The low water levels of the Danube River in Budapest have revealed the remains of two German soldiers from World War Two along with a motorcycle and other items. The German War Graves Commission is working to identify the soldiers and hopes the discoveries will help families learn what happened to their relatives.
Key Facts
Two German soldiers' bodies were found in the Danube near Budapest due to drought-caused low water levels.
The soldiers' identification tags, a wedding ring, a Kuban shield (a Wehrmacht combat badge), and a mostly intact German army motorcycle were discovered.
The motorcycle is likely a DKW NZ 350-1 model made for wartime use in 1944.
One ID tag belonged to a Wehrmacht soldier, the other to a Waffen-SS member, an organization declared criminal after the war.
German soldiers’ ID tags were split on death: one half stayed with the body, the other was sent to authorities to notify families.
Families of these soldiers probably never received official news of their deaths.
Anti-tank mines were also found, causing the riverbank to close temporarily for bomb disposal.
The soldiers will be buried at the German war cemetery near Budapest once identified.
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A 32-year-old woman was rescued alive 36 hours after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia. The earthquake caused at least 188 deaths, many buildings collapsed, and hundreds of people remain missing.
Key Facts
The woman, Daniela Largo, was found under rubble in Pereira after a 10-hour rescue effort.
Firefighters dug two tunnels to reach her, one providing oxygen and the other for extraction.
The earthquake hit near San José del Palmar in Chocó province on Monday morning.
At least 188 people have died, with 79 deaths in Pereira and 95 in Cali.
Many buildings collapsed: 92 in Pereira alone, and dozens of people remain trapped or missing.
Rescue teams continue searching for survivors amid more than 100 aftershocks.
Cali's mayor set a nighttime curfew and deployed soldiers to maintain safety during rescue operations.
President Abelardo de la Espriella praised the woman's rescue as a hopeful sign.
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President Vladimir Putin warned that Russia will seize European ships if Europe takes more Russian vessels as part of sanctions. He made this statement during a Russian navy drill near the Pacific island of Sakhalin, saying Russia is ready to respond with similar actions.
Key Facts
Putin threatened to seize European ships if Europe continues to take Russian vessels carrying cargo.
The warning came from a Russian naval drill near Sakhalin island in the Pacific.
Recent European sanctions allow shipping companies to seize Russian oil and cargo from ships.
Putin called the European seizures “piracy and robbery” and said Russia would respond in kind.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence and Pacific Fleet have been instructed to carry out retaliations if needed.
Putin accused NATO of expanding into the Asia Pacific and increasing tensions in the Arctic.
Russia’s naval exercises come just before joint US-South Korean military drills amid regional tensions.
Ukraine has accused Russia of using North Korean missiles and receiving military support from North Korea.
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Dr. Rachel Rubin explains menopause as a natural stop of ovarian hormone production, which causes symptoms like hot flashes and mood changes. She suggests vaginal hormones can prevent urinary infections in menopausal women and highlights the role of testosterone in women's health during menopause.
Key Facts
Menopause means the ovaries stop making hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
This hormone loss causes symptoms such as hot flashes, poor sleep, mood changes, weight gain, and memory problems.
Vaginal estrogen can prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are common after menopause and can be dangerous if untreated.
Fewer than 10% of postmenopausal women use vaginal estrogen, despite support from medical groups.
Using vaginal estrogen could save Medicare between $6 billion and $22 billion yearly by reducing serious infections.
Women naturally produce more testosterone than estrogen and need testosterone to make estrogen in the ovaries.
Testosterone therapy can help some menopausal women with low libido and overall well-being, though no FDA-approved testosterone products exist specifically for women.
Norah O'Donnell herself uses low-dose testosterone prescribed by her doctor.
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A South African scientist discovered a natural fungus that kills the African armyworm, a pest that damages crops and grazing fields in east and southern Africa. This finding offers a potential new way to protect farmers from major outbreaks that harm food production and livestock.
Key Facts
The African armyworm is a caterpillar that destroys crops like maize and sorghum and affects grazing grass.
