A catastrophic avalanche in California’s Sierra Nevada has killed eight backcountry skiers, with one more person missing and presumed dead, in what authorities describe as the deadliest avalanche in modern California history.

The incident occurred on Tuesday in the Castle Peak area, northwest of Lake Tahoe, a remote and popular spot for advanced backcountry skiing. The group of 15 skiers—including four professional guides—was wrapping up a three-day guided trip based at the Frog Lake huts when the massive slide struck late in the morning as they headed back toward the trailhead.

Officials reported that one skier spotted the avalanche just before it roared down the slope, covering an area roughly the length of a football field and burying much of the party almost instantly. Six survivors escaped the main force of the slide, used avalanche beacons and satellite messaging on their devices to call for help, and later located three of their buried companions while waiting for rescue.

Rescue teams, facing blizzard conditions and extreme avalanche danger, reached the site after several hours via snowcat and on skis. They recovered five additional bodies, bringing the confirmed death toll to eight. Due to ongoing severe weather, high winds, and unstable snow, recovery of the remains has been delayed, and search efforts for the final missing skier continue when conditions allow.

The avalanche was triggered amid heavy recent snowfall—nearly three feet in the prior 48 hours, combined with winds over 100 mph at ridge tops, which had built unstable snow layers. Avalanche warnings were in effect for the northern Sierra Nevada, highlighting the high risk from rapid accumulation on weak underlying snow.

Even with experienced guides and proper equipment, backcountry travel in such conditions remains extremely hazardous, as a single trigger can release a destructive slide. Castle Peak’s stunning volcanic landscape and deep powder draw skilled skiers seeking off-piste adventure, but its isolation makes emergencies far more challenging.

As Northern California grieves this devastating loss, officials and safety experts are reminding all backcountry users to closely monitor forecasts, carry essential gear like beacons, probes, and shovels, and exercise extreme caution—nature can change rapidly, even for the most prepared groups. Additional snow is expected through the weekend, further complicating recovery operations.

A dramatic sinkhole suddenly appeared on a busy road in Shanghai, China’s bustling financial center, swallowing a large section of the pavement last week and raising fresh worries about infrastructure safety in fast-growing urban areas.

The collapse struck at the intersection of Qixin Road and Li’an Road in Minhang District, where construction is underway for a new metro line (part of the Jiamin Line). CCTV footage that quickly went viral captured the terrifying moment: the asphalt began cracking rapidly before the ground gave way entirely, forming a huge void that dragged down barriers, construction materials, and parts of the road surface. Nearby pedestrians and workers fled to safety, while vehicles close by escaped being pulled in by sheer luck.

Fortunately, local authorities confirmed no one was killed or injured despite the dramatic scale of the incident.

Officials linked the cave-in to a water leak (or groundwater breach) detected during shield tunneling work the day before, combined with the area’s challenging geology. Shanghai rests on soft, alluvial soils deposited by rivers over centuries, making the ground prone to instability—especially when disturbed by deep excavations or excessive groundwater removal, which can create voids or weaken support layers.

Parts of the region also feature karst landscapes, where soluble rocks like limestone slowly dissolve over time, forming hidden cavities that can collapse suddenly, particularly after heavy rain or construction activity.

This isn’t the first such event in Shanghai; similar collapses have occurred in recent years, including one in Minhang District in 2024 tied to a damaged sewage pipe. Comparable incidents have been seen worldwide in cities with soft soils or ongoing subway projects.

Experts emphasize that while sinkholes can strike unexpectedly, better risk management—such as thorough pre-construction geological assessments, real-time monitoring with ground sensors, enhanced drainage, and stronger retaining systems—could significantly reduce dangers.

For Shanghai’s millions of residents, the event highlights the unseen risks lurking beneath booming megacities, where ambitious skyline growth must coexist with careful engineering.

Tropical Cyclone Gezani struck Madagascar this week, claiming at least 31 lives, injuring dozens, and displacing thousands as fierce winds and heavy rainfall hammered the eastern coastline. The storm has once more highlighted the severe exposure of this impoverished nation to escalating climate-related events.

The cyclone made landfall late Tuesday near the major port city of Toamasina, bringing gusts over 195 km/h (121 mph). It demolished homes, tore up trees, and cut power across wide areas. Madagascar’s meteorological service had placed several regions under red alert, cautioning against severe flooding and landslides as the system pushed further inland across the island nation of over 31 million residents.

According to the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC), most deaths resulted from structural collapses in Toamasina, home to around 300,000 people. At least 36 individuals suffered serious injuries, four people are still missing, and more than 6,000 have been evacuated from their homes. Rescue teams persisted with operations even as waters began to subside.

