Oct 3, 2026, 04:30 AM UTC

Former diplomat Terje Rød-Larsen has publicly expressed regret over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, stating, "Jeg beklager i dag dypt det forholdet jeg hadde til Epstein. Jeg burde kuttet forbindelsen til ham på et tidligere tidspunkt."

Rød-Larsen and his wife, former ambassador Mona Juul, face charges of complicity and gross corruption, respectively. Both deny any wrongdoing.

Norway’s economic crime agency, Økokrim, confirmed that the investigation remains extensive and high-priority, involving international police cooperation and pending assistance requests to authorities in the United States. Responding to assertions from defense lawyer John Christian Elden that minimized the probe's scope, Økokrim stated the case is significantly more comprehensive than suggested by the defense.

Sources: Aftenposten, Dagens Næringsliv, Finansavisen, NRK, TV 2 Nyheter

Captain Smit Machchhar, the pilot injured during the FlyDubai flight FZ1073 incident, spoke from his hospital bed after surviving a cockpit attack by his co-pilot. Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door while the aircraft was plummeting, allowing passengers and off-duty crew to intervene and restrain the assailant. Both Israeli and Indian prime ministers praised Machchhar as a hero for preventing a catastrophic crash.

The suspect remains in custody in Saudi Arabia, where authorities are conducting an investigation ahead of a potential transfer to the United Arab Emirates. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cautioned that it was "too early to say" whether foreign entities were involved, reports indicated growing scrutiny around the co-pilot's background and potential radicalization.

Sources: Aftenposten, Berlingske, Finansavisen, TV 2 Nyheter, VG

Czech social welfare authorities recorded over 10,000 cases of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation over the past year, marking a 20-year high. State agencies removed 3,616 children from their homes, representing an increase of 300 from the prior year. Experts note these figures capture only a fraction of total cases, debating whether the rise reflects heightened public awareness or growing societal pressure. Observers also point to a lack of standardized evaluation guidelines and specialized family support services.

Concurrently, a seven-billion-koruna EU-funded expansion of early childhood facilities is reaching completion, though analysts cite missing baseline quality standards. Meanwhile, the European Commission proposed the EU KIDS Act to ban social media access for children under 13.

Sources: Deník N, Hospodářské noviny, iROZHLAS, Respect, Seznam Zprávy

British authorities have charged Joshua Kerry, the 28-year-old suspect accused of murdering former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe, with preparing acts of terrorism targeting Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

According to Counter Terrorism Policing and the Crown Prosecution Service, Kerry faces one count of preparation of terrorist acts. The alleged offense involves activity conducted between 31 May 2024 and July 2026.

Widdecombe, 78, died on 8 July following an attack at her home in Dartmoor, Devon. Kerry, from Rotherham in South Yorkshire, was initially charged in connection with her death. He is scheduled to appear at London's Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday as counter-terrorism officers proceed with their inquiry.

Sources: Cyprus Mail, STV News, The Guardian, The Herald, The Journal

Regional authorities in eastern Spain issued emergency mobile notifications on Thursday following red meteorological alerts for severe rainfall and storms across the provinces of Valencia, Castellón, and Tarragona.

The Generalitat Valenciana warned of "extraordinary danger," advising residents to avoid travel, steer clear of ravines, and seek higher ground if water levels rise. In response to the extreme weather conditions, local municipalities suspended classes at schools and universities. Supermarket operator Consum announced the temporary closure of over 200 stores and three logistics hubs across the affected regions starting Thursday afternoon to ensure safety.

Torrential downpours overnight intensified along Castellón's coast, causing localized power outages and triggering hydrological alerts. The town of Aín recorded over 150 liters of rainfall per square meter.

Sources: Canarias7, El Mundo, La Vanguardia, Marca