Firefighters battle raging wildfires in parts of France and Spain
SCMP •

Firefighters battle raging wildfires in parts of France and Spain

A fast-moving wildfire was raging in southern France on Sunday, forcing evacuations as more than 200 firefighters raced to contain the blaze. The fire broke out around 12.45pm in the Lozere region, about 140km (85 miles) northwest of Montpellier, and was likely sparked by a vehicle catching fire on a local road. By late afternoon, the uncontained blaze had burned some 90 hectares (220 acres). Back...

Over 200 firefighters battle blaze in southern France
SCMP •

Over 200 firefighters battle blaze in southern France

A fast-moving wildfire was raging in southern France on Sunday, forcing evacuations as more than 200 firefighters raced to contain the blaze. The fire broke out at around 12.45pm in the Lozere region, about 140km (85 miles) northwest of Montpellier. Officials said it might have been sparked by a car catching fire on a local road. By late afternoon, the fire had burned some 90 hectares (220 acres) ...

London mayor orders council to drop plan to ban new pubs and bars in Soho and West End

London mayor orders council to drop plan to ban new pubs and bars in Soho and West End

The Guardian •

Exclusive: Sadiq Khan urges Westminster council to adopt ‘positive vision of economic growth’ of nightlifeSadiq Khan has ordered Westminster council to scrap a policy that would ban new pubs and bars from opening in Soho and the West End of London.This comes after the Guardian revealed the council’s new licensing policy asks pubs to stop customers from standing up while consuming beverages, which ...

London mayor orders council to drop plan to ban new pubs and restaurants in Soho and West End

London mayor orders council to drop plan to ban new pubs and restaurants in Soho and West End

The Guardian •

Exclusive: Sadiq Khan urges Westminster council to adopt ‘positive vision of economic growth’ of nightlifeSadiq Khan has ordered Westminster council to scrap a policy that would ban new pubs and restaurants from opening in Soho and the West End of London.This comes after the Guardian revealed the council’s new licensing policy asks pubs to stop customers from standing up while consuming beverages,...

Cologne marches for queer community after Berlin Pride attack

Cologne marches for queer community after Berlin Pride attack

SCMP •

Around 10,000 people gathered in Cologne on Sunday for a demonstration in support of the queer community following the Islamist attack at Berlin Pride. The organisers of Cologne’s own Pride celebrations called for the rally two weeks after the shocking attack in the German capital. Participants gathered in the Deutz district on the eastern side of the Rhine River and marched across to the city cen...

Denmark shooting: Several wounded as police suspect gang-related feud

Denmark shooting: Several wounded as police suspect gang-related feud

Times of India •

A shooting incident in Holbaek on Sunday left several individuals injured. Local police were alerted to the situation around 3:45 PM, promptly responding to the chaotic scene. Authorities are investigating the possibility that this attack is linked to ongoing rivalries among criminal groups. Reports suggest that the suspects fled the area in a white vehicle. Police are asking for any witnesses or ...

In 1987, Orlando put 1,200 acres of constructed wetlands to work cleaning reclaimed water

In 1987, Orlando put 1,200 acres of constructed wetlands to work cleaning reclaimed water

Times of India •

Orlando's constructed wetlands, established in 1987, treat billions of gallons of reclaimed water annually. Aquatic plants absorb nutrients, but decaying matter creates sediment buildup over time. Periodic earthmoving, known as demucking, removes this organic muck to restore marsh function. This process involves draining, scraping, and replanting native species in 100-acre sections. Such long-...

Florida community fears radioactive waste pile could threaten many living nearby

Florida community fears radioactive waste pile could threaten many living nearby

Times of India •

Residents of Progress Village are increasingly concerned about the environmental and health threats posed by a substantial phosphogypsum stack nearby. This waste contains naturally occurring radioactive materials, raising alarms about radiation exposure and potential water contamination, particularly during storm events. Studies on the stack's effects on local air and water quality have been condu...

7 civilians killed in Russia-Ukraine overnight strikes; Moldova reports drone explosion

7 civilians killed in Russia-Ukraine overnight strikes; Moldova reports drone explosion

Times of India •

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine escalated overnight, with strikes claiming the lives of seven civilians and injuring many others. Russian drones and missiles targeted Kharkiv and Odesa, causing severe damage. In retaliation, Ukraine's drone strikes in Russia's Belgorod region killed five individuals. Furthermore, a powerful explosion near Moldova's border hinted at the presence of ...

In 1986, a California city began polishing sewage through constructed marshes

In 1986, a California city began polishing sewage through constructed marshes

Times of India •

Arcata's groundbreaking wastewater treatment approach utilizes beautifully designed constructed wetlands, turning once barren industrial land into a vibrant wildlife haven. This innovative system now attracts over 300 bird species migrating along the Pacific Flyway, providing not only a unique habitat but also recreational opportunities and educational experiences for the public. This remarkable c...

Woman and baby die after boat capsizes in New York harbour

Woman and baby die after boat capsizes in New York harbour

SCMP •

The operator of a boat that capsized in New York Harbor, killing a mother and her infant daughter, is facing criminal charges and authorities are investigating whether the vessel was an illegal charter, the US Coast Guard said on Sunday. The 22-foot Bayliner speedboat overturned around 10.25pm on Saturday near Liberty Island, home to the Statue of Liberty, the US Coast Guard said. Twelve people we...

China waits in wings as Mecca pact signals Gulf shift away from US security umbrella

China waits in wings as Mecca pact signals Gulf shift away from US security umbrella

SCMP •

The grand security bargain between the United States and Gulf countries is widely perceived to be fraying, creating what analysts see as an opening for Beijing to expand its presence in the region. For decades, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states relied on Washington’s defensive shield, while it in turn relied on them for access, energy and influence. Riyadh’s decision to sign a mutual defence agre...