A mom named Amelia was told her unborn baby had serious health problems at 20 weeks and was unlikely to survive. Despite the doctors’ warnings, she chose to continue the pregnancy, and her son Lucas was born healthy enough to breathe and drink on his own, surprising everyone.
Key Facts
Amelia and her husband Trent learned at a 20-week ultrasound that their baby had severe skeletal and neurological abnormalities.
Doctors said the abnormalities likely meant the baby would not survive long and there was a high chance of stillbirth.
The couple canceled baby celebrations and prepared for the worst during the pregnancy.
Amelia never considered ending the pregnancy, choosing to continue despite the prognosis.
The pregnancy surprisingly progressed into the third trimester, with doctors expressing surprise.
Around weeks 32–33, doctors told them Lucas had a good chance of survival.
Lucas was born by planned C-section at 37 weeks, weighing 4.5 pounds, breathing on his own and feeding shortly after birth.
Lucas only spent a few days in intensive care and went home with his parents; he is now seven weeks old but continues to face health challenges.
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Joshua Smith, a healthy 34-year-old man, experienced extreme migraines for 10 days before doctors discovered a tumor in his brain. He was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer with a poor outlook, and began surgery and treatment to slow the disease.
Key Facts
Joshua Smith had severe migraines lasting 10 days starting February 4, 2026.
Initial medical visits resulted in pain medication but no serious diagnosis.
A CT scan later revealed a 4.5-centimeter mass in his right frontal lobe.
Doctors suspected the mass was glioblastoma, a fast-growing brain cancer.
Glioblastoma symptoms include headaches, vision problems, and seizures.
The prognosis for glioblastoma is usually 12 to 18 months.
Joshua had surgery removing 95% of the tumor on February 24.
He is undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy and managing seizures with medication.
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The U.S. government, led by Senator Marco Rubio and supported by President Donald Trump, is working to weaken and possibly dismantle the International Criminal Court (ICC). The U.S. argues that the ICC is biased, selectively enforces justice, and poses a threat to American soldiers and officials abroad.
Key Facts
Senator Marco Rubio announced a plan for the U.S. government to disable the ICC’s ability to operate against Americans.
The ICC tries to prosecute serious crimes like genocide and war crimes under the Rome Statute, but the U.S. is not a member.
Countries where U.S. troops are stationed, such as Japan, South Korea, and Italy, are ICC members.
President Donald Trump issued sanctions against the ICC in 2025 due to concerns of politicized actions.
Critics say the ICC focuses mostly on weaker countries and has a poor record of convictions, with many indictments targeting Africans.
The court has convicted fewer than 15 people in over 20 years, with some convictions later overturned.
Supporters argue the ICC is essential for global justice, but the U.S. disputes its impartiality and effectiveness.
ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which added to tensions.
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One month before the 9/11 attacks, Mohammed Atta met with fellow hijacker Hani Hanjour in New Jersey and took several flights to learn about airports and airplanes. Atta was the main planner of the 9/11 attacks and had the final say on targets and timing.
Key Facts
On August 12, 2001, Mohammed Atta was in Fort Lee, New Jersey, using an internet café.
Atta was traveling to Washington, D.C., then flew the next day to Las Vegas.
Atta met with Hani Hanjour, the only pilot not from the Hamburg group and trained in Florida.
Atta was the leader of the 9/11 hijackers and planned logistics, training, finances, and targets.
Al-Qaeda leaders wanted to attack military, political, and financial targets; Atta chose the exact targets and date.
Atta began radicalization in 1996, influenced by an event in Lebanon involving civilian deaths.
The "Hamburg Four" hijackers, including Atta, trained in Afghanistan and Pakistan and prepared by getting new passports and learning about airplanes.
Atta took multiple flights for practice and to study airport layouts, including trips to Las Vegas that were used for reconnaissance.
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A drone strike caused a fire at a power substation in the Libyan city of Zawiya, cutting off electricity in parts of the city. This attack is part of a series of strikes on energy infrastructure in western Libya amid ongoing tensions between rival governments and armed groups.
Key Facts
The power substation in Zawiya was completely destroyed by fire after the drone strike.
Zawiya has major energy facilities, including the country’s largest oil refinery and a power plant.
