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- Canada braces for potential blackouts as solar flare approaches Earth tomorrow
- EU implements ban on agricultural imports following EU-Mercosur deal
- Royal family’s hidden codenames unveiled — from Sharon to Unicorn | News UK
- Putin meets former teacher amid heightened security fears of coup attempts
- Austria expels three Russian diplomats over suspected espionage activities
- EU imposes sanctions on Israeli settlers amid West Bank violence
- Russian ship carrying nuclear reactors to North Korea explodes in sea
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Canada braces for potential blackouts as solar flare approaches Earth tomorrow
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Get you up to speed: Canada braces for potential blackouts as solar flare approaches Earth tomorrow
A coronal mass ejection from the sunspot AR4436 categorised as an M5.8 flare has already triggered a radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean. The Met Office indicated that this solar event may “brush” past Earth in the early hours tomorrow morning.
A coronal mass ejection from sunspot AR4436 has already caused a radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean, as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center. Jim NR Dale, a meteorologist with the British Weather Services, explained that solar flares weaken radio waves due to ionisation within the ionosphere.
The coronal mass ejection from sunspot AR4436 is expected to arrive in the early hours tomorrow, potentially resulting in northern lights sightings across northern Scotland if the skies are clear. Forecasters predict the event may cause a G1-level geomagnetic storm, although it is described as ‘minor’, meaning widespread blackouts are not anticipated.
Solar flare tomorrow could make northern lights visible | News Tech
The aurora borealis over Canada earlier this year (Picture: Reuters)
A colossal solar flare could graze the Earth tomorrow, prompting speculation of northern lights sightings and blackouts.
A coronal mass ejection – a giant solar explosion sending streams of charged particles into space – fired off the sun at 1.39pm yesterday.
Space weather forecasters (yes, they’re a thing) categorised the blast of plasma as a M5.8 (moderate) flare, the second-most powerful ranking.
The eruption from the sunspot AR4436 has already triggered a radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean.
While it’s heading away from Earth, there’s a chance it will ‘brush’ past us in the early hours tomorrow morning, according to the Met Office.
More flares could follow as the sunspot is now rotating into Earth’s ‘strike zone’, so any ejections from it will be on a direct path towards us.
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Solar flares ‘can affect power grids and GPS’
ALERT: X-Ray Flux exceeded M5 Threshold Reached: 2026 May 10 1335 UTCNoaa Scale: R2 – ModerateComment: NOAA Scale: R2 – ModerateIssue Time: 2026 May 10 1338 UTChttps://t.co/ZbtuNtJdza
— NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) May 10, 2026
When solar particles hit the magnetic bubble that protects our planet from radiation, it causes a geomagnetic storm, also called a solar storm.
These particles generate electrical currents and magnetic fields. All this extra energy can damage spacecraft, pipelines and railroad tracks, as well as disrupt power grids.
Communication blackouts mainly affect methods which use high-frequency radio waves, such as ham radio and commercial aviation.
Jim NR Dale, a meteorologist with the British Weather Services, told WTX that blackouts happen because the flares weaken radio waves.
‘This is due to ionisation within the ionosphere,’ he says, referring to the fuzzy, glowing layer of the planet which meets space.
‘Basically, the waves are blocked and dispersed.
The sun spews out charged particles every now and then (Picture: Getty Images)
‘The flares in the worst-case scenarios can affect other technical apparatus such as satellites, power grid outputs and GPS.’
This probably means your phone won’t be affected by the storm, but navigation systems may be knocked out.
Earth’s magnetosphere can get peeled back, meaning satellites in high altitudes (like GPS ones) are hit with more radiation than usual.
Satellites in low-Earth orbit are better protected but can still experience technical hiccups, like signal dropouts and reboots.
Forecasters expect the arrival of tomorrow’s ejection arrival to cause a G1-level geomagnetic storm.
But Dale says this one is ‘minor’, so blackouts shouldn’t be much of a worry. ‘G4/5 are the biggies,’ he added.