It can harm cattle by releasing a chemical compound in the grass it eats.
Outbreaks have caused severe crop losses, including up to 40% maize destruction in Zambia in 2017.
The 2024 outbreak affected farmers in Zimbabwe and Malawi amid high inflation rates.
The fungus was found killing armyworms naturally in fields of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Scientists proved the fungus can kill the caterpillars and hope to turn it into a product for farmers.
Chemical treatments exist but are less effective against mature armyworm populations.
Further research and testing are needed before the fungus can be used widely by farmers.
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The article talks about changes in women's bodies during perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Rachel Rubin explains how using vaginal hormones might help women and reduce healthcare costs by preventing issues like urinary tract infections.
Key Facts
The focus is on female body changes during perimenopause and menopause.
Dr. Rachel Rubin is a urologist and sexual medicine specialist.
Vaginal hormones can help ease symptoms women face during this time.
Using these hormones might save Medicare between $6 billion and $22 billion yearly.
Vaginal hormones may also prevent urinary tract infections.
The article includes a personal story about menopause and hormone therapy.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia will retaliate against Western countries that have seized Russian commercial ships, calling these actions piracy. He said Russia could respond anywhere it sees fit, not just where the ships were taken.
Key Facts
President Putin described Western seizures of Russian commercial ships as piracy and robbery.
Putin said Russia would respond in kind and could retaliate in any location, including the Pacific Ocean.
The Russian Pacific Fleet is ready to inspect and detain ships from countries it calls "unfriendly," including those registered under other nations' flags ("shadow fleet").
Western countries like France and the UK have detained tankers suspected of violating sanctions by transporting Russian oil.
Russia is believed to use a large fleet to avoid international sanctions imposed after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Russian warships now escort commercial vessels to protect them.
Dmitry Medvedev suggested Russia could attack merchant ships from hostile countries anywhere if they are suspected of carrying enemy cargo.
Russia plans to expand naval operations beyond the Black Sea region in response.
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A total solar eclipse will turn parts of northern Spain from day to night on August 12, 2026. Millions of people across Europe, Canada, the northern United States, and northwest Africa will see a partial eclipse, which also helps scientists study the Sun and space.
Key Facts
The eclipse will cause total darkness in parts of northern Spain.
Many others in Europe, Canada, northern US, and northwest Africa will see a partial eclipse.
This is the first total solar eclipse visible in mainland Europe since 2006.
Eclipses help scientists learn more about the Sun and our universe.
People are warned never to look directly at the eclipse without proper eye protection.
The event occurs on August 12, 2026.
The eclipse is caused when the Moon passes in front of the Sun, blocking its light.
The event will attract millions of viewers and has scientific importance.
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A rare total solar eclipse will soon be visible in parts of northern Spain, where the Moon will fully block the Sun for a short time, turning day into night briefly. Many people across Europe, Canada, the northern United States, and northwest Africa will see a partial eclipse. Scientists use such events to learn more about the Sun and space.
Key Facts
The total solar eclipse will occur in northern Spain.
The eclipse will cause a brief period of darkness during the daytime.
Millions of people across Europe, Canada, northern U.S., and northwest Africa will see a partial eclipse.
This is the first total solar eclipse visible in mainland Europe since 2006.
Viewing the eclipse requires eye protection to avoid eye damage.
Solar eclipses help scientists study the Sun and the universe.
The event is expected soon, within hours of the report’s release date of August 12, 2026.
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Ukraine is working to strengthen its cooperation with South Korea. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently accused North Korea of helping Russia by providing ballistic missiles used in attacks on Ukraine.
Key Facts
Ukraine seeks closer ties and cooperation with South Korea.
President Zelenskyy accused North Korea of supporting Russia militarily.
North Korea reportedly supplied ballistic missiles used in attacks on Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine.
The article mentions ongoing military strikes and conflicts between Russia and Ukraine.
South Korea is paying attention to Ukraine’s calls for cooperation.
The situation involves multiple countries in East Asia and Eastern Europe.
The conflict includes missile attacks causing casualties in Ukraine.
