Year: 2026

Churchill, Manitoba, is currently inhabited by thousands of beluga whales, while hundreds of polar bears are expected to gather in the area shortly. The seasonal presence of these wildlife species draws attention to the region’s unique ecosystem.

John “Johnny Doc” Dougherty has received an early release from prison following a commutation signed by President Trump. Convicted in 2023 for bribery and embezzlement related to IBEW Local 98, Dougherty aims to care for his ill wife, Cecilia. Plans are in place for his release from Lewisburg federal penitentiary.

Gangs in London are engaging in a violent league system, where points are awarded based on the severity of crimes such as stabbings and shootings. Detective Constable Faisal El Issaoui highlighted this culture during a recent police operation, which led to over 400 arrests amid escalating violence in south London.

Sunbed wars escalate in Salou as holidaymakers dash through bushes to claim spots at the pool, captured in viral footage by a Norwich landlord.

Lithuanian Foreign Affairs Minister Kęstutis Budrys has warned that EU deterrence measures against Russia have failed, as exemplified by a recent drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport linked to Russian sabotage. He called for enhanced EU security capabilities and stricter visa restrictions for Russian nationals.

The current and former presidents of the International Criminal Court’s governing body have condemned diplomatic pressures aimed at isolating the court, asserting these efforts undermine international law. They urged member states to support the ICC amid escalating sanctions from the Trump administration, which has opposed the court’s investigations, particularly regarding Israeli officials.

Mayor Jeromy Farkas characterised the current budget proposals as a “wishlist”, noting that many stakeholders request items as budget discussions unfold. He spoke to reporters on Thursday regarding the influx of demands typically seen during the budgeting process.

The Missouri Supreme Court has unanimously halted the implementation of a new Republican-leaning House map ahead of the midterm elections, ordering a statewide referendum on its validity. This decision preserves the previous map, maintaining six GOP-leaning and two Democratic-leaning districts for the November general election.

Major General Nikolai Varpakhovich is in critical condition following a suspected assassination attempt in Saratov, Russia, where he was shot while leaving his home.

A hazardous materials alert at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) was triggered on Thursday evening after a woman reported carrying toxic substances in her handbag. Terminal 1 was evacuated, flight operations paused, and emergency teams are currently analysing the unknown substance amid safety concerns.