- Transcript of Pennsylvania state Rep. Chris Rabb on Face the Nation, Aug. 16, 2026
- Influencers risk lives for shark photos amid warnings from scientists
- Ukraine launches drones targeting military and energy sites in Russia
- Top US commander visits USS Lincoln amid sailors’ morale concerns
- Jason Arday, Cambridge professor accused of plagiarism, dies at 40
- Canada’s tax reform may begin with changes for small businesses, official says
- Trump requests Supreme Court intervention in East Wing ballroom project dispute
- Woman in her 90s dies in Gloucester house fire; suspect arrested for murder
Europe
Ukraine launched hundreds of drones targeting military and energy facilities across Russia, resulting in at least six fatalities. This marks one of Kyiv’s largest aerial assaults since early 2022. President Zelenskyy called for European missile interceptors to aid Ukraine against Russian strikes.
A 55-metre statue of the Virgin Mary has been erected in the Polish village of Konotopie, becoming the tallest Marian monument in Europe. Funded by billionaire Roman Karkosik at an estimated cost of 100 million zlotys, the statue will be blessed on 15 August, despite the site remaining unfinished.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced strikes on key Russian military sites, including the Progress Rocket and Space Centre in Samara, using FP-5 Flamingo cruise missiles. The operation aimed to reduce Russian military capabilities and was part of Ukraine’s strategy to pressure Moscow amid ongoing hostilities.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz indicated a possible government reshuffle following the resignation of CDU parliamentary leader Jens Spahn. Merz aims to announce Spahn’s successor by month-end, amid growing pressure from key state elections. Chancellery Minister Thorsten Frei is a leading candidate for the role.
Two significant wildfires are currently active in Spain, notably in Guadalajara and Zaragoza provinces, with emergency services combating a blaze near La Mierla that has scorched nearly 9,900 hectares. Evacuations have affected 16 villages as authorities report extreme conditions exacerbated by strong winds.
The US National Transportation Safety Board has released findings from its investigation into the helicopter crash that killed Agustín Escobar, head of Siemens’ Spanish division, and his family. The report identified remains of geese in the rotor blades, highlighting the risks posed by bird strikes in aviation.
Venezuela has reported 5,069 fatalities from two powerful earthquakes that struck on 24 June. Rescue operations, involving international teams, continue amid severe damage, particularly in La Guaira. The interim government has secured $346 million from the IMF for reconstruction, as over 20,000 are displaced into temporary camps.
A 5.0 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Turkey’s Malatya province on Saturday morning, reported the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority. The quake was felt in several nearby provinces, but no adverse effects have been reported. An on-site assessment is currently under way.
Italian police have conducted raids at the offices of luxury brands, including Bulgari and Chanel, amid allegations of labour exploitation involving Chinese subcontractors. This investigation by Milan prosecutors targets multiple firms, including Prada and Givenchy, highlighting concerns over supply chain practices within the luxury sector.
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