France 24 reported this information with correspondents in South Korea.
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A total solar eclipse will occur soon, turning day briefly into night in parts of northern Spain. Many people across Europe, Canada, the northern US, and northwest Africa will see a partial eclipse. Experts warn not to look at the eclipse without proper eye protection.
Key Facts
The total solar eclipse will mainly be visible in northern Spain.
During the eclipse, the Moon will completely cover the Sun for a short time.
Millions of people will see a partial eclipse across Europe, Canada, northern US, and northwest Africa.
This is the first total solar eclipse visible in mainland Europe since 2006.
Looking at the eclipse without special eye protection can harm your eyes.
The event is described as rare and is expected to attract wide attention.
There will be ongoing news coverage during the day of the eclipse.
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A ferry caught fire early Wednesday near Bali, Indonesia, while traveling to Lombok island. Rescue teams saved 172 people and found one dead passenger from the ferry Putri Yasmin.
Key Facts
The fire started around 4:15 a.m. on the Putri Yasmin ferry in rough seas near Bali.
The ferry was traveling from Padang Bai port in Bali to Lembar port on Lombok island.
Initial reports said 131 people were on board, but more passengers were later found.
The ferry was carrying 44 vehicles and 53 motorcycles in addition to passengers.
Rescue crews evacuated 172 people, including two Australian tourists.
The body of a 19-year-old Indonesian girl was recovered from the ferry.
Two injured passengers were taken to a hospital for treatment.
This incident occurred less than two weeks after another deadly ferry fire near Java, Indonesia.
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The UK government is thinking about banning disposable barbecues because they have caused wildfires during this summer’s drought. Prime Minister Andy Burnham asked people to be very careful with these barbecues, as well as with cigarettes, to prevent more fires.
Key Facts
Disposable barbecues have started several recent wildfires in England and Wales.
Some stores have already stopped selling these single-use grills on their own.
Nearly 75% of England and all of Wales are officially in drought, making fires more likely.
The UK Met Office warned of extreme heat, with temperatures possibly reaching 38°C in some areas.
Andy Burnham held a special government meeting to discuss how to handle the heat and fire risks.
The government is considering whether to ban disposable barbecues or limit their sale or use.
Firefighters, farmers, and health workers are facing difficulties due to the hot, dry weather.
Fire chiefs say wildfires are becoming more common because of climate changes.
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South Africa has asked other African countries to pay back the money it spent on sending tens of thousands of their citizens back home. The government deported or helped repatriate over 80,000 migrants amid protests and violence against illegal immigration.
Key Facts
South Africa spent nearly $18 million on transporting and housing migrants who were sent back to their home countries.
Written requests for repayment were sent to Malawi, Ethiopia, and Nigeria.
Costs included buses, temporary repatriation centers, and extra pay for staff.
Since tensions increased, more than 82,000 people have been deported or voluntarily repatriated according to South African officials.
Other home countries report the number of returnees is closer to 178,000.
Anti-illegal immigration protests and violence have occurred in South Africa, raising concerns with neighboring countries.
South African authorities arrested almost 60,000 people living illegally in the country recently.
The government plans to increase efforts against illegal immigration and related crimes.
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The German government has approved a draft law to give its spy agencies more freedom to act. This plan aims to improve security after two recent attacks and allows intelligence services to use new powers, including cyber tools and artificial intelligence. The law still needs approval from parliament before becoming official.
Key Facts
Germany wants to remove old restrictions on its spy agencies from the post-World War II era.
The changes come after two security attacks: a car attack at Berlin's Pride parade and a drone with explosives found near Leipzig airport.
The law aims to make Germany’s intelligence services more like those of other countries, giving them more active powers.
Germany’s foreign intelligence service (BND) will get new capabilities to counter threats from countries like Russia and China, using AI technology.
The BND can now perform "hack-back" cyber-attacks, which means they can manipulate or delete hostile data online.
While foreign intelligence agents cannot use force abroad, they will more often be allowed to carry weapons for self-defense.
The law would ease rules on data collection and surveillance, allowing longer storage and analysis of information.