The attack caused power outages in the southern parts of Zawiya, a city of about 250,000 people.
No group has claimed responsibility for the drone strike so far.
Libya is divided between two rival governments: the western government led by Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah and the eastern government led by Prime Minister Ossama Hammad.
The U.S. company General Electric withdrew its workers from the Zawiya power plant due to security concerns after the attacks.
Turkey, a key supporter of the western government, is working to improve relations with Libya’s rival eastern authorities.
The violence and attacks on energy infrastructure add to the instability in Libya, which is influenced by militias and foreign interests.
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Seven poor labourers in Panna, India, found a large and valuable diamond weighing 17.96 carats on land they leased two years ago. The diamond will be auctioned in October, and the workers will share the money after a government royalty is deducted.
Key Facts
The diamond weighs 17.96 carats and is considered gem quality, one of the best types of natural diamonds.
It was found in Panna, a region in central India known for diamond mining but also poverty and few job opportunities.
The diamond’s estimated value is at least 5 million rupees (about $52,400).
The mine was leased two years ago by Akhilesh Pal and six other workers for a small amount.
The mine was closed for a year before the diamond was discovered on an inspection visit after heavy rains.
The diamond will be sold at a government auction in October, open to buyers from India and abroad.
The government will take a 12% royalty from the sale, and the remaining money will be shared equally by the seven labourers.
Finding such a valuable diamond is rare but could significantly improve the labourers’ lives.
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Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped to eight vessels, the lowest in a week, as conflict in the region affects shipping. In the Red Sea, Iran-backed Houthi rebels killed six people on a vessel, while the U.S. military disabled a Panama-flagged ship trying to break the blockade of Iranian ports.
Key Facts
Only eight ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, down from about 130 ships per day before the war started on February 28.
The Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, killed six people on a cargo ship in the Red Sea near Yemen.
This attack marks the first known Houthi deaths on shipping since renewed fighting began in Yemen.
The Houthis have also attacked Saudi Arabian oil facilities and ports, escalating the conflict.
Mohammed Abdul-Salam, a Houthi spokesperson, accused Saudi Arabia of using a ceasefire to tighten a blockade on Yemen.
The U.S. military fired missiles at a Panama-flagged ship that tried to bypass the U.S. blockade of Iran’s ports in the Gulf of Oman.
The U.S. disabled three ships, boarded two, and redirected 55 others trying to break the blockade.
The ongoing conflicts threaten to expand the Yemen civil war and create a broader regional crisis.
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Europe is preparing for another heatwave after experiencing very hot weather this summer. The heat has caused dry land and low river levels, revealing old objects from World War II.
Key Facts
July was the hottest month ever recorded for almost 120 million people in Europe.
Europe is warming faster than any other continent.
Heatwaves this summer have dried out grasslands and lowered river water levels.
Low rivers have uncovered historical remains from World War II.
Multiple European countries, including Spain and France, have been affected by extreme heat.
Authorities are warning about the dangers and impacts of these repeated heatwaves.
Wildfires have been a problem in some parts of Europe during this hot summer.
Europe is facing challenges related to climate change and natural disasters due to higher temperatures.
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Parts of the UK are experiencing their fifth heatwave this summer, with temperatures expected to reach 38°C. The Met Office issued an amber warning for extreme heat, and the UK government held an emergency meeting to address the situation, which has caused wildfires, drought, and high demand on emergency services.
Key Facts
The UK is facing its fifth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures possibly reaching 38°C.
The Met Office issued an amber warning for extreme heat in parts of England, including London and Birmingham.
Wildfires have burned large areas, including over 371 acres in Suffolk, requiring more than 600 firefighters.
Nearly three-quarters of England and all of Wales are currently in drought conditions.
Southern Water has requested a drought order to limit water use for non-essential activities in some areas.
The UK government held a Cobra emergency meeting chaired by the prime minister to respond to the heatwave.
The heatwave is causing health risks to vulnerable people, travel delays, and possible power outages.
Record-high temperatures this summer reflect ongoing climate changes linked to human activities.
