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Operation Husky Combined Allied Air, Sea and Land Power in Sicily

Operation Husky Combined Allied Air, Sea and Land Power in Sicily

Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily, was a critical turning point in the Italian Campaign of World War II. This large-scale operation, w...

Global Wildfires Burn Over 112 Million Hectares in 2026

Global Wildfires Burn Over 112 Million Hectares in 2026

As of August 1, 2026, wildfires and landscape fires have burned 112.3 million hectares globally, an area comparable to South Africa's size. Data from the Global Wildfire Information System (GWIS) highlights Africa as the epicenter, accounting for 55% of the burned area. The Democratic Republic of Congo leads with 13.6 million hectares burned, followed by Australia and Angola. While much of Africa's fires are seasonal and deliberate for agricultural purposes, other regions, including Europe, North America, and Oceania, have experienced significant uncontrolled wildfires. Spain, for instance, faced its most severe fire season, with 180,000 hectares burned and mass evacuations. The United States recorded 2.4 million hectares burned, with Oregon and Washington among the hardest-hit areas.

Hawaii Braces for Tropical Storm with Heavy Rain and Travel Disruptions

Hawaii Braces for Tropical Storm with Heavy Rain and Travel Disruptions

A developing tropical storm in the central Pacific is threatening the Hawaiian Islands with heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and high ocean swells. The National Hurricane Center and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center have issued active weather advisories as the system moves westward. Key airports, including Honolulu International Airport (HNL), Kahului Airport (OGG), Kona International Airport (KOA), and Lihue Airport (LIH), remain operational but are preparing for potential delays and disruptions. Coastal and mountain areas, such as Haleakalā National Park, are at risk of restricted access due to landslides and flooding.

Alpine resorts' snowmaking equipment may be put to work fighting summer forest fires

Alpine resorts' snowmaking equipment may be put to work fighting summer forest fires

Alpine resorts may have a new way to put their snowmaking equipment to work as Europe bakes through hot summers: helping douse forest fires

Dangerous Heat Wave and Tropical Activity in Louisiana

Dangerous Heat Wave and Tropical Activity in Louisiana

Louisiana is bracing for a hazardous heat wave as temperatures are expected to soar this weekend into early next week. A persistent ridge of high pressure is driving inland temperatures to 100°F (37.8°C) with heat index values exceeding 110°F (43.3°C). The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Thursday from 11 AM to 8 PM CDT. Meanwhile, the Atlantic is active with Tropical Storm Cristobal, Invest 92L, and a tropical wave off Africa's coast. Cristobal is expected to dissipate soon, while Invest 92L has an 80% chance of developing into a tropical depression or storm near the Lesser Antilles. Another wave off Africa has a 40% chance of development over the next week. (Source: WDSU, published 2026-08-12 23:36 UTC)

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

Rochester eclipse photos: Look back at the 2024 total solar eclipse

Rochester eclipse photos: Look back at the 2024 total solar eclipse

Look back at photos from Rochester's April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse, when the city experienced 3 minutes and 39 seconds of totality.

Pilot Hospitalized After Plane Crash in Ossipee, New Hampshire

Pilot Hospitalized After Plane Crash in Ossipee, New Hampshire

A small plane crash occurred at Windsock Village Airport in Ossipee, New Hampshire, resulting in the hospitalization of the pilot. The aircraft, identified as a Spirit SE-1, crashed while attempting to land on a grass airstrip within a private aviation community. The pilot, a man in his 70s, was the sole occupant and sustained non-serious injuries. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident to determine the cause of the crash. Community members assisted emergency personnel at the scene, and the airstrip has since reopened.

Etna Eruption Forces Suspension of Arrivals at Catania Airport Due to Volcanic Ash

Etna Eruption Forces Suspension of Arrivals at Catania Airport Due to Volcanic Ash

Catania airport in Sicily has suspended all arrivals due to the ongoing eruptive activity of Mount Etna, which has been emitting volcanic ash into the atmosphere. The airport operator, Sac, announced the closure of the affected airspace and advised passengers to check with their airlines before heading to the airport. The volcanic activity has been intense, with explosive activity at the Voragine crater and significant ash emissions dispersing towards the south-southeast. The situation is being closely monitored, and further updates will be provided based on the development of volcanic activity and weather conditions.

Photography Exhibit on Wildfires Nearly Engulfed by Real Wildfire in Sicily

Photography Exhibit on Wildfires Nearly Engulfed by Real Wildfire in Sicily

Life imitates art as firefighters in Gibellina, Sicily managed to extinguish a fire that came just a few feet away from an outdoor photography exhibit about wildfires.

Pilots Killed in Widemouth 2 Fire Remembered for Service and Skill

Pilots Killed in Widemouth 2 Fire Remembered for Service and Skill

Two pilots, Christopher Andersen and Miles