GPS is also far more resilient than you might think, Lisa Dyer, executive director of the GPS Innovation Alliance, tells WTX.
‘Past experience of these events has shown us that the system continues to function normally even during intense space weather,’ she says.
‘The satellites remain safe even under extreme conditions, and we can expect operations to remain stable throughout the space weather event.’
Where can I see the northern lights?
These cosmic fireworks are ‘totally harmless’, Dale says (Picture: PA)
One pleasant potential side effect of all this solar material is a dazzling light shows in the nighttime sky.
When the particles mingle with the gases in Earth’s atmosphere, they create various colours: Oxygen creates green or red light, while blue and purple come from nitrogen.
This cosmic light show, known as the aurora borealis or northern lights, could be seen across northern Scotland tomorrow if the skies are clear enough, space forecasters say.
The monitoring service AuroraWatch UK is currently reporting no significant geomagnetic activity.
The sun’s activity ebbs and flows on an 11-year cycle and reached its peak, called solar maximum, last year. During this, the sun spits out more flares than usual.
That’s why auroras were seen as far south as London last year, as the powerful solar storms drive auroras further south.
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EU implements ban on agricultural imports following EU-Mercosur deal
6:00 pm
EU implements ban on agricultural imports following EU-Mercosur deal
EU Ban Imminent
The EU is set to impose a ban on agricultural trade with Mercosur, following the recent provisional enforcement of the EU-Mercosur trade deal.
The EU is set to impose a ban on agricultural trade with Mercosur, following the recent provisional enforcement of the EU-Mercosur trade deal.
Trade Liberalisation Impact
The ban follows the provisional implementation of the EU-Mercosur trade deal, representing a significant alteration in agricultural trade dynamics between Europe and South America.
The ban follows the provisional implementation of the EU-Mercosur trade deal, representing a significant alteration in agricultural trade dynamics between Europe and South America.
Farming Opposition
“The ban is a significant setback for farmers who were counting on the benefits of the recent trade deal,” a representative stated.
“The ban is a significant setback for farmers who were counting on the benefits of the recent trade deal,” a representative stated.
Key developments
The EU is moving to implement a ban impacting agricultural trade, just two weeks after the provisional entry into force of the EU-Mercosur trade deal, which liberalised transatlantic agricultural exchanges.
This forthcoming ban responds to concerns from agricultural sectors within member states, who voiced opposition to the implications of the newly established trade agreement.
EU to ban Brazilian meat imports from September
The ban would come just two weeks after the EU-Mercosur trade deal provisionally entered into force, liberalising agricultural trade across the Atlantic despite fierce opposition from farmers.
Royal family’s hidden codenames unveiled — from Sharon to Unicorn | News UK
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Get you up to speed: Royal family’s hidden codenames unveiled — from Sharon to Unicorn | News UK
ROYAL CODES
Royal Family members have long used secret codenames, with Queen Elizabeth II known as ‘Sharon’ and the death plan titled Operation London Bridge, according to expert Laura Windsor.
Royal Family members have long used secret codenames, with Queen Elizabeth II known as ‘Sharon’ and the death plan titled Operation London Bridge, according to expert Laura Windsor.
ROYAL NICKNAMES
Royal expert Laura Windsor disclosed that the tradition of using secret codenames for the Royal Family originated to protect sensitive communications from switchboard operators in the past.
Royal expert Laura Windsor disclosed that the tradition of using secret codenames for the Royal Family originated to protect sensitive communications from switchboard operators in the past.
The royal family continues to utilise secret codenames for security, as confirmed by royal expert Laura Windsor, highlighting their historical significance and ongoing relevance in royal operations.
What we know so far
The Royal Family has long maintained a tradition of using secret codenames, a practice that reportedly began decades ago for security reasons. Royal expert Laura Windsor revealed that this custom emerged when palace switchboard operators could listen in on calls, leading to the need for coded language to prevent sensitive information leaks.
Among the most well-known examples is Queen Elizabeth II, who was privately referred to as ‘Sharon’ by some members of her security team. According to Windsor, the codename ‘London Bridge’ was used to signify her passing, a protocol established well in advance, reflecting the meticulous planning surrounding royal affairs.
