Today's News Digest
A total solar eclipse crossed Europe as Colombia reeled from a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that killed hundreds, while geopolitical tensions simmered from the Middle East to the Black Sea and trade disputes threatened North American supply chains.
World
Total Solar Eclipse Sweeps Across Europe
Europe experienced its first total solar eclipse in 27 years, with viewing crowds stretching from Iceland to Spain as the moon completely blocked the sun. Cloud cover threatened visibility in parts of Scotland and the West Country.
Colombia Earthquake Kills Hundreds, Rescue Efforts Ongoing
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia, killing hundreds with rescue operations continuing. Emergency workers pulled a 32-year-old woman alive from rubble 36 hours after the quake in a 10-hour rescue operation.
Danube's Low Water Levels Expose Nazi-Era Wrecks
Record-low water levels on the Danube near Prahovo, Serbia, have exposed dozens of Nazi-era vessel wrecks, including a remarkably well-preserved motorcycle and identification tags alongside WWII soldier remains.
Zimbabwe Ferry Capsizes on Lake Kariba, 44 Dead
An overcrowded ferry capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe, killing at least 44 people. The boat was carrying 114 adult passengers, five crew members, and an unknown number of children, exceeding its 90-person capacity.
Europe Braces for Fifth Heat Wave of 2026
Europeans and tourists face record-breaking temperatures set to reach 109 degrees Fahrenheit (43 Celsius) this week, marking the fifth major heat wave of the summer. Many say summer in Europe has lost its appeal.
Israeli Settlers Besiege Palestinian Families in West Bank
About a dozen Israeli settlers remain at a site in a West Bank village where two Palestinian families have been besieged since Sunday, after Israeli security forces reportedly withdrew from the area.
Lebanese Families Demand Release of Israeli-Held Detainees
Lebanese families rallied in Beirut demanding answers about relatives detained by Israel, raising tensions over the status of missing persons.
Thailand Halts New Gun Permits After School Mass Shooting
Thailand suspended new gun permits following a mass shooting at a school, as the government considers tightening gun control after a string of high-profile shootings in recent years.
Zhu Rongji, Architect of China's 1990s Economic Reforms, Dies at 97
Zhu Rongji, the former Chinese leader renowned for driving market-oriented financial reforms while maintaining Communist Party control, has died. His reforms transitioned China from the post-Maoist era toward a more globally integrated economy.
Ecuador's Fishing Boats Targeted by Mystery Drone-Equipped Attackers
Ecuadorean fishing crews operating in the Pacific have been targeted by unidentified attackers equipped with drones, with some sailors reportedly killed in the mysterious attacks.
Business & Markets
US Inflation Eases to 3.4% as Food and Fuel Cool
Annual US inflation dipped to 3.4% in July, driven by slowing food costs and cooling fuel prices, though housing costs kept prices slightly elevated.
LA Lakers Sold in Record $12.5 Billion Deal
The Los Angeles Lakers franchise is being sold for a reported record $12.5 billion, less than a year after Mark Walter took a majority stake in the NBA team.
Trump Tariffs Force Canadian Companies to Consider Relocation
If President Trump implements threatened 50 percent tariffs on Canadian products later this month, some Canadian companies may only survive by relocating to the United States.
Russian and Ukrainian Grain Exports Plummet Amid Black Sea Port Attacks
Grain exports from both Russia and Ukraine are falling sharply as both countries attack each other's shipping facilities and ports in the Black Sea, disrupting global food supplies.
AI Firms Quietly Bulk-Buying and Destroying Rare Books
Booksellers report that artificial intelligence companies are quietly purchasing rare books in bulk and then destroying them, raising concerns about the practice.
Technology & Science
Hydrogen Car Breaks Land Speed Record at 406 mph
A hydrogen-powered vehicle set a new land speed record of 406 mph, more than doubling the previous official hydrogen combustion record set in 2004.
Researchers Discover Zoom Screen-Sharing Security Flaw
Researchers identified a dangerous security vulnerability in Zoom's screen-sharing feature that can be exploited to hijack devices. A public AI tool found the flaw in under 20 prompts.
Google Unveils 2026 Hardware Lineup Focused on AI
Google revealed its 2026 hardware lineup including the Pixel 11, Pixel Watch 5, and Pixel Tag, prioritizing AI integration and curated experiences over raw specification upgrades.
Fish Populations 'Wiped Out' After Pollution Incident in Northern Ireland
A pollution incident impacted 5 kilometers of the Kilkeel River in the Mournes area of Northern Ireland, with the Department of Environment reporting that generations of fish were wiped out.
South African Scientist Discovers Natural Fungal Cure for African Armyworm
South African scientist Letodi Luki Mathulwe's breakthrough research shows that a soil fungus can be used to combat the African armyworm, one of the most devastating crop pests for farmers in east and southern Africa.
Study Explores Role of Animal Waste in Evolution of Complex Life
Recent research suggests that animal feces may have played a significant role in enabling the evolution of complex organisms, adding a new dimension to understanding evolutionary processes.
Politics & Governance
Trump Secretly Switched Planes in Turkey Amid Iran Threat
During a NATO summit in Turkey, President Trump boarded a different aircraft for security reasons involving an Iranian threat, while members of his cabinet remained on a decoy plane.
White House Construction Project to Cost Nearly $1 Billion
The White House defended reports of a planned nearly $1 billion construction project, which has drawn controversy over its scope and cost.
Canadian Petition Calls for US Ambassador's Expulsion
An online petition accusing US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra of diplomatic interference in Canadian domestic affairs has garnered more than 60,000 signatures, reflecting tensions between the two nations.
Trump Claims Pro-Israel Lobbying Groups Losing Congressional Influence
President Trump remarked that pro-Israel lobbying groups no longer wield the power they held decades ago, reflecting broader shifts in US political dynamics.
Trump Administration Orders Kalshi to Keep Operating Despite New York Lawsuit
The Trump administration claimed that New York's lawsuit against prediction market platform Kalshi created a market emergency, ordering the company to continue operations.
WestJet Settles Sexual Harassment Class Action for C$4.5 Million
Canadian airline WestJet agreed to pay C$4.5 million (£2.4 million) to settle a decade-long sexual harassment class action lawsuit filed by female flight attendants who alleged the company failed to maintain a safe workplace.
Infrastructure & Natural Disasters
Mount Etna Eruption Strands Hundreds at Catania Airport
An eruption of Mount Etna disrupted travel at Italy's Catania airport, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded as the volcano forced airport operations to halt.