Today's News Digest
A devastating Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has spread to a sixth province and is on track to become the deadliest in history, while geopolitical tensions escalate across multiple regions—from China's military drills near Taiwan to Russia's continued strikes on Ukrainian ports and Putin's visit to disputed Pacific islands.
World
DRC Ebola outbreak spreads to sixth province, tracking toward deadliest ever
The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo has expanded to a sixth province, with 2,128 deaths out of approximately 4,566 recorded cases. The WHO head warned the outbreak is on track to surpass the deadliest in history, which killed at least 11,000 people.
Russia blockades Ukrainian ports, threatening global grain supplies
Russian strikes on major Ukrainian ports are intensifying a maritime battle and threatening worldwide grain shipments, echoing broader struggles over key shipping routes globally.
Ukraine's drone strikes challenge Russia's control of Crimea
Ukraine is conducting intensive drone strikes by sky and sea against Crimea, upending daily life for Russian civilians and challenging Moscow's grip on the peninsula it seized in 2014.
Putin visits disputed Pacific islands, drawing Japanese protest
Vladimir Putin visited the four southernmost islands of the Kuril chain, which Russia controls but Japan also claims as the Northern Territories. The visit prompted strong protests from Tokyo, particularly from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a public Putin critic.
China and Indonesia conduct joint naval drills east of Taiwan
Chinese state media released footage of joint naval exercises with Indonesia in waters east of Taiwan, raising tensions as the island conducts its own defense drills and briefly slows mobile internet to text-only speed.
Israeli settlers besiege Palestinian homes in West Bank village
Israeli troops have been ordering Palestinian families to leave their homes in Qusra, using some houses as military barracks. The U.S. Ambassador to Israel condemned the siege as a 'horrific act of terror.'
Russian citizen arrested in Poland for alleged plot to kill Ukrainian American
Polish authorities arrested a Russian national accused of planning to assassinate a Moscow critic in Warsaw, highlighting ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukrainian diaspora communities.
Russia's economy faces widening deficit despite Middle East war windfall
Despite increased oil revenue from regional conflict, Russia's economy is showing strain from a widening deficit and Ukrainian strikes, testing Moscow's financial resilience as the Ukraine war enters its fifth year.
Zambian president Hichilema seeks second term amid political tensions
President Hakainde Hichilema cast his vote in Lusaka as he bids for reelection, though the campaign is shadowed by lingering tensions with the family of his deceased predecessor Edgar Lungu.
Science & Environment
Record heat forces Romania to shut only nuclear plant as Danube drops
Romania has shut the Cernavodă nuclear plant, which produces 20 percent of the country's electricity, due to extreme heat causing the Danube River level to plummet. The facility is not expected to restart within 10 days.
Europe experiences extreme heat as temperatures soar and records fall
An amber extreme heat warning is in effect across parts of Europe with temperatures reaching 38°C, marking another summer on track to be among the hottest on record. The UK is experiencing particularly severe conditions, with forecasters warning of very high temperatures.
Millions witness Spain's first total solar eclipse in over a century
Millions of people across Europe gathered to observe a total solar eclipse that passed through Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and Portugal—Spain's first total eclipse in more than 100 years. Scotland experienced mixed conditions but captured moments of the rare astronomical event.
NASA tests radiation-blocking vest for lunar missions
A radiation-shielding vest has been successfully flown to the Moon and back, demonstrating a new approach to protecting astronauts by shielding the person rather than the spacecraft.
Business & Markets
Anthropic valued at $2 trillion as Claude maker eyes record IPO
Rapid revenue growth has fueled expectations that Anthropic could achieve a $2 trillion valuation when it goes public, potentially making it the largest IPO in history.
U.S. oil company pursues major drilling project in Greenland amid local opposition
A U.S. oil firm says it is on the verge of a major discovery in Greenland, but the proposal comes at a sensitive time for the Arctic island as locals mobilize against the project.
Air India to test all pilots for banned substances after altitude incident
Following an incident where an Air India plane suddenly lost altitude, injuring multiple passengers, the airline announced it will conduct drug testing for all pilots.
Rivian adds captain's chairs to 2027 R1S lineup
Rivian announced that its 2027 model updates will include captain's chairs for the R1S, one of the company's most-requested features, with pricing unchanged.
Technology & AI
Claude's new invisible watermark flags AI-processed content
Anthropic has implemented an invisible Scarlet Letter watermark that flags anything Claude processed, including human writing that the AI only edited, though the mark may not remain undetectable long-term.
Governance & Rights
Trump administration 'gutted' federal civil rights enforcement, HRW reports
Human Rights Watch found that key federal agencies have ceased providing oversight of civil rights laws nationally under the current administration.
U.S. Navy sailors report alarming conditions aboard USS Abraham Lincoln after 250+ days at sea
The USS Abraham Lincoln, deployed since November, faces reports of food shortages, broken plumbing, and other hazards after more than 250 days without port. U.S. senators have called for an inquiry after reports of sailors attempting to abandon ship.
Gaza artists paint mural honoring Burger King worker fired for 'Free Palestine' statement
Artists in Gaza created a mural to honor former Burger King employee Arianna Hamilton, who was fired after shouting 'Free Palestine' at work.
French ambassador to Central African Republic investigated over misconduct allegations
France has opened disciplinary proceedings against its ambassador to the Central African Republic following allegations that he brought dozens of women into his official residence, raising security concerns.
Culture & Notable Events
Eurovision Song Contest 2027 to be held in Burgas, Bulgaria
The Black Sea city of Burgas was selected to host Eurovision 2027 following Bulgarian singer Dara's victory at this year's contest.
India's new capital city under construction with tech hub and green infrastructure
The chief minister of Andhra Pradesh is overseeing construction of a new state capital with 25,000 workers, featuring waterways, bike lanes, and a 'Quantum Valley' technology hub.