This tradition continues with current royals. King Charles III’s death plans are codified under the name ‘Operation Menai Bridge,’ while Prince William and Kate Middleton were known as ‘Danny Collins’ and ‘Daphne Clark’ during their time as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The use of these names not only helps in maintaining discretion but also serves to prevent media speculation about royal arrangements.
As royal duties evolve, these codenames may change, but their fundamental purpose—to protect privacy and manage sensitive events—remains deeply entrenched in royal protocol.
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The royal family’s secret codenames revealed — from Sharon to Unicorn | News UK
Many people have heard of Operation London Bridge, the codename given to the plans and protocols surrounding the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
But a lot fewer fans of the royals are aware that she was also apparently known as ‘Sharon’ behind closed doors.
Which does slightly make the late head of state sound a bit like a brassy middle-aged woman who runs a florist in a Bedfordshire satellite town.
The royal family, it turns out, has used secret names for decades, partly for security and partly to keep sensitive plans away from prying ears.
According to the appropriately-named royal expert Laura Windsor, the tradition began back when palace switchboard operators manually connected calls.
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‘These switchboard operators could listen in on every conversation, so royal code names were used to prevent them from finding out any important news before the royal family did themselves,’ Windsor told Reader’s Digest.
The names stuck around even after technology moved on. Windsor says they’re still useful when planning travel or discussing major royal events without attracting attention.
‘Arrangements involving the royals take a long time to unfold, so using code names doesn’t arouse any suspicion,’ she said. ‘In a way, it’s like with actors: when they travel and stay at hotels, they also don’t give their real names.’
The first known royal death codename belonged to King George VI, whose plans reportedly used the phrase ‘Hyde Park Corner’ before his death in 1952. Unlike later royal operations, it wasn’t linked to a bridge at all.
But how about the more recent members of the Royal Family…?
Queen Elizabeth II: London Bridge/Sharon
The death plan for the much-missed former monarch famously operated under the codename London Bridge.
When she died back in 2022, senior figures were informed that ‘London Bridge is down’, triggering a carefully prepared operation that had reportedly existed since as far back as the 1960s.
Windsor believes that the phrase was likely inspired by the famous nursery rhyme and the bridge’s location near Buckingham Palace. But London Bridge wasn’t the only nickname linked to the late Queen.
According to The Sun, members of her security team sometimes referred to her as ‘Sharon’ or simply ‘S’. Prince Philip also reportedly had his own names for her in private, including ‘Lilibet’ and ‘cabbage’.
Which is either deeply affectionate or a sign that 70 years of marriage can make some people go a bit odd. That said, it’s not the worst thing the Duke of Edinburgh ever called someone.
Prince Philip: Forth Bridge
The Queen’s husband later became linked to Operation Forth Bridge after his death in 2021.
The codename referenced the famous Scottish railway bridge and, of course, his title as Duke of Edinburgh.
King Charles III: Menai Bridge/Unicorn
King Charles III already has his own operation name too. And his is also tied into his (former) title of The Prince of Wales.
In the event of his death, plans known as Operation Menai Bridge would begin, referencing the historic Welsh suspension bridge linking Anglesey to the mainland.
The codename became public after Charles briefly disappeared during an avalanche in Switzerland back in 1988, an incident later recreated in The Crown.
During a visit to the United States in 1971, the Secret Service also reportedly nicknamed him ‘unicorn’, after Scotland’s national animal.
Yes, that’s right. The national animal of Scotland is actually the unicorn.
Princess Diana & the Queen Mother: Tay Bridge
The late People’s Princess meanwhile reportedly shared the codename Tay Bridge with the Queen Mother.
‘Princess Diana died very suddenly,’ Windsor explained. ‘She was so young that nobody thought she would be dying anytime soon, so she had not yet been given her own codename.’
William and Kate: Danny Collins and Daphne Clark
Some of the younger royals were also reportedly given much more ordinary aliases.
