed in late July because of historically low water levels in the Danube.
The second reactor began a controlled shutdown on August 6, 2026, due to further drops in the river’s water level.
The plant provides about 20% of Romania’s electricity when both reactors are running.
Romania’s government says electricity supply will be covered by other sources and imports during the shutdown.
Efforts to save the plant included sinking barges and blasting rocks in the river to improve water flow.
Nuclear safety is being maintained during the shutdown, with no risk to people or the environment.
Hungary is also trying to raise Danube water levels to keep its Paks nuclear plant running.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
