Far-right surges to early lead in French elections; elderly man dies in Achill quad bike crash – The Irish Times

A large gorse fire has erupted on Arthur’s Seat, a popular tourist destination in Edinburgh, prompting people to flee down the hill as smoke spreads rapidly across the city. The fire began around 4 PM on Sunday, adding to a history of at least six fire incidents in the area between 2018 and 2022. Want More Context? 🔎

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel must "finish the job" against Hamas in Gaza, emphasizing a military offensive aimed at demilitarization rather than occupation. His comments coincide with rising casualties among Palestinians, including 26 killed while seeking aid, and calls for a general strike from families of Israeli hostages amid worsening humanitarian conditions. Want More Context? 🔎

A manhunt is underway for Vincent Lee, a convicted murderer who absconded from HMP Sudbury during a temporary release. Lee, who was sentenced to life for killing Ann Worrell in 1986, has been on the run for over 72 hours, leaving the victim's family terrified and urging the public to report any sightings to the police. Want More Context? 🔎

One of Britain's worst paedophiles, Anthony Barron, has died in prison at the age of 72 while serving life for 87 charges of child sexual abuse, including attempted rape and making indecent photographs. Barron, who targeted girls aged three to twelve over nine years, was found dead at HMP Ashfield, and his death is under investigation by the Prison and Probation Ombudsman. Want More Context? 🔎

An Indian restaurant in Northampton, Saffron, accused four young men of dining and dashing after they enjoyed a £197.30 meal, which included nine main courses, before leaving without paying. The restaurant shared CCTV footage on social media and reported the incident to the police, highlighting the impact of such thefts on small businesses. Want More Context? 🔎

Visitors to Galata Tower in Istanbul enjoyed a spectacular view of the Sturgeon Moon on August 9, 2025, which coincided with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. Named by Native American tribes due to the abundance of sturgeon fish during this time, the Sturgeon Moon was visible worldwide, with stunning views reported from locations like New York, Greece, Italy, and London. Want More Context? 🔎