When William and Kate were still the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, reports claimed they used the names Danny Collins and Daphne Clark, matching their initials.
Windsor believes those names likely changed after the couple became Prince and Princess of Wales. Which makes sense really. Once the newspapers know your secret codename, it’s probably time for a new one (now it’s no longer very secret).
Harry and Meghan: David Stevens and Davina Scott
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly used David Stevens and Davina Scott during their time as working royals.
Since leaving royal duties behind for life in the US though, nobody really knows whether the names still exist at all. ‘Harry and Meghan’ still do, though. And, given they’re no longer officially working royals, they can probably just use those.
Putin meets former teacher amid heightened security fears of coup attempts
2:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Putin meets former teacher amid heightened security fears of coup attempts
Vladimir Putin met with his former schoolteacher Vera Gurevich for dinner in Moscow, where he confirmed his identity after she expressed uncertainty. Gurevich, now 92, was driven away for dinner in the Kremlin in a car escorted by security vehicles.
Vera Gurevich, Vladimir Putin’s former schoolteacher, expressed her astonishment at his transformation into a prominent political figure, stating, “Honestly, I could never imagine that it’d be Vladimir Putin who’d become president.” Additionally, according to an unnamed Western intelligence agency cited by Russian news outlet Important Stories, since March 2026, there have been heightened concerns within the Kremlin about potential coup attempts and the use of drones for assassination attempts against Putin.
Following the dinner with Vera Gurevich, Vladimir Putin is living and working in multiple bunkers due to heightened security concerns stemming from fears of a coup attempt, as reported by an unnamed Western intelligence agency. The Kremlin has noted worries about a potential assassination attempt using drones, further increasing security around the President.
Putin’s former schoolteacher reignites body double rumours by asking ‘is that you?’ | News World
Vladimir Putin’s former schoolteacher seemed leery of the Russian president while meeting with him at an arranged dinner.
In a carefully stage-managed meeting, Putin arrived at teacher Vera Gurevich’s Moscow hotel to take her out for dinner.
While meeting him, the former teacher, now 92, peered uncertainly at his face and asked him doubtfully: ‘Is that you?’
Putin smiled and replied: ‘Yes, it’s me. It’s me.’
Her remarks have reignited a debate about Putin’s use of body doubles amid security fears.
Still, after the President confirmed it was him, Gurevich kissed him as he handed her a large bouquet.
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Putin kissed his old teacher after reuniting (Picture: AP)
Putin’s retired teacher, who also taught him German, was bundled into the back of the Aurus and driven away for dinner in the Kremlin, escorted by security vehicles.
Gurevich has previously revealed how, aged 16, Putin slaughtered a duck on a school trip before it was cooked for dinner.
She said: ‘He pulled a blanket over himself, covering his head completely. He said: ‘Bring in the unfortunate one, lay her head so that, without seeing her, I can sever her head with a single blow.’’
The retired teacher also revealed that as a schoolboy, Putin ‘wasn’t particularly interested in girls at all.’
She said: ‘Honestly, I could never imagine that it’d be Vladimir Putin who’d become president, head of our great state. He’s a talented man, but I’ve always thought he’d make a lawyer.’
Putin gave his former teacher a large bouqet of flowers (Picture: east2west)
Putin has been increasingly worried about his security, having retreated to living and working in many bunkers amid fears of a new coup, Western intelligence found.
Security has been massively increased around Putin, who has abandoned his favourite palaces, fearing they could be targets of drone strikes by his own entourage.
The new analysis cites an unnamed Western intelligence agency and was first revealed by Russian news outlet Important Stories.
‘Since the beginning of March 2026, the Kremlin and Vladimir Putin have been concerned about a leak of sensitive information and, at the same time, about the risk of a plot or coup attempt against the Russian president,’ it’s been claimed.
‘In particular, he fears the use of drones for a possible assassination attempt by members of the Russian political elite.’
Putin’s Security Council Secretary, Sergei Shoigu, who was Minister of Defence for the first years of the war, is allegedly associated with the risk of a coup attempt.
