A Southwest Airlines flight (1496) from Hollywood Burbank Airport to Las Vegas experienced a rapid descent on Friday, injuring two flight attendants. Passengers reported the pilot initiated an emergency maneuver to avoid a collision with another aircraft, triggering a "collision warning." Passenger accounts described a terrifying drop in altitude, with people screaming and flight attendants requiring medical attention. Comedian Jimmy Dore, a passenger, confirmed the near-miss and subsequent applause upon landing. According to CNN, the near-miss involved a privately owned Hawker Hunter jet that came within a few hundred feet of the Southwest plane's altitude and less than two miles in front of it. Southwest stated that the flight landed safely in Las Vegas and is cooperating with the FAA's investigation. This incident follows a similar near-miss involving a Delta flight and a US military bomber less than a week prior.

Impact Statement: This incident raises concerns about air traffic control and the potential for mid-air collisions, highlighting the need for thorough investigation and improved safety measures.

Unidentified gunmen killed 14 people, including women and children, in an attack on a vehicle returning from a weekly market in Bokkos, central Nigeria, on Thursday. Farmasum Fuddang, chair of the Bokkos cultural development forum, stated that attackers intercepted the vehicle and opened fire. Nurudeen Hussaini Magaji, a Red Cross official, confirmed the death toll on Friday. The attack occurred amidst ongoing violent conflicts in the region, fueled by competition over limited land resources between farmers and herders. Following the attack, two more people were killed in a revenge attack on a Fulani settlement. Local residents have called for increased security in the area. Plateau state police have not yet commented on the incident.

Impact Statement: The attack highlights the ongoing insecurity and violent conflicts plaguing rural areas of central Nigeria, demanding urgent attention to strengthen security and address the root causes of the violence.

Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Alison Hernandez apologized for stating that multiple bodies had been found in woodland at Sticker, near St Austell, during a live-streamed meeting. Police confirmed only one body, that of Daniel Coleman (43), has been recovered. Detective Superintendent Jon Bancroft categorically stated that no other remains have been found at the scene. James Desborough (39) is accused of Coleman's murder, with a court appearance scheduled for next month.

Three separate murder investigations are underway in Cornwall: the death of Daniel Coleman, the discovery of Lee Hockey's (50) body in woodland between Truro and Probus on July 1st, and a fatal fire in Newquay on July 22nd resulting in the death of a man in his 30s. Det Supt Bancroft confirmed these investigations are not believed to be linked. Hernandez's statement was made during a Police and Crime Panel meeting; she later apologized for the inaccurate information, stating she lacked full details of the investigation.

Impact Statement: The inaccurate statement by the PCC caused public alarm and highlights the importance of accurate information dissemination during ongoing investigations.

On May 2, Kenny Laynez-Ambrosio, an 18-year-old US citizen, was in a van with his mother and two undocumented friends when they were pulled over in North Palm Beach, Florida. A Florida Highway Patrol officer, after discovering the mother had a suspended license, called US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Laynez-Ambrosio filmed the ensuing arrest, which shows officers using a stun gun on one man, placing another in a chokehold, and making demeaning comments. The officers are heard bragging about a potential "$30,000 bonus," seemingly referencing recent federal funding increases for immigration enforcement.

Laynez-Ambrosio was arrested and charged with obstruction, receiving a sentence of community service and anger management. His friends were taken to the Krome detention center in Miami. Attorney Jack Scarola, representing Laynez-Ambrosio with the Guatemalan-Maya Center, alleges the charges were retaliatory for filming the incident and points to quotas imposed by the federal government on immigrant arrests as a contributing factor to the aggressive tactics. The video footage has sparked concerns about police brutality and the treatment of immigrants.

The incident highlights concerns about the aggressive tactics employed by law enforcement during immigration arrests and the impact of government quotas on officer behavior. Father Frank O’Loughlin of the Guatemalan-Maya Center stated that the incident has further eroded trust between Florida’s immigrant community and the police.

