Author: Emily Harper

Fatal Derailment During Rush Hour Lisbon was shaken by tragedy when the historic Glória Funicular derailed during rush hour, leaving at least 15 dead and 18 injured. Among the injured was a child, according to early reports. The cable-pulled tram, which for generations has carried both locals and visitors, came off its tracks and crashed into a nearby building. Emergency services responded immediately, but the scale of the incident has left the city in shock. Tourism Under Scrutiny Local voices are pointing to excessive tourism as a factor behind the tragedy. The Glória Funicular, once considered a key mode of…

President Donald Trump hosted a high-profile dinner with technology leaders in the newly renovated Rose Garden of the White House on September 4, 2025. The event was scheduled shortly after the latest updates from the administration on its artificial intelligence policy framework, signaling the symbolic role of Silicon Valley leaders in shaping future national strategies. By holding the dinner in such a prominent setting, the White House underscored its intent to highlight collaboration between policymakers and industry. Prestigious Event in the Rose Garden The space, redesigned with paved walkways, tables, chairs, and large umbrellas, provided a setting that observers compared…

The Government of Nepal has launched a two-year waiver on climbing permit fees for 97 Himalayan peaks situated mainly in the western provinces of Karnali and Sudurpashchim. The policy, which took effect in July 2025, is designed to draw climbers away from the overcrowded eastern and central routes and encourage exploration of less developed regions. Government Initiative to Promote Lesser-Known Regions The waived mountains range in height from 5,870 meters to 7,132 meters, including Api Himal (7,132 m), Saipal Himal (7,030 m), and Bobaye (6,808 m). Officials have described the program as an attempt to “unlock tourism potential” in provinces…

Routine Win Against Musetti Jannik Sinner advanced to the semifinals of the US Open with another commanding performance, defeating compatriot Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets. The world number one barely broke a sweat as he won 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 on Arthur Ashe Stadium, further cementing his place as the most dominant force on the tour. His victory sets up a semifinal clash with Felix Auger-Aliassime. Sinner’s efficiency has become predictable, as he often wins without shifting out of first gear. This level of control is beginning to intimidate rivals, with many analysts suggesting that Carlos Alcaraz remains the only realistic…

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Beijing by armored train, making his first visit to China since 2019. The trip was arranged for him to attend a major military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Traveling with him were senior North Korean officials as well as his young daughter, who has increasingly been seen at state functions and is regarded by South Korea’s intelligence services as a potential successor. Her inclusion was noted by analysts as a deliberate message about continuity of power within the Kim dynasty. The visit carried both symbolic…

A federal judge, Amit P. Mehta, delivered a significant decision in September 2025 that reshapes the competitive environment of the online search market. In a 226-page opinion, the U.S. District Court found that Google violated antitrust law by using exclusive contracts to secure its dominance in search distribution across devices and platforms. These agreements, which involved companies such as Apple and mobile carriers, ensured that Google’s search engine was the preset default on billions of smartphones and browsers worldwide. The ruling, however, avoided the most severe remedies sought by some regulators. Judge Mehta declined to force Google to sell its…

A Space Rock the Size of a Bus An asteroid roughly the size of a school bus has made a close pass by Earth, offering scientists a valuable chance to study its path and behavior. The object, named 2025 QV5, measures about 35 feet in diameter and traveled through space at a speed of more than 13,900 miles per hour. The asteroid came within about 500,000 miles of Earth, a distance roughly twice that of the moon. While this is considered close in astronomical terms, it posed no danger to our planet. Experts note that the rock is far too…

The Federal Reserve Board announced it will host a Payments Innovation Conference on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, marking a significant step in its continued focus on financial technology and modernization. The news was released on September 3, 2025, and reflects the central bank’s recognition of the rapid evolution in payments technology and its impact on consumers, businesses, and financial institutions. The event will take place in Washington, D.C., and will be accessible via livestream on the Federal Reserve’s official website, ensuring a broad audience can engage with the discussions. The Fed emphasized that the conference will serve as a forum…

From Colorado to Alabama The U.S. Space Command, established six years ago, was initially headquartered in Colorado, where the Air Force Academy and several Space Force bases already operate. Military leaders recommended keeping the command there to ensure continuity and readiness, especially given rising concerns over China’s military activity in space. Relocating, they argued, would consume time and resources while risking setbacks to national security. Despite this, the Trump administration announced in its final days that the headquarters would move to Huntsville, Alabama. The decision raised questions, with reports noting that the reasoning behind the move was unclear. Biden’s Reversal…

Rising Death Toll in Devastated Villages The powerful earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan has left a catastrophic toll, with more than 1,400 people confirmed dead and over 3,000 injured. Entire villages in Kunar Province were flattened, with nearly 8,000 houses destroyed. Local officials fear the numbers may continue to rise as emergency teams reach remote areas where survivors may still be trapped under rubble. Rescue operations remain underway, with dozens of commandos airlifted into areas inaccessible by road. Efforts have been hampered by challenging terrain and damaged infrastructure, making it difficult to transport the wounded to medical facilities. Aftershocks Deepen…