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Austria expels three Russian diplomats over suspected espionage activities
1:00 pm
Austria expels three Russian diplomats over suspected espionage activities
Russian Diplomats Expelled
Austria expelled three Russian diplomats last week, who were accused of conducting espionage activities while operating under diplomatic cover in Vienna.
Austria expelled three Russian diplomats last week, who were accused of conducting espionage activities while operating under diplomatic cover in Vienna.
Espionage Risk
Austria’s expulsion of three Russian diplomats underscores a growing national security concern regarding the use of diplomatic facilities for espionage, particularly amidst heightened international tensions.
Austria’s expulsion of three Russian diplomats underscores a growing national security concern regarding the use of diplomatic facilities for espionage, particularly amidst heightened international tensions.
Official Statement
Beate Meinl-Reisinger stated, “It is clear that it is unacceptable for diplomatic immunity to be used to conduct espionage,” highlighting Austria’s commitment to enhanced security and counter-espionage measures.
Beate Meinl-Reisinger stated, “It is clear that it is unacceptable for diplomatic immunity to be used to conduct espionage,” highlighting Austria’s commitment to enhanced security and counter-espionage measures.
Key developments
Austria recently expelled three Russian diplomats accused of espionage in Vienna. This marks a significant shift for the nation, which is now adopting a tougher stance on espionage activities.
Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger stated that the government communicated its concerns regarding suspicious antenna systems at Russian diplomatic missions, emphasising that diplomatic immunity must not be exploited for espionage.
Investigations by the Austrian group Nomen Nescio revealed that certain antennas at Russian embassies in Vienna appear to function as signals intelligence stations, raising further concerns about their intended use.
Why are antennas on Russian diplomatic buildings sparking concern in Europe?
Last week, Austria expelled three Russian diplomats accused of using diplomatic cover for espionage activities in Vienna.
Soon after, Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger said that Austria was taking a tougher approach to spying activities, calling it a “security issue” for the country.
“We have communicated this clearly and unequivocally to the Russian side, including regarding the ‘antenna forest’ at the Russian representation,” she said in a statement. “It is clear that it is unacceptable for diplomatic immunity to be used to conduct espionage.”
What was she referring to?
Researchers and journalists have warned that several Russian diplomatic buildings in Vienna are fitted with large antenna systems and satellite dishes that could be used to intercept communications.
It’s not unusual for embassies to use rooftop antennas and satellite systems to maintain secure communications with their governments.
Under Article 27 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, diplomatic missions may use secure means of communication. However, an embassy is only allowed to install or operate a wireless radio transmitter with the consent of the receiving state.
However, an investigation published in March by the Financial Times, which cited officials and analysts monitoring the sites, reported that the satellite dishes appeared to move and reposition frequently, a behaviour that analysts said is unusual for systems used solely for diplomatic communication.
Erich Möchel is an Austrian investigative journalist who has monitored satellite dishes and antenna systems on Russian diplomatic buildings in Vienna alongside a group of senior Austrian technologists and electronics engineers who call themselves Nomen Nescio.
He told EU News’ fact-checking team, The Cube, that one antenna system on Russia’s embassy buildings in Vienna’s third district “points far to the west”, which he said was “not usual embassy communication.”
The antenna points toward commercial satellites carrying communications traffic between Europe and Africa, rather than toward satellites that are associated with communicating with Moscow.
According to Möchel, one Russian diplomatic building in Vienna’s 22nd district appears to function as a “pure signals intelligence station” with several dishes pointing towards satellites that carry communications traffic between Europe and Africa.
Nomen Nescio has observed that one dish is regularly repositioned and then returned to its normal orientation. This dish appears to be “used for searching,” according to Möchel.
“Possibly, they are looking for something, some special channel on another satellite,” he said.
Nomen Nescio also identified unusual rooftop structures made from lightweight materials such as wood and plastic. Möchel said these structures resembled radomes, weatherproof enclosures designed to protect antennas and obscure their direction.