Over 100 million people in the US will experience dangerous weather conditions as a heat dome moves eastward. Heat advisories were issued across the northeastern coast, from Portland, Maine to Wilmington, North Carolina, on Friday, with heat index temperatures 10-15°F above average in some areas. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned of oppressively muggy overnight temperatures and persistent dangerous conditions across the southeast and Tennessee Valley this weekend, with heat indices potentially exceeding 115°F in some areas. New York City is forecast to have a heat index of 106°F.

The NWS highlighted the increased risk of heat exhaustion, heat illnesses, and death, particularly for children, the elderly, those with pre-existing conditions, outdoor workers, unhoused individuals, and those with substance use issues. The heat dome, a weather phenomenon trapping hot air under a high-pressure system, is exacerbating the heatwave, made more frequent by the climate crisis. The phenomenon of "corn sweat" in the Midwest is further increasing humidity and heat index in agricultural areas. Flash flooding is also predicted for parts of the Midwest, while wildfire warnings are in effect for areas of Utah and Oregon.

Impact Statement: The heatwave poses a significant risk to public health, particularly for vulnerable populations. The prolonged heat and humidity will likely strain healthcare systems and impact various sectors, including agriculture and outdoor work.

Michael Ward, 27, a Bafta-winning actor known for his roles in Top Boy, Small Axe, and Blue Story, has been charged with two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault by the Metropolitan Police. The alleged offenses relate to a single woman and reportedly occurred in January 2023.

Ward won the Rising Star award at the BAFTAs in 2020 and received a nomination for best supporting actor for Small Axe in 2021. He also appeared in the 2022 film Empire of Light and is set to star in the upcoming film Eddington.

Impact Statement: The charges against Ward may significantly impact his career and future projects.

Two 16-year-old teenagers were given life sentences with a minimum term of 15 years and 10 months for the murder of 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa. The attack occurred on January 7th on a route 472 bus in Woolwich, south-east London. Bokassa was fatally stabbed with machetes by the two youths, who had boarded the bus and attacked him while smiling. The court heard that the teenagers may have been aware of Bokassa's presence on the bus beforehand.

The defendants previously pleaded guilty to murder and possession of a knife. Court proceedings included the viewing of footage depicting the attack, which caused visible distress among members of the public.

Impact Statement: This case highlights the tragic consequences of youth violence and the use of machetes as weapons.

A former sanitation worker at the Dharmasthala temple in Karnataka, India, claims he buried hundreds of bodies, many showing signs of sexual assault, between 1995 and 2014. His statement to police on July 3 detailed witnessing murders, receiving death threats, and being forced to dispose of the bodies, including those of many minor girls. He alleges that temple supervisors orchestrated the murders and forced him into complicity, threatening him with violence against himself and his family.

The former worker, a member of the Dalit community, described instances of sexual assault and murder, including a particularly disturbing incident involving a teenage girl in a school uniform. He also alleges the systematic murder of destitute men. He escaped in 2014 after his family member was allegedly harassed. The man has provided authorities with photographs of skeletal remains he recently exhumed.

On July 22, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed by the Karnataka government to investigate. The allegations have prompted families of missing persons in Dharmasthala to request the reopening of old cases, some dating back to the 1980s. A temple spokesperson stated their support for a fair investigation. However, the complainant's lawyer criticized the police for failing to investigate the burial sites.

Impact Statement: The allegations have triggered a major investigation and renewed calls for justice in relation to numerous unsolved cases, potentially revealing a pattern of serious crimes spanning decades.

A former sanitation worker at the Dharmasthala temple in Karnataka, India, claims he buried hundreds of bodies between 1995 and 2014, many showing signs of sexual assault. In a July 3rd police statement, the Dalit man alleged he was forced to bury the bodies by temple supervisors who threatened him with violence. He described witnessing murders, including the suffocation of beggars, and the disposal of numerous bodies of women and young girls, some bearing clear signs of rape and violence.

The man, who left Dharmasthala in 2014 after his family member was allegedly harassed by someone connected to the temple, recently provided authorities with photographs of exhumed remains to support his claims. Following a July 22nd meeting with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah led by human rights activist S. Balan, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to investigate the allegations. The revelations prompted families of missing persons in Dharmasthala to request the reopening of unsolved cases, some dating back to the 1980s. A temple spokesperson stated their support for a fair investigation.