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Russia’s Supreme Court has banned the country’s only anti-war party from joining next month’s parliamentary elections. This move is part of the Russian government's efforts to stop public opposition to the war in Ukraine, which started over four years ago.
Key Facts
Russia’s only anti-war party is barred from the upcoming parliamentary elections.
The Supreme Court made the decision to ban the party.
The ban shows Russia’s government is cracking down on critics of the war.
The war in Ukraine has been ongoing for more than four years.
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the war.
The article mentions ongoing conflict and missile attacks between Russia and Ukraine.
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A strong earthquake measuring 7.4 struck western Colombia, causing more than 240 deaths. Rescue teams are working to find survivors trapped under collapsed buildings.
Key Facts
The earthquake hit western Colombia on Monday.
It had a magnitude of 7.4, which is considered very strong.
More than 240 people have died due to the quake.
Rescuers have saved a 32-year-old woman from the rubble.
Many others are still missing and rescue efforts continue.
The earthquake is the first major crisis for Colombia’s new President, Abelardo de la Espriella, who started office last Friday.
The affected area includes cities like Cali.
Rescue teams are racing against time to save any survivors.
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A total solar eclipse will take place over parts of northern Spain, making day briefly turn to night. Millions of people in Europe, Canada, the northern United States, and northwest Africa will see a partial eclipse.
Key Facts
The total eclipse is the first in mainland Europe since 2006.
The Moon will completely block the Sun in northern Spain during the eclipse.
Many others across Europe, Canada, northern U.S., and northwest Africa will see a partial eclipse.
A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon covers the Sun as seen from Earth.
The event is expected on August 12, 2026.
The French Astronomy Association provided expert information about how solar eclipses work.
People may need to adjust browser settings to watch related videos online.
The eclipse is a rare celestial event attracting interest across multiple countries.
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A total solar eclipse will soon be visible in northern Spain, where the Moon will completely cover the Sun, turning day briefly into night. Millions of people in parts of Europe, Canada, the northern United States, and northwest Africa will see a partial eclipse.
Key Facts
The total solar eclipse will be visible in northern Spain.
During the eclipse, the Moon will fully block the Sun for a short time.
Millions of people across Europe, Canada, the northern U.S., and northwest Africa will see part of the eclipse.
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking sunlight.
This event is rare and attracts a lot of interest from the public and scientists.
The eclipse is scheduled for August 12, 2026.
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A strong 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit Colombia on August 10, 2026, causing many buildings to collapse. Rescuers saved a baby and a man trapped under the rubble, while emergency teams continue searching for survivors amid thousands injured and missing.
Key Facts
A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on August 10, 2026.
At least 181 people have died and 2,595 have been injured.
Thousands of people are still unaccounted for after the quake.
Video footage shows rescuers pulling a baby and an adult alive from collapsed building rubble.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella had been in office only a few days before the earthquake.
The United States offered more than $15 million in aid to Colombia.
Mexico will send search and health workers along with medical supplies.
El Salvador plans to send two planes with 100 tons of aid to help Colombia.
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Spain is preparing for a rare total solar eclipse on August 12, the first in over 100 years visible on the mainland. Millions of people are expected to watch the event, while authorities are working to prevent wildfires during the hot and dry summer conditions.
Key Facts
The total solar eclipse will be visible in northern and central Spain close to sunset.
This event is the first total solar eclipse to cross mainland Spain in more than a century.
Millions are expected to see the eclipse, possibly attracting over 500,000 extra visitors.
Spain’s Interior Ministry has set up 350 official viewing sites and restricted access to 123 sites for safety.
More than 33,500 law enforcement officers will be on duty to manage crowds and ensure safety.
Spain has been experiencing high temperatures (above 35°C or 95°F) and dry vegetation, increasing wildfire risks.
Authorities warn people not to light fires, litter, or park in dry areas to avoid starting wildfires.
Special eclipse glasses are needed to safely view the eclipse, and many people are buying them quickly.
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A landslide in a crowded neighborhood of Mumbai, India, killed six people and injured four due to heavy monsoon rains. Rescue teams worked to save others despite limited access, and authorities warned of more rain and risks ahead.
Key Facts
The landslide happened early Wednesday in Ghatkopar, a Mumbai suburb.
At least six people died, including two children and two teenagers.
