- EU proposes major tobacco tax overhaul, raising cigarette duties by 139%
- US economy shows signs of recovery as inflation rates begin to stabilize
- Thieves steal Renaissance masterworks from MuMe museum during Ferragosto holiday
- Grizzly bear escapes enclosure at Calgary Zoo before being recaptured
- Trump directs Pentagon to reduce military exercises with South Korea after its refusal to aid Iran’s denuclearisation efforts
- One dead as Hurricane Lala hits Hawaii with 91mph winds and heavy rain
- Belgium battles historic wildfire as heat fuels blazes across Europe
- Search continues for missing pilot in Ontario’s Kawartha Lakes region
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.
An arson attack on a Skopje synagogue on 12 April has been linked to the Islamic State, North Macedonia’s intelligence service reported. Seven arrests followed, including charges against two men for terrorism-related offences. The local Jewish community noted only minor damages occurred.
A 33-year-old man will appear in court next week after being detained for allegedly plotting an attack on Dutch Princesses Amalia and Alexia. Prosecutors reported he possessed two axes inscribed with alarming phrases and a handwritten note mentioning both princesses, indicating serious intent.
The UK government has raised the terrorism threat level to severe following a stabbing of two Jewish men in north London, labelled an act of terrorism. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned rising antisemitism, pledging enhanced security for affected communities amid growing fears following recent attacks.
The Socialists’ turmoil has strained relations with their far-left coalition partner Sumar and various fringe and regional separatist parties, whose backing is crucial for legislative approval. This internal discord threatens the stability and effectiveness of the current government.
German rescuers successfully transported a stranded humpback whale, nicknamed “Timmy,” into a specially designed barge on Tuesday, following weeks of efforts to save the mammal. The rescue aims to release Timmy into deeper waters of the North Sea, reflecting sustained public interest and concern.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has signed a significant deal with Croatia to build a gas pipeline backed by US investors tied to Donald Trump, aimed at reducing dependence on Russian gas. The European Union cautioned that this agreement may jeopardise Bosnia’s EU membership bid and associated funding due to transparency issues.
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