Hurricane Erin to drench parts of Virginia while brushing US east coast
Hurricane Erin, the first major storm of the 2025 Atlantic season, is stirring dangerous surf, rip currents, and strong winds along the US East Coast, despite not making landfall. Officials warn the risks will last for days, with beaches closed, evacuations ordered, and flooding fears growing, BBC reported.
North Carolina’s Outer Banks are already seeing tropical storm conditions, and impacts are expected to spread north into Virginia and New England. Governor Josh Stein has declared a state of emergency, urging people to stay out of the water after dozens of rescues.
Once a Category Five, Erin is now a Category Two hurricane with winds of 105mph (165km/h). It has already knocked out power to thousands in Puerto Rico and disrupted life in Turks and Caicos. Authorities continue to urge coastal residents to follow safety guidance, according to BBC.
'Nicest judge in the world' Frank Caprio dies aged 88
Frank Caprio, the Rhode Island judge and social media star known for his warmth, humor, and compassion, has died at 88 following a battle with pancreatic cancer. Over a 40-year career in Providence, he presided over thousands of cases, often showing empathy for people’s personal circumstances, BBC reported.
Caprio became a viral sensation through his TV show Caught in Providence, with clips of him inviting children behind the bench or displaying kindness in court earning billions of views online. He was nominated for multiple Daytime Emmys and inspired countless acts of kindness.
His son David urged fans to “spread a little kindness” in his memory. Caprio is survived by his wife Joyce, five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, according to BBC.
Russia launches biggest wave of strikes on Ukraine for weeks
Ukraine faced one of its largest attacks in weeks as Russian forces launched over 600 drones and missiles. One person was killed in Lviv, and 15 were injured in Transcarpathia, where a US electronics plant was damaged, BBC reported.
The strikes come as US President Donald Trump pushes diplomatic efforts to end the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed readiness to meet Vladimir Putin in neutral Europe, citing Switzerland, Austria, or Istanbul, but dismissed Budapest due to Hungary’s ties with Moscow.
Ukraine said it intercepted most of the attacks and struck Russian military targets in Rostov and occupied Donetsk in retaliation. Officials warned more air defenses are needed as Russia intensifies bombardments while front lines remain largely stagnant, according to BBC.
ICC 'deplores' new US sanctions on judges and prosecutors
US has sanctioned four ICC judges and prosecutors over investigations involving American and Israeli citizens, citing “judicial overreach” and national security concerns. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the court a “threat” and accused it of politicization, BBC reported.
The sanctioned officials—Judges Kimberly Prost (Canada) and Nicolas Guillou (France), and deputy prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan (Fiji) and Mame Mandiaye Niang (Senegal)—are barred from accessing assets in the US.
The ICC condemned the move as an attack on its independence and the international legal system. France criticized the sanctions for undermining judicial independence, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed them.
According to BBC, the decision follows earlier US sanctions on the ICC chief prosecutor and UN human rights experts who have criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, prompting calls from international officials to respect the rule of law.
