A devastating explosion shook an eight-story apartment building in Bucharest, Romania, on Friday, resulting in three fatalities and injuring at least 13 others, according to local authorities. The blast, which occurred on Calea Rahovei in Sector 5, severely damaged the fifth and sixth floors of the structure. Emergency services, including 11 fire engines and four mobile intensive care units, swiftly responded to the scene. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, though the gas supply to the area was promptly shut off as a precautionary measure. Romania’s Ministry of Health reported that victims suffered polytrauma and burns, with one body discovered beneath a concrete slab on the sixth floor. All residents were evacuated, and search operations were conducted to ensure no one remained trapped. Nearby schools were also evacuated as a safety measure. Video footage revealed extensive damage to the building’s facade, with debris scattered across the street. Authorities noted that a neighboring apartment block was also affected by the blast, with fragments of the building’s exterior detaching and causing additional damage.
标签： Europe
欧洲
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Italy’s Meloni offers solidarity with journalist after explosive device targets his car
An explosive device detonated beneath the car of Sigfrido Ranucci, a prominent Italian investigative journalist, outside his residence in Pomezia, south of Rome. The incident, which occurred overnight, destroyed Ranucci’s vehicle, damaged a second family car, and caused structural harm to a neighboring house. Authorities, including police, firefighters, and forensic teams, are currently investigating the explosion, which was reportedly powerful enough to have caused fatalities had anyone been nearby. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation, including from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who expressed solidarity with Ranucci and denounced the act as a grave intimidation attempt. Meloni emphasized the importance of safeguarding press freedom and independence, stating, ‘Freedom and independence of information are essential values of our democracies, which we will continue to defend.’ Ranucci, the lead anchor of the investigative program ‘Report’ on Italy’s state-run RAI3, is known for exposing corruption and scandals involving high-profile Italian politicians, business leaders, and public figures. Earlier this week, he was cleared of defamation charges related to one of his investigative reports. The incident underscores the risks faced by journalists in Italy and raises concerns about press freedom in the country.
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Orbán celebrates Hungary as ‘the only place in Europe’ where a Trump-Putin meeting can be held
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has lauded Budapest’s selection as the host city for upcoming talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The meeting, announced by Trump on Thursday, follows his recent discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. While a specific date remains unconfirmed, Trump indicated the talks would occur in Budapest within approximately two weeks. Orbán, a staunch ally of both Trump and Putin, emphasized Hungary’s unique position as a pro-peace nation in Europe, attributing Budapest’s selection to his government’s consistent opposition to Western military and financial aid to Ukraine. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Hungary has refused to supply weapons to Ukraine or allow their transit across its borders, while also obstructing EU sanctions against Moscow and delaying funding packages to Kyiv. Orbán’s critics argue that Hungary’s stance undermines European unity and favors Russian aggression. The Budapest meeting holds symbolic significance, as the city was the site of the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, where Ukraine relinquished its nuclear weapons in exchange for security assurances—a pact later violated by Russia. Orbán framed the upcoming talks as a diplomatic milestone for Hungary, despite their focus on Ukraine. However, Hungary’s role as host raises questions about its commitment to international law, given its status as a signatory to the International Criminal Court, which has issued an arrest warrant for Putin over alleged war crimes. Orbán previously signaled Hungary’s intent to withdraw from the ICC following a similar controversy involving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
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As the world discovers the Faroe Islands, there’s a push for local food
In the windswept Faroe Islands, a small farmers’ market in the capital of Torshavn stands as a testament to the challenges and aspirations of local food production. Known for their harsh climate and poor soil, the islands have long relied on imported goods, with most products bearing the stamp of Denmark, under which the Faroe Islands are self-governing. However, a growing movement is emerging to reduce this dependency and promote locally grown and produced food.
Despite the unforgiving conditions, residents are experimenting with hardy crops like kale and cabbage, while traditional staples such as potatoes and rhubarb remain prevalent. The market, part of the Matkovin project, aims to highlight local producers and their efforts to cultivate a sustainable food culture. Products range from fermented meats and fish to seaweed, all influenced by the islands’ unique environment.
Yet, the reality of food security remains a pressing concern. The COVID-19 pandemic and a recent labor strike in May 2024 exposed vulnerabilities in the supply chain, prompting discussions about self-sufficiency. While initiatives like Veltan are working to expand greenhouse farming, the majority of food is still imported, and local producers often remain invisible in the broader market.
The Michelin-starred restaurant Paz exemplifies the islands’ culinary potential, offering a tasting menu that celebrates local seafood and traditional fermentation methods. However, the journey toward food independence is far from complete. Even in Klaksvik, the islands’ second-largest community, a server at a steakhouse revealed that their lamb was sourced from New Zealand.
As the Faroe Islands navigate these challenges, the farmers’ market serves as a symbol of resilience and a growing pride in their unique food culture, shaped by remoteness and the harsh North Atlantic environment.
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Taylor Swift fans flock to German museum to see Ophelia painting
A German museum has experienced an unexpected surge in visitors, thanks to Taylor Swift’s latest album, *The Life of a Showgirl*. The Hessische Landesmuseum in Wiesbaden, Germany, has seen a significant increase in foot traffic as fans flock to view Friedrich Heyser’s 1900 painting of Ophelia, which inspired the opening scene of Swift’s music video for *The Fate of Ophelia*. The video, which has garnered over 65 million views on YouTube, features the painting coming to life with Swift at its center. Museum spokesperson Susanne Hirschmann expressed delight at the newfound attention, noting that visitors have traveled from as far as Hamburg and nearby U.S. military bases. The museum’s online announcement about the painting’s connection to Swift went viral, with social media posts receiving thousands of likes. The painting, which depicts Ophelia lying drowned in water surrounded by flowers, aligns with the album’s themes and cover art. Museum director Andreas Henning praised Swift’s use of the painting as inspiration, calling it a unique opportunity to attract new audiences. *The Life of a Showgirl* has already broken records, becoming the UK’s biggest album debut of 2025 and surpassing Adele’s *25* in U.S. sales. This marks Swift’s third UK chart-topping album this year, following *Lover (Live From Paris)* and *The Tortured Poets Department*. The album also follows Swift’s recent personal milestones, including her engagement to NFL star Travis Kelce and regaining control of her music catalog.