The government hopes to implement this law by January 1, 2027.
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Lebanon has officially ended the death penalty, becoming the first Middle Eastern country to do so. The Lebanese parliament voted to replace capital punishment with life imprisonment with hard labor, and many countries worldwide have also abolished or limited the death penalty.
Key Facts
Lebanon’s parliament, with 128 members, voted to abolish the death penalty.
Death sentences in Lebanon will now be replaced by life imprisonment with hard labor.
Lebanon had not carried out executions since 2004 but still sentenced people to death until now.
At the end of 2025, 85 people were under death sentences in Lebanon.
Nearly 75% of countries worldwide have abolished the death penalty legally or stopped using it for more than 10 years.
113 countries abolished the death penalty for all crimes; 9 abolished it only for normal crimes; 23 have abolition in practice.
54 countries still keep and use the death penalty.
Worldwide executions rose by 78% in 2025, mainly due to a large increase in Iran.
Amnesty International reports China’s executions are not included in official counts but are believed to be very high.
Executions took place in 17 countries in 2025, continuing a trend of historically low numbers since 2018.
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A couple in California was surprised when a person named Shaboozey unexpectedly appeared in their wedding photos taken in Mammoth Lakes. This unusual event caught their attention during the photo session.
Key Facts
The event happened in Mammoth Lakes, California.
A person called Shaboozey unexpectedly appeared in wedding photos.
The couple was taking pictures for their wedding at the time.
This surprise was unplanned and caught the couple off guard.
The incident was notable enough to be reported in the news.
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A ferry carrying more people than its allowed limit capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe, causing at least 15 deaths and leaving 27 people missing. Rescue teams are searching for survivors as the boat overturned after hitting large waves.
Key Facts
The ferry was designed for 90 people but carried over 150 passengers and crew.
The accident happened on Tuesday shortly after leaving Kariba town, heading to islands and fishing camps.
The boat started taking on water about 30 minutes into the trip.
Rescue efforts involve speedboats, a helicopter, and a special underwater team.
Lake Kariba is the largest man-made lake in the world by volume, located on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia.
The lake was created in the 1950s by damming the Zambezi River.
Previous accidents have occurred on Lake Kariba, including fatal capsizes in 2014, 2021, and 2023.
The dam on Lake Kariba provides about one-third of the electricity for both Zimbabwe and Zambia.
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Iran denies President Donald Trump's claim that the US controls the Strait of Hormuz and says the waterway will stay closed until US demands are met. The strait is vital for global oil shipments and has been a conflict zone after the US and Israel began bombing Iran, causing major trade disruptions.
Key Facts
Iran’s security official Mohsen Rezaie said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed unless the US changes its behavior and accepts Iranian conditions.
The strait is crucial because it carries about 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas during normal times.
Iran closed the strait after US and Israeli attacks on Iran started in late February.
The US and Iran both maintain blockades around the strait, leading to reduced shipping and ongoing attacks.
The US Navy fired missiles at a cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman for trying to break the US blockade on Iranian ports.
Six people died in a separate attack by Iran-backed Houthi forces on a Saudi cargo ship in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait near Yemen.
Iran wants the US to lift sanctions, return frozen assets, and pay compensation before reopening the strait.
Saudi Arabia has created a new maritime alliance to protect shipping lanes affected by the conflict.
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Former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji died at age 98 in Beijing. He led major economic reforms in the 1990s, including helping China join the World Trade Organization, which contributed to rapid economic growth.
Key Facts
Zhu Rongji was China’s Premier from 1998 to 2003.
He pushed state-owned companies to become more efficient and profitable.
His reforms caused millions of job losses but helped China become the world’s second-largest economy by 2010.
Zhu helped China join the World Trade Organization in 2001, promoting free trade.
He started China’s home ownership boom by selling apartments owned by state companies.
Zhu had a tough, direct style and was known as “Madman Zhu.”
He worked within the Communist Party’s system and did not support full privatization.
Zhu was born in 1928 in Hunan province and faced political challenges early in his career.
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