Holiday travelers faced an unusual situation on a KLM flight from Amsterdam to Aruba. A rat was spotted in the cabin, leading to the cancellation of the connecting flight to Bonaire. The aircraft underwent thorough cleaning. Rats can spread serious diseases. In another incident, a rat was smuggled into Taiwan.

In West Texas, a measles outbreak led to a significant spike in school absences, overshadowing the number of confirmed cases. As a precautionary measure, students were kept home, causing interruptions in their learning experiences. This incident serves as a stark reminder of how insufficient vaccination coverage can ripple through communities.

In a tragic event at Brown University, federal authorities are now offering a monetary reward of up to $50,000 for any leads regarding a suspect involved in the fatal shooting incident. The FBI, alongside the Providence Police, is actively collaborating on the case. This heartbreaking occurrence has claimed the lives of two students and left nine others injured.

Cambridge has ended its contract with license plate camera firm Flock Safety. This follows the discovery of extra cameras installed without city knowledge. Residents and privacy advocates had raised concerns. City leaders stated the company's actions breached trust. The two new cameras have been removed. Cambridge will now re-evaluate the use of such technology.

A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake off Japan's northern coast has triggered a rare "megaquake" warning, increasing the chance of a larger seismic event in the coming week. This is the first such warning for the Hokkaido and Sanriku regions since 2022. While urging preparedness, officials advise against panic as the region braces for potential aftershocks.

Delta State University was rocked by tragedy after 21-year-old Demartravion “Trey” Reed was found hanging from a tree near the campus pickleball courts. As investigators rule out foul play, many remain unconvinced. Classes are suspended, grief grips the campus, and calls for justice grow louder amid fears over campus safety, racial tensions, and unanswered questions.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has terminated collective bargaining agreements with major labor unions, impacting over 377,000 employees. VA Secretary Doug Collins cited union resistance to reforms as the reason, while union leaders allege political motivation and concerns over privatization. The move follows an executive order limiting union power, a decision recently upheld by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Vice President JD Vance faces criticism. Reports say his team asked for higher Ohio river levels. This was for his kayaking trip. The Army Corps of Engineers adjusted water flow. Critics question using public resources. They cite ethics concerns. Past ethics officials call it inappropriate. This adds to scrutiny of Vance's travels. The incident sparks debate on official privilege.

In August 2025, the Department of Homeland Security eliminated age limits for ICE applicants to quickly expand its workforce by 10,000 officers. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated that while age limits have been lifted, all applicants must meet rigorous requirements. The agency also introduced financial incentives and a recruitment campaign to attract diverse candidates.

Russia has enhanced its aerial strike capabilities by equipping its Su-57 stealth fighter with hypersonic Zircon missiles and upgraded KH 101/102 cruise missiles. This combination significantly extends the Su-57’s engagement range, enabling it to strike targets thousands of kilometers away. The deployment of these advanced missiles underscores Russia's commitment to advancing its military technology despite international pressure.