Turkey has launched airstrikes on Kurdish militant sites in Iraq and Syria, blaming the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) for an attack near Ankara that killed five people. The strikes, which began Wednesday, have reportedly killed 59 people, including 12 civilians. The attack occurred at Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), located 40km from Ankara, during a shift change. The perpetrators, identified as PKK members, were neutralized by security forces. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack as "heinous." The PKK, banned in Turkey, the US, and the UK, has been fighting for Kurdish rights since the 1980s.

Aesculapian snakes, one of Europe's largest snake species, are breeding inside UK homes, particularly in attics and wall cavities, according to scientists. These non-native snakes, which can grow up to 7 feet long, were introduced to Colwyn Bay, North Wales, in the 1970s after escaping from a zoo. Researchers tracked 21 snakes and found that male snakes prefer to use human structures for warmth, while females favor woodland areas. These behaviors are unusual for UK-native snakes, which tend to avoid urban areas. Scientists are studying the snakes' adaptation to the UK’s cooler climate to understand their spread.

Turkey’s Air Force launched strikes on Kurdish targets in Iraq and Syria following an attack on the TUSAS aerospace and defence company near Ankara that killed 5 and wounded over 20. Turkey blames the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) for the assault. Defence Minister Yasar Guler confirmed 47 targets were hit, and 59 militants were "neutralised." The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces reported civilian casualties from Turkish airstrikes in Syria. Turkey regularly targets PKK-affiliated groups in both countries, aiming to eliminate Kurdish militants.

Russian influencer Valeria Fedyakina, dubbed the "Queen of Crypto," scammed over $22 million from investors, reportedly sending the money to Ukrainian troops amid the Russia-Ukraine war. Fedyakina, 24, portrayed herself as a cryptocurrency expert across social media platforms, convincing at least four victims to trust her with large investments. Russian authorities revealed that she operated under the alias "Bitmama" and had offices in Moscow, Dubai, and Monaco. After duping her victims, Fedyakina transferred the stolen funds to Dubai crypto, bypassing banking restrictions. Police confirmed the scam unfolded over two months.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the BRICS summit that the Middle East is nearing full-scale war, with violence spreading from Gaza to Lebanon. Putin emphasized the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, likening the situation to a "chain reaction" impacting the entire region. He stressed that peace would not be achieved until the creation of an independent Palestinian state, which he described as correcting historical injustice. Putin urged for the implementation of the two-state solution, as approved by the UN, to break the cycle of violence. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas also attended the summit.

Stacey Williams, a former model, has accused Donald Trump of groping her in 1993 at Trump Tower, after being introduced by Jeffrey Epstein. Williams alleges that Trump touched her inappropriately, groping her breasts and buttocks during what she perceived as a “twisted game” between the two men. Williams shared her story during a Zoom call organized by a group supporting Kamala Harris. Trump’s campaign denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated. Williams stated she had kept quiet for years but felt more confident now in speaking out about the incident, raising questions about Trump’s ties with Epstein.

South Korea is tackling a growing loneliness epidemic, with Seoul pledging $327 million to combat the issue over five years. The funds will be used to create a city "where no-one is lonely" through 24/7 loneliness counseling hotlines, online platforms, and in-person consultations. The city also plans to expand psychological services, green spaces, and meal plans for middle-aged and elderly residents. A rise in "lonely deaths" has brought attention to the problem, especially among men in their 50s and 60s. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon stated the government would “mobilize all municipal capacity” to address the crisis.

Marshall Mosher, a paraglider and adventure athlete, recently filmed a dog sitting on top of the Great Pyramid of Giza while flying over it. He shared the video on Instagram, expressing his amazement at the dog's relaxed presence atop the 4,500-year-old pyramid. After some viewers expressed concern for the dog's safety, Mosher posted a follow-up video showing the dog on the ground, reassuring them that these dogs are known to roam the area and frequently climb up and down the pyramid. Mosher is also promoting a paragliding event next year over the pyramids, encouraging others to join him in meeting these dogs.

The UK is seeing a rapid decline in its nightclub industry, with around 10 venues closing every month, according to new research from the Nighttime Industries Association (NTIA). Over the past four years, the country has lost 37% of its clubs. Michael Kill, CEO of NTIA, warned that the nighttime economy, which plays a crucial role in the UK's identity, community, and economy, is in danger of collapsing without urgent government support. Ahead of the autumn budget, Kill has called for financial assistance to prevent the continued loss of clubs and protect the future of the industry.

The UK government has announced a ban on the sale and supply of single-use vapes, effective June 1, 2025. This decision aims to safeguard children’s health and mitigate environmental damage caused by disposable vaping products. Businesses will be required to clear any remaining stock before the ban takes effect. The devolved governments of Scotland and Northern Ireland are also expected to implement similar bans shortly. This initiative comes amid rising concerns about the increasing prevalence of vaping among youth and the harmful impact of single-use vapes on the environment, reflecting a shift in public health policy.