Locals recounted apocalyptic scenes: neighborhoods reduced to rubble, with roofs and windows blown away, downed power lines, and streets choked with debris. Power outages have persisted in Toamasina since the storm hit, severely hampering aid delivery. One resident described the aftermath as a “catastrophic wasteland” of fallen structures and scattered trees.

President Michael Randrianirina, who rose to power after an October military coup,  toured the affected zone to evaluate the destruction and console victims. Official videos depicted extensive flooding and ruined buildings, with authorities estimating that up to 75% of Toamasina’s infrastructure sustained damage or total loss, sparking worries over prolonged recovery and economic fallout.

Weakening to a tropical storm after crossing the island, Gezani tracked westward, passing about 100 km north of the capital, Antananarivo, which also faced flood risks. Forecasters warned it might regain strength in the Mozambique Channel, posing a potential renewed threat to Madagascar’s southwestern regions in the days ahead.

Mozambique, still recovering from massive flooding last month that impacted over 700,000 people, has placed its coastal areas on alert as a precaution while tracking the system’s path.

This marks the second major cyclone to batter Madagascar in quick succession, following Cyclone Fytia just under two weeks earlier, which killed 14 and displaced more than 85,000. The United Nations has allocated $3 million in urgent aid to support response and preparedness efforts amid the mounting humanitarian crisis.

Madagascar’s cyclone season, spanning November to March, routinely delivers devastating blows to a country grappling with widespread poverty, weak infrastructure, and constrained rebuilding resources. Over a dozen significant storms have struck since 2020, with the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction estimating average annual infrastructure losses of around $85 million from cyclones, which continue to stall progress and resilience-building.

A devastating mass shooting has shaken the small, remote community of Tumbler Ridge in British Columbia, Canada, leaving nine people dead and at least 25 others injured in what ranks among the country’s most tragic acts of violence in recent decades.

The attack took place on February 10, 2026, at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a connected nearby residence in this isolated town of about 2,400 residents, situated roughly 1,200 km north of Vancouver.

Police reports indicate that six victims were discovered deceased inside the school, with a seventh succumbing to injuries during transport to the hospital. Two more bodies were later found at the residence, which authorities link to the school incident, though the precise connection remains under investigation.

The suspected perpetrator, a woman described in initial alerts as wearing a dress with brown hair, was located dead inside the school from an apparent self-inflicted wound. Officials have identified the individual but have withheld further details, including any motive or ties to the victims, pending the ongoing inquiry.

At least 25 people received medical treatment for injuries, most non-life-threatening, though some were hospitalized in serious or critical condition. Students and staff recounted terrifying moments of chaos: many barricaded classroom doors with furniture and endured a lockdown lasting over two hours before police safely evacuated them.

Law enforcement’s quick arrival within minutes of the initial 1:20 p.m. emergency call, earned praise for likely averting an even higher death toll. British Columbia Premier David Eby commended the first responders’ bravery and rapid intervention, stating it “undoubtedly saved lives.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney voiced profound grief, labeling the event “horrific” and extending heartfelt condolences to the families and community. In a show of solidarity, he immediately canceled an upcoming international trip.

The mayor highlighted the tight-knit nature of Tumbler Ridge, where the losses will resonate personally throughout the town. Crisis support teams and mental health resources have been mobilized to aid recovery.

Mass shootings are uncommon in Canada due to its relatively stringent firearm regulations, making this event particularly shocking and one of the deadliest in national history. As the RCMP continues its investigation, officials are calling for patience, empathy, and focus on supporting those affected by this heartbreaking day that has forever altered a quiet mountain community.

President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Canada by threatening to block the opening of the nearly complete Gordie Howe International Bridge unless Ottawa agrees to immediate trade negotiations and provides what he calls “full compensation” to the United States.

The $4.7 billion crossing, which links Detroit, Michigan, to Windsor, Ontario, is one of North America’s most significant new infrastructure projects. Largely financed by the Canadian government, it is designed to relieve chronic congestion at a critical trade corridor, streamline supply chains, and deliver major economic gains through toll collections over the coming decades.

In a recent Truth Social post, Trump asserted that Canada has long treated the U.S. unfairly and insisted the bridge, despite being predominantly Canadian-funded—should remain closed until the United States receives compensation for prior support and secures at least partial ownership. He demanded “fairness and respect” and stated that talks must begin without delay.