Diplomatic rooftops under scrutiny
Allegations surrounding rooftop surveillance systems on diplomatic buildings are not new.
Reporting by Der Spiegel, based on documents leaked by exiled former NSA Edward Snowden, alleged that the US embassy in Berlin housed rooftop surveillance equipment used for signals intelligence collection.
In 2013, Germany’s foreign ministry invited the British ambassador to a meeting amidst allegations that British intelligence had established a “covert listening post” on top of the embassy’s roof to eavesdrop.
Russia is no stranger to similar allegations. A 2023 investigation by Central European media outlet VSquare reported that specialised equipment on embassy roofs from Warsaw to Brussels had the capacity to intercept electronic communications of the countries it was based in, according to multiple former intelligence officials interviewed by the outlet.
Sergei Jirnov, a former KGB officer, told The Cube that antennas on diplomatic buildings could serve “two purposes: communications with Moscow and espionage activities in the host country.”
Claude Moniquet, former agent for France’s foreign intelligence agency DGSE, told us that some diplomatic antennas could theoretically be used for “the interception of radio waves, microwave links, satellite communications, unencrypted internet traffic, and the collection of mobile identifiers and metadata through IMSI-catcher-type devices.”
He added that Chinese and Russian services use similar methods, and described Brussels, Vienna and Geneva as major hubs for such activity, given that they host international bodies.
Vienna in particular has long been associated with espionage due to the presence of the United Nations, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.
Austria has expelled fewer Russian diplomats since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, compared to countries such as Germany, Poland and France.
EU imposes sanctions on Israeli settlers amid West Bank violence
12:01 pm
EU imposes sanctions on Israeli settlers amid West Bank violence
The European Union has enacted a new package of sanctions against Israeli settlers, following escalating violence in the West Bank. This decision, approved by the European Council, aims to hold those responsible accountable and reflects the EU’s commitment to maintaining international law and supporting peace efforts in the region. The sanctions specifically target 20 individuals and entities linked to land appropriation in the occupied territories, marking a significant step in the EU’s foreign policy approach toward Israel and the Palestinian territories.
In economic developments, the EU’s decision coincides with heightened tensions in trade relations, particularly affecting agricultural exports. The situation may lead to disruptions in market access for EU goods in the region, impacting supply chains. Stakeholders will be closely watching for further negotiations and the implications of the upcoming EU summit scheduled for late October, which could address broader trade strategies in light of recent sanctions.
Key developments across Europe
EU agrees sanctions on Israeli settlers over West Bank violence
EU SANCTIONS — The EU has implemented sanctions targeting Israeli settlers due to ongoing violence in the West Bank.
This decision follows heightened tensions and violence in the region, prompting calls for accountability and action from European leaders. The sanctions aim to signal discontent over actions viewed as breaching international law, particularly those affecting Palestinian rights.
Norway’s pro-EU voices sense their moment
EU POLITICS — Pro-European sentiments are gaining traction in Norway amidst rising geopolitical tensions.
EU needs to delay social media access for children – von der Leyen
EU LAW — The EU is considering postponing access to social media for minors to enhance online safety.
France presses EU to crack down on platforms like Shein and Temu
EU BUSINESS — France is advocating for stricter regulations on fast-fashion platforms operating in the EU.
This push is driven by concerns over sustainability and ethical business practices, with French officials urging the EU to implement laws that hold such companies accountable. By addressing these issues, France aims to ensure fair competition and protect environment-conscious consumers.
Ukrainian children unlawfully deported and forcibly transferred to Russia: EU sanctions 16 individuals and seven entities
EU SANCTIONS — The EU has enacted sanctions against individuals and entities involved in the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children.
What to watch — The EU’s approach to social media regulation and its implications for online safety will be closely monitored in upcoming discussions.
Further reading from across European news sources
Political.eu
Norway’s pro-EU voices sense their moment
Financial Times
France presses EU to crack down on platforms like Shein and Temu
Euronews.com
Where in Europe do employees work the most on weekends?
The Guardian
EU preparing to offer key concession to UK in new post-Brexit agricultural deal
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