A lawyer representing the complainant criticized the Dharmasthala police for failing to investigate the alleged burial sites. The case has spurred widespread debate and speculation.

Impact Statement: This case could lead to significant legal action against temple authorities and potentially uncover a long-running pattern of violence and human rights abuses.

Jay Slater, 19, of Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, died accidentally after a fall from a height in Tenerife on June 17, 2024. His body was discovered in a ravine near Masca on July 15, following an extensive search. The Preston Coroner's Court concluded that Mr. Slater's death was accidental, with no third-party involvement, stating that he fell up to 25 meters (82 feet) in a "particularly dangerous area" of the Rural de Teno national park, sustaining fatal skull fractures and brain trauma.

Contributing factors to the fall, according to Dr. James Adeley, may have included inadequate clothing, lack of sleep, insufficient mountain training, and the lingering effects of alcohol and drug consumption from the previous night. Mr. Slater had told a friend he was "in the middle of the mountains" and needed a drink while attempting a 14-hour walk home. His mother, Debbie Duncan, described him as having a "wonderful life" and a "large circle of friends."

The coroner stated that the impact of the fall caused unsurvivable injuries, resulting in instantaneous death, and that Mr. Slater would not have suffered. The inquest heard evidence from friends who had been with him in Tenerife and expressed concern for his welfare.

Impact Statement: The ruling brings closure to the family and friends of Jay Slater following a prolonged period of uncertainty surrounding his disappearance and death.

At least four children died and 17 were injured when a school roof collapsed on Friday morning in Barmer district, Rajasthan, India. The incident occurred shortly after prayers at a government-run school; approximately 25-30 students were present when the ceiling collapsed. Police believe recent heavy rainfall exacerbated the building's deteriorating condition, leading to the tragedy. Authorities are providing medical care to the injured and support to families.

Rajasthan's education minister, Madan Dilawar, and Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, have both announced investigations into the cause of the collapse and pledged support for the victims and their families. Rescue efforts involved local residents and emergency workers, utilizing cranes to remove debris. While 32 students were pulled alive from the rubble, several sustained severe injuries.

Impact Statement: The incident highlights concerns regarding the safety of aging infrastructure in rural Indian schools, particularly following intense monsoon rains.

At least seven children died and two were critically injured when the roof of a classroom partially collapsed at the Piplodi Government School in Rajasthan, India. The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. local time on Friday. Approximately 40 children, along with teachers and staff, were present in the single-story building when the roof of the sixth and seventh-grade classrooms collapsed. All deceased and injured children were between eight and eleven years old. According to police officer Nand Kishore, 26 others sustained injuries.

Eyewitnesses attributed the collapse to heavy rainfall and the dilapidated state of the building. Rescue operations concluded in the afternoon. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma described the event as "heart-wrenching" and ordered that injured children receive proper medical care. An investigation into the cause of the collapse has been launched.

Impact Statement: The incident highlights concerns about the safety of school infrastructure in Rajasthan and the need for improved building maintenance and safety standards.

At least four children died when the roof of a Piplodi Government School in Rajasthan, India, collapsed on Friday. Around 40 children, along with teachers and staff, were in the single-story building at approximately 8:30 AM when the incident occurred, according to NDTV and the Indian Express. Dozens more children are feared trapped.

The situation is ongoing, and further updates are expected.

A tourist from Thailand visiting Tokyo in March reported a frightening incident where an intruder entered her hotel room. The woman, whose name was not released, was in her hotel room around 7:30 pm when she noticed a strange smell and discovered a man hiding under her bed. The intruder, described as an East Asian male aged 20-30, slightly overweight with a bowl haircut and wearing black clothes, confronted her, causing her to scream and hyperventilate. He then fled the room. Hotel staff and police responded, but the police investigation seemed cursory, according to the tourist. They found a USB cable and power bank under the bed, leading the tourist to believe the man intended to secretly record her.