Four other people were injured and taken to a government hospital.
Rescue efforts involved firefighters, police, the National Disaster Response Force, and city officials.
Narrow lanes made it hard to use heavy equipment during the rescue.
Mumbai is a city with over 20 million people and often faces heavy rainfall from June to September.
Monsoon rains frequently cause floods, landslides, and building collapses, especially in hillside slums.
Officials warned residents in flood- and landslide-prone areas to stay alert as more rain is expected.
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Ukraine has carried out multiple drone strikes on warehouses and facilities of Wildberries, Russia’s largest online retailer. These attacks target locations far from the front lines and aim at disrupting Russia’s economy and logistics linked to the war effort.
Key Facts
Wildberries is Russia’s biggest online store, similar in size and popularity to Amazon.
A recent drone strike hit a Wildberries warehouse in Yekaterinburg, over 2,000 km from Ukraine’s border.
At least 12 Wildberries warehouses have been damaged or destroyed in about two dozen attacks since July.
These attacks have killed 13 Wildberries employees and injured many others.
Wildberries operates 40 large warehouses and around 200 smaller facilities totaling 5.2 million square meters.
The company handles almost half of Russia’s online retail sales and generates about $79 billion annually.
Ukraine says Wildberries sells items that support Russia’s military, including drone parts and protective gear.
Wildberries and the Russian government deny supplying military goods to the army.
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Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party is facing doubts due to financial scandals and declining poll numbers. While Reform UK trails the Labour Party nationally, Farage is expected to win a by-election in Clacton-on-Sea, the town he previously represented.
Key Facts
Reform UK has been involved in financial controversies, including a reported £5 million gift to Farage from a cryptocurrency donor.
Recent polls show Labour leading Reform UK, with Labour at 28% support and Reform at 25%.
Reform UK lost by-elections in several areas and has experienced setbacks in local elections.
Farage resigned his parliamentary seat in Clacton, triggering a by-election on August 13.
In Clacton, Farage is expected to win with over 70% support, facing mainly a satirical opponent called Count Binface.
Questions about Reform UK’s funding and connections to controversial figures have attracted official scrutiny and police assessments.
The UK’s political scene is currently fragmented, with no clear historical comparison for the current election dynamics.
Farage describes scandals as attempts to damage his party and chose to leave his seat to let voters decide on his record.
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Thousands of people in Spain traveled to different locations to watch a total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. Many trains were fully booked as people sought the best spots to see the rare event, with eye-witnesses sharing photos and plans on social media.
Key Facts
The total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, was visible in parts of northern and eastern Spain.
Madrid, the capital, was outside the path where the sun is completely covered, causing many residents to travel elsewhere.
Trains from Madrid to popular viewing regions like Leon, Gijon, and A Coruna were fully booked.
Social media groups helped eclipse watchers share locations and find last-minute travel options.
Some travelers combined the eclipse viewing with tourism in less crowded regions such as Galicia.
This eclipse is the first total solar eclipse visible in mainland Europe since 1999.
Many eclipse watchers paid close attention to natural surroundings like animal behavior and shadows during the event.
News outlet FRANCE 24 planned a series of reports covering the eclipse experience across Spain.
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Russia and Ukraine exchanged deadly drone attacks overnight on the port cities of Novorossiysk in Russia and Kherson in Ukraine, killing three people. The attacks caused injuries, damaged homes and infrastructure, and affected key facilities including grain terminals and energy supplies.
Key Facts
A Ukrainian drone attack on Novorossiysk killed a child, injured another child and a woman, and damaged many buildings.
The grain terminal in Novorossiysk was damaged during the attack.
Russia’s Ministry of Defense reported shooting down 502 Ukrainian drones in one night.
Russian drone attacks killed two people and injured others in Kherson, Ukraine.
A Russian attack caused a fire in a shopping mall in Zaporizhzhia and cut power for around 1,200 people.
Russian strikes hit infrastructure in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, including a fuel depot.
Ukraine has submitted peace proposals to US negotiators and agreed to stop drone strikes on Russian oil tankers at Novorossiysk after a US request.
Russia demands Ukraine cede control of four regions as part of any settlement to the conflict.
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