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Tensions Rise as Cuba Reports Deadly Clash With Florida-Based Speedboat

  Vice President JD Vance came to the Capitol to break the tie, meaning he vote was 51-50 for a Republican point of order to dismiss the war powers resolution. Cuba has reported a deadly confrontation off its northern coast, saying its forces killed four people aboard a Florida‑registered speedboat that allegedly opened fire on Cuban border troops. According to Cuba’s Interior Ministry, the vessel was detected roughly one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino canal in Cayo Falcones before the encounter escalated.  When Cuban Border Guard officers approached the boat for identification, those on board reportedly began shooting, injuring the commander of the Cuban patrol vessel. Cuban forces returned fire, killing four and wounding six others, who were later evacuated for medical treatment.  The incident comes at a moment of heightened tension between Cuba and the United States, with officials still working to determine the identities and motives of those aboard the spe...

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Southern Europe Braces for Prolonged Heat Wave Amid Wildfire Concerns

 


Greek authorities have issued a warning about an impending weeklong heat wave during the summer tourist season. Much of southern Europe is sweltering under high temperatures, with a high risk of dangerous wildfires. The heat wave, expected to last at least a week, comes after June 2024 was declared the hottest June on record in Greece. Southwesterly winds from Africa are driving temperatures to sometimes exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) until July 19.

In neighboring North Macedonia, authorities have also taken action. They’ve issued a weeklong heat alert starting Friday in the small, landlocked Balkan country. People are urged to stay indoors when possible and avoid heavy labor during the hottest hours of the day. Emergency measures include keeping pregnant women and people over 60 off work, banning construction from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and moving kindergarten classes indoors after 11 a.m. Health officials have reported an increase in heat-related health problems, and wildfires have surged, with 14 registered nationwide in the past 24 hours.

Greece, too, faces a very high risk of wildfires, and this summer has been described as the most dangerous in the past 20 years. Unusually dry winter and spring conditions have left vegetation and forests tinder-dry. Greek firefighters, aided by drones and a strengthened fleet of water-bombing aircraft, have battled over 2,000 wildfires since June. While most were contained quickly, the threat remains. Let’s hope for cooler days ahead and vigilance in fire prevention efforts. 


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