The tourist, deeply shaken by the experience, checked into a different hotel and later returned home to Thailand struggling with anxiety and PTSD. She expressed concern over the lack of thorough investigation and the casual treatment of the incident by the authorities. She also reported receiving messages blaming her for the incident. She shared her story to raise awareness about similar experiences and to advocate for justice.

Impact Statement: This incident highlights concerns about hotel security in Tokyo and the handling of such cases by local authorities. It also underscores the broader issue of women's safety and the need for improved support systems for victims of such crimes.

Five former members of Canada's 2018 World Junior Ice Hockey team—Michael McLeod, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, Carter Hart, and Cal Foote—were found not guilty of sexual assault on Thursday. Judge Maria Carroccia stated she did not find the complainant's allegations "credible or reliable." The complainant's lawyer, Karen Bellehumeur, expressed her client's disappointment with the verdict and the judge's assessment of her credibility. The alleged incident occurred at a hotel in London, Ontario, in 2018, following a team celebration. The judge accepted the defendants' claim that the complainant was a willing participant, stating the complainant failed to establish the encounter was "vitiated by fear" and noting inconsistencies in her recollection.

The case, which saw two previous juries dismissed before a single judge rendered the verdict, sparked debate about sexual assault culture within Canadian hockey and the treatment of alleged victims within the justice system. The judge's decision was met with gasps in the courtroom. David Humphrey, lawyer for Michael McLeod, described the decision as a "resounding vindication." The CEO and board of directors of Hockey Canada resigned in October 2022 amid scrutiny of the case and an out-of-court settlement with the accuser.

Impact Statement: The verdict concludes a high-profile case that significantly impacted the Canadian hockey community and fueled discussions about sexual assault allegations and the justice system's handling of such cases.

Jay Slater, 19, from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, died from head injuries consistent with a fall from a height in Tenerife on July 15, 2024. His body was found in a ravine near Masca after he went missing on June 17, 2024, following a night out involving alcohol and drugs. The inquest heard that Mr. Slater had walked approximately 14 hours home to his apartment from an Airbnb where he had spent the night with two men he'd met in a nightclub, after becoming separated from friends and failing to secure a taxi or bus due to lack of funds and payment requirements. Several witnesses testified, including his friends Bradley Geoghegan and Lucy Law, who spoke to him on the phone in the hours before he disappeared. Toxicology reports confirmed the presence of cocaine, ketamine, and ecstasy in his system.

Home Office pathologist Dr. Richard Shepherd concluded that there was no evidence of assault or restraint. Detective Chief Inspector Rachel Higson of Lancashire Constabulary presented phone data indicating Slater’s movements and communications before his death. Witness Ayub Qassim, who hosted Mr. Slater at his Airbnb, stated there was no altercation and described Mr. Slater's departure in the morning. The coroner, Dr. James Adeley, adjourned the inquest to Friday.

Impact Statement: The inquest concluded the death was accidental, attributing it to a fall from a height while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Justice Maria Carroccia of the Ontario court found the accuser in a sexual assault case against five Canadian hockey players, Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, Dillon Dubé, Alex Formenton, and Cal Foote, to be "neither credible nor reliable." The judge stated the government did not prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt, dismissing the case against the five members of Canada's 2018 World Junior ice hockey team. The alleged incident occurred on June 19, 2018, in a London, Ontario hotel room following a Hockey Canada gala. The accuser, identified as "EM," alleged that after consensual sex with McLeod, he invited other players to join without her consent while she was intoxicated. The defence argued EM was consenting throughout the night, pointing to consent videos recorded by McLeod.

The trial garnered significant attention due to the high profile of the accused players, Hockey Canada's admission of secret funds used to settle sexual assault claims, and the ensuing debate surrounding consent in Canadian law. The judge's ruling emphasized that the court's role was to determine legal proof, not moral judgment. Dozens of protesters gathered outside the courthouse expressing their belief in the accuser.

Impact Statement: The ruling has significant implications for the ongoing discussion surrounding sexual assault, consent, and the handling of such cases within the Canadian justice system and sports institutions.