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Ahead of Zelenskyy meeting, Trump shows signs he might not be ready to send Kyiv Tomahawk missiles
President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday, following a lengthy phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The discussions come amid Ukraine’s urgent request for long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles, which Trump has indicated he is hesitant to provide, citing the need to preserve U.S. military resources. Zelenskyy has argued that these missiles are essential for striking deep into Russian territory and compelling Putin to engage in serious negotiations to end the ongoing conflict. However, Putin has warned that supplying such weapons to Ukraine would severely damage U.S.-Russian relations. This will be the fourth face-to-face meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy since Trump returned to office in January. Trump has also announced plans to meet with Putin in Budapest to discuss potential resolutions to the war, with senior aides from both sides set to convene next week. Despite Trump’s earlier optimism about brokering peace, recent developments suggest that direct talks between Zelenskyy and Putin remain unlikely, as Russia continues its aggressive military actions in Ukraine.
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Irish presidential candidate Humphreys being sued by politician
In a dramatic turn of events during the Irish presidential campaign, Heather Humphreys, the Fine Gael candidate, is now embroiled in a legal battle. Paul Murphy, a TD from the People Before Profit party, has initiated defamation proceedings against Humphreys following remarks she made during a debate on RTÉ, Ireland’s national broadcaster. The lawsuit stems from comments Humphreys made regarding Murphy’s involvement in a 2014 anti-water charge protest in Jobstown, Dublin, where he was among six men charged with the false imprisonment of then Tánaiste Joan Burton. All six were acquitted in 2017. Murphy’s legal team has confirmed that the case has been filed with the High Court in Dublin. Humphreys expressed disappointment over the lawsuit, accusing Murphy and the hard left of using litigation as a tactic to silence dissent. She remains steadfast in her campaign, vowing not to be intimidated. Humphreys is running against independent candidate Catherine Connolly, who is backed by a coalition of left-leaning parties, including Sinn Féin, Labour, People Before Profit, and the Social Democrats. The presidential election is set for October 24, with the lawsuit adding a contentious layer to an already heated race.
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The Milan-Cortina Olympic Opening Ceremony will spread across regions, like the Games themselves
The Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games, scheduled from February 6 to 22, 2026, will mark a historic milestone with its uniquely dispersed Opening Ceremony. Organizers revealed on Thursday that the Parade of Nations will not only take place at Milan’s iconic San Siro Stadium, accommodating 60,000 spectators, but will also extend to three additional locations: Cortina, Predazzo, and Livigno. This unprecedented format ensures athletes from all disciplines, regardless of their competition venues, can participate in the ceremony. Andrea Varnier, CEO of the Milan-Cortina organizing committee, emphasized the Opening Ceremony as a unifying moment, stating, ‘It is the moment that defines that edition of the Games, in their spirit.’ The event will highlight the duality of urban and mountain settings, symbolizing harmony amid global tensions. Each nation will have two flagbearers, with Italy, as the host, featuring four. The Olympic flame will burn simultaneously in Milan’s Arco della Pace and Cortina’s Piazza Dibona. The ceremony will also pay tribute to the late fashion designer Giorgio Armani, who designed Italy’s Olympic uniforms for decades. San Siro Stadium, set for demolition and replacement, will host its first and only Olympic Ceremony, cementing its legacy as a city icon.
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Trump and Putin holding first talks since August
U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed his first phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin since August, marking a significant diplomatic engagement amid ongoing tensions over the Ukraine war. The call, described by Trump as ‘lengthy,’ took place on Thursday, just a day before Trump is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. This development comes as Trump considers whether to supply Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles, a move that could escalate the conflict given their capability to strike deep within Russian territory. Trump shared details of the call on his Truth Social platform, stating, ‘I am speaking to President Putin now. The conversation is ongoing, a lengthy one, and I will report the contents, as will President Putin, at its conclusion.’ The Kremlin has yet to comment on the discussion. The two leaders last met in Alaska on August 15, where Trump hoped to persuade Putin to engage in comprehensive peace talks to end the war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. However, the summit failed to yield a decisive breakthrough. Trump’s stance on the conflict has evolved significantly since his presidential campaign, where he claimed he could resolve the war swiftly. Recently, he acknowledged the complexity of the situation, even as he expressed optimism about Ukraine’s potential to reclaim its territory. Zelensky’s upcoming visit to Washington, his third this year, is expected to focus heavily on the potential provision of Tomahawk missiles, which Ukraine has actively sought to bolster its defense capabilities.
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Giorgio Armani group names luxury veteran and longtime manager Giuseppe Marsocci as new CEO
The Armani fashion house announced on Thursday the appointment of Giuseppe Marsocci as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a pivotal moment for the iconic Italian brand following the passing of its founder, Giorgio Armani, last month at the age of 91. Marsocci, a seasoned luxury industry executive with 23 years of experience in top roles within the Armani group, steps into the leadership role during a critical juncture for the company, one of Italy’s most valuable and globally recognized fashion empires.