Aug 4, 2026, 09:00 AM UTC

Italian authorities continue investigations into a series of violent incidents involving former partners across northern Italy. In Varese, 36-year-old motorist Federico Venco was fatally struck by a vehicle driven by Mirko Bertellini, who mistakenly believed Venco was his former girlfriend's new partner. Following the collision, Bertellini physically assaulted the woman.

In Casale Monferrato, police arrested a 19-year-old man with prior offenses after he issued death threats to his ex-partner and physically assaulted her current companion.

Concurrently, legal proceedings continue regarding the death of Dafne Rebaudo, who allegedly fell or was thrown from a balcony by her partner. Rebaudo's mother demanded legal accountability while highlighting state failures regarding youth addiction support.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, El Mundo, Il Messaggero, La Stampa.

The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 has reached 6,125, according to updated official figures released by National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez.

The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 quakes occurred just one minute apart, causing widespread destruction and collapsing nearly 200 buildings. Official reports indicate that nearly 61,000 people have received hospital treatment following the disaster. In the worst-affected state of La Guaira, approximately 1,400 individuals remain missing.

This update represents the first official casualty count issued by authorities since July 24. While the government has promised to construct new housing for displaced families, officials continue to face criticism over their handling of the emergency response.

Sources: DR, La Vanguardia, Svenska Dagbladet, SVT, VG

A cargo vessel has been struck by an "unknown projectile" in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman, according to United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

The incident occurred approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of the Omani port city of Khasab. The vessel's captain reported the strike, and maritime authorities are currently investigating the situation. UKMTO did not immediately provide information regarding potential damage or casualties aboard the ship.

The attack follows a separate incident roughly 24 hours earlier involving a tanker targeted in the same area, where both crew and vessel were reported safe. Maritime officials have urged all ships passing through the region to exercise caution and report suspicious activity.

Sources: Dagens Industri, Der Standard, Finansavisen, ORF, VG (Verdens Gang)

German authorities have intensified security measures in Berlin following a fatal Islamist terror attack during the city's Christopher Street Day parade.

Berlin Interior Senator Iris Spranger announced that police fitted electronic ankle tags on four individuals classified as dangerous threats. One of the suspects was also placed in preventive custody following a police request.

Meanwhile, the Bundestag's Interior Committee convened for an extraordinary session to examine why intelligence services failed to prevent the incident. High-ranking officials faced intense questioning from lawmakers over how the suspect avoided pre-emptive intervention despite being previously monitored by law enforcement.

Sources: Tagesschau, ORF, Die Zeit.

Firefighters in Washington state made modest progress against several blazes on Monday, even as damage estimates near Spokane escalated. Officials reported that up to 1,100 structures have been destroyed and evacuation orders expanded to approximately 65,000 residents, making it the worst natural disaster in the city's history.

Fifteen major fires remain active across the state, fueled by ongoing drought and extreme heat. Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities arrested a 37-year-old man on suspicion of intentionally starting one of the major blazes. Emergency personnel continue containment operations under a statewide emergency declaration and burn ban.

Sources: BBC News, Der Spiegel, France24, Tagesschau, The Guardian