Trump pointed to several persistent irritants in the relationship, including Canada’s protective tariffs on U.S. dairy products, limits on American alcohol sales in Canadian provinces, and Ottawa’s ongoing trade discussions with China. He has previously threatened 100% tariffs on Canadian imports if Canada deepens economic ties with Beijing.

The Gordie Howe project has been in development for over a decade. In 2012, Michigan’s then-Governor accepted Canada’s offer to cover most of the costs after U.S. federal funding failed to materialize. Construction launched in 2018, and the bridge is now in final testing, with an anticipated opening in early 2026. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security officially designated it a port of entry earlier this year.

Trump’s threat has provoked strong opposition from regional leaders. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and others stress that the bridge—constructed by union workers from both countries under a bilateral agreement—is essential to the local economy. Delaying or blocking its opening could raise costs for businesses, disrupt critical supply chains, and put jobs at risk in a region heavily reliant on cross-border commerce. In 2023, Detroit ranked as the second-busiest U.S. freight port by value, moving $126 billion in trade. The new bridge is expected to reduce crossing times by roughly 20 minutes and save the trucking industry billions over the long term.

What began as a landmark symbol of U.S.-Canada cooperation has now become a high-stakes bargaining chip in a deteriorating bilateral relationship, carrying serious implications for trade, diplomacy, and the economies of both nations.

Senior officials from the United States and Iran are set to hold direct talks in Oman, marking a rare diplomatic engagement between the two long-standing adversaries amid escalating tensions that have raised fears of a military confrontation. The discussions come at a critical moment, with both sides warning of severe consequences if diplomacy fails.

The talks follow a significant US military build-up in the Middle East, ordered in response to Iran’s violent crackdown on nationwide anti-government protests last month. Human rights groups say the unrest, driven by economic hardship and political repression, resulted in thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of arrests, further isolating Tehran internationally.

Uncertainty surrounding the scope and location of the talks had threatened to derail them in recent days. Originally planned for Istanbul, the meeting was shifted at Iran’s request to Oman, a country that has previously hosted sensitive negotiations between the two nations. The talks will involve only American and Iranian officials, following mediation efforts by Egypt, Turkey and Qatar aimed at easing regional tensions.

The US delegation will be led by special envoy Steve Witkoff, alongside senior advisers including Jared Kushner, while Iran’s negotiating team will be headed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Despite the diplomatic opening, both sides remain far apart on key issues, with officials acknowledging that expectations for a breakthrough remain low.

Washington is demanding that Iran freeze its nuclear programme and dismantle its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. US officials have also insisted that any meaningful agreement must address Iran’s ballistic missile development, its support for armed groups across the Middle East, and its human rights record. Tehran, however, has said the talks will focus solely on its nuclear activities, rejecting broader demands as an infringement on its sovereignty.

President Donald Trump has intensified pressure in recent weeks, threatening military action if Iran refuses to reach a deal. Thousands of US troops have been deployed to the region, alongside an aircraft carrier, warships and fighter jets. Iran has responded with its own warnings, vowing to strike US military assets in the Middle East and Israel if attacked.

The meeting will be the first direct engagement between US and Iranian officials since last year’s conflict between Israel and Iran, during which US forces bombed three of Iran’s major nuclear facilities. Tehran maintains that its uranium enrichment activities halted following the strikes, though Western officials remain sceptical.

Analysts say the talks may represent Iran’s last opportunity to avoid further military escalation at a time when its leadership is facing unprecedented internal pressure. Iran’s government is widely seen as being in its weakest position since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with protests exposing deep public anger over economic mismanagement and political repression.

At the centre of the dispute remains Iran’s nuclear programme, which Tehran insists is purely civilian. The US and Israel, however, accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons capability. While Iranian officials have hinted at possible concessions- including a regional uranium enrichment consortium –  they continue to reject limits on missile development or support for regional allies such as Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis.

For Washington, the outcome of the talks could offer a diplomatic exit from an increasingly volatile standoff. Regional leaders, meanwhile, have warned that military action could trigger wider instability, cautioning that air strikes alone would not be enough to destabilise Iran’s leadership.

As negotiations begin, the world watches closely to see whether diplomacy can still prevail in one of the most dangerous geopolitical flashpoints of the moment.

The release of documents commonly referred to as the “Epstein files” has reignited global attention on one of the most disturbing criminal cases of the modern era. Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges, left behind a vast paper trail that continues to raise questions about power, accountability, and justice.

The Epstein files largely consist of court documents, witness statements, depositions, flight logs, contact books, and unsealed records from civil lawsuits linked to Epstein and his associates. Many of these materials emerged from defamation cases and civil actions brought by survivors, particularly the long-running litigation involving Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s most prominent accusers.

At the center of public interest is the list of high-profile individuals named in the documents. While the appearance of a name does not imply guilt or criminal wrongdoing, the files highlight the extent of Epstein’s connections with politicians, business leaders, academics, and celebrities. Legal experts have repeatedly stressed that these documents are not a verdict, but rather a record of testimony, allegations, and associations that were previously shielded from public view.

Epstein was arrested in July 2019 on charges of sex trafficking minors, accused of operating a network that exploited underage girls for years. He had previously secured a controversial plea deal in 2008 that allowed him to avoid federal prosecution, a decision that has since been widely criticised as a failure of the justice system. His death in a New York jail cell, ruled a suicide, further intensified scrutiny and fuelled public distrust.

The unsealing of Epstein-related records has been driven by growing demands for transparency, particularly from survivors and advocacy groups. They argue that secrecy protected powerful individuals and enabled abuse to continue unchecked. By making the files public, courts aimed to balance privacy concerns with the public’s right to understand how influence and wealth may have shaped outcomes.

However, the release of the Epstein files has also sparked misinformation and speculation online. Social media platforms have amplified unverified claims, conspiracy theories, and misleading interpretations of the documents. Legal analysts warn that selective reading of depositions or hearsay statements can distort the truth and unfairly damage reputations.

For survivors of Epstein’s abuse, the documents represent more than headlines. They are a painful reminder of trauma, but also a step toward acknowledgment and accountability. Many have emphasised that justice is not solely about naming powerful figures, but about reforming systems that allowed exploitation to persist.

The Epstein files also raise broader questions about elite impunity, prosecutorial discretion, and institutional failure. Why were warning signs ignored for so long? How did Epstein maintain access to influential circles despite repeated allegations? And what safeguards are needed to prevent similar abuses in the future?

Years after Epstein’s death, the continued release and examination of these files underscore a central truth: the case is not just about one man, but about the structures that protected him. As courts, journalists, and the public

In a bizarre twist in an already high-profile criminal case, a man from Minnesota has been arrested for allegedly impersonating an FBI agent in an attempt to free Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing the CEO of United Healthcare in 2024. The arrest, made in New York City, has stunned authorities and added another unusual chapter to the ongoing saga surrounding Mangione.

The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Mark Anderson, reportedly traveled from Mankato, Minnesota, to New York City under the pretense of a job opportunity. However, instead of pursuing employment, he allegedly attempted to gain access to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where Mangione is being held. According to a criminal complaint, Anderson claimed to possess official paperwork, “signed by a judge,” authorizing him to release the accused killer.

When officers requested identification, Anderson presented a Minnesota driver’s license and allegedly claimed to have weapons in his possession. Authorities then conducted a search of his bag, discovering a set of unusual items described as a “barbecue-type fork” with two prongs and a tool resembling a pizza cutter. Though seemingly harmless, these items raised enough concern to detain him immediately.

Anderson reportedly threw several documents at jail staff while insisting on his authority as an FBI agent. Bureau of Prisons officials quickly intervened, preventing any breach of security. He is now facing charges of impersonating a federal officer, a serious offense that can carry significant prison time if convicted.

Luigi Mangione has been in custody since 2024, following a dramatic multi-state manhunt that ended with his arrest at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania. He faces both federal and state charges in connection with the shooting of Brian Thompson, CEO of United Healthcare. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and jury selection for his federal trial is scheduled for September 2026.

The case has already attracted widespread attention, not only because of the nature of the crime but also due to the public debate it has sparked regarding healthcare costs in the United States. Mangione has garnered an unexpected following, with supporters attending court hearings and voicing opinions online. This has intensified media coverage and public scrutiny, placing additional pressure on law enforcement agencies handling the case.

Experts suggest that Anderson’s actions may have been motivated by misguided loyalty or a misunderstanding of legal procedures. Impersonating a federal agent is treated with utmost seriousness in the U.S., as it threatens both the safety of inmates and the integrity of law enforcement operations.

Authorities continue to investigate Anderson’s motives and whether his actions were part of a larger plan or an isolated incident. Legal representatives have been contacted, but Anderson has yet to enter a plea in court. Meanwhile, Mangione’s case remains one of the most closely watched criminal trials in recent U.S. history, with the September trial expected to attract further national attention.

This extraordinary incident serves as a reminder of the lengths some individuals might go to intervene in high-profile criminal cases, and highlights the rigorous safeguards in place to prevent unauthorized access to detention facilities.

China’s recent purge of its top military general has sparked widespread concerns about power dynamics, internal stability, and future strategic direction within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

The removal of General Zhang Youxia, a vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC)—China’s supreme military decision-making body—along with other high-ranking officers, represents one of the most significant leadership upheavals in the PLA in recent memory.

The CMC, which oversees millions of troops and reports directly to President Xi Jinping, has been dramatically reduced. With Zhang Youxia and others sidelined, it now effectively consists of just Xi and one remaining general, marking an extraordinary concentration of authority unseen in contemporary Chinese history.

Chinese authorities have framed these actions as part of the ongoing anti-corruption effort, citing “serious violations of discipline and law.” In China’s opaque political environment, such phrasing typically indicates corruption allegations, though concrete evidence is seldom disclosed publicly. Those implicated usually face severe penalties, including lengthy imprisonment and permanent political disgrace.

Yet many observers argue the motivations extend far beyond graft. Since assuming power, Xi has wielded anti-corruption campaigns to solidify his grip, sideline potential rivals, and demand unwavering loyalty across the Communist Party and military. While this has centralized control under Xi, it has also fostered an environment of paranoia and hesitation—especially in the armed forces.

Zhang Youxia’s ouster stands out in particular. As one of the rare senior PLA leaders with actual combat experience (from the 1980s Sino-Vietnamese conflicts) and deep personal connections to Xi’s family, his downfall signals that no figure is untouchable, no matter their rank or proximity to the leader. This has reportedly created unease throughout the ranks, where ambitious officers may now view advancement as potentially hazardous rather than advantageous.

The purge’s timing amplifies international worries. China has ramped up military activities around Taiwan in recent years, with frequent large-scale exercises and stronger rhetoric on “reunification.” Although experts believe Beijing’s long-term goals toward Taiwan remain consistent, the erosion of seasoned military leadership could influence crisis decision-making.

Analysts caution that a more centralized, less-experienced, or overly deferential command structure might increase the risk of errors or misjudgments in tense situations. With fewer voices willing or able to offer candid input, key decisions could increasingly reflect Xi’s personal inclinations, potentially escalating regional flashpoints—even if overall strategy stays unchanged.

In the immediate sense, these moves further entrench Xi’s unchallenged authority over the military. Over time, however, the costs could mount: ongoing instability, talent shortages, eroded morale, and diminished institutional trust might weaken the PLA’s effectiveness precisely when China aims to assert greater power on the global stage.

Amid the secrecy surrounding the real causes, speculation abounds. What is evident is that China’s military leadership is undergoing a deep transformation, one that may fundamentally alter the interplay among control, capability, and reliability in the coming years.

TikTok has finalized a major agreement to restructure its US business, allowing the short-video app to keep operating in the country after years of intense political scrutiny and national security worries tied to its Chinese owner, ByteDance.

The deal creates a new, independent US entity—known as TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC—separate from ByteDance’s global operations. This move addresses long-standing US government concerns that the Chinese government could access American user data or manipulate the app’s recommendation algorithm.

TikTok, which has over 200 million users in the US, faced repeated threats of a nationwide ban under both the Trump and Biden administrations, including a 2024 law that would have forced ByteDance to divest its US operations or shut down the app.

Key elements of the finalized arrangement include:

• A majority-American board and US-based leadership overseeing the new entity.
• Oracle, Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi-based MGX each holding significant stakes (around 15% each for the main investors), with ByteDance retaining a minority 19.9% ownership to stay below legal thresholds.
• US user data stored and managed securely on Oracle’s cloud infrastructure.
• The platform’s famous algorithm licensed to the US venture and retrained solely using American user data, which may result in subtle differences in content recommendations compared to the global version.

TikTok and ByteDance have repeatedly denied any improper data sharing with Chinese authorities.

While the agreement meets core US demands for data protection, independent oversight, and reduced Chinese influence, it introduces operational separation that could affect the app’s integration with its worldwide ecosystem. Analysts are divided on whether this will noticeably impact user experience, content discovery, or the platform’s overall “magic”—with some predicting minimal changes and others warning of a potentially less vibrant feed.

The deal marks a pragmatic resolution to a high-profile geopolitical flashpoint in tech, preserving access to a key market for TikTok while setting a potential model for handling similar concerns with other global platforms. Reactions vary: supporters view it as a balanced win for security and free expression, while critics see it as excessive government meddling that could fragment the internet further.

For now, the app remains fully available to American users, creators, and businesses, though its future performance and evolution under this new structure will remain under close observation amid ongoing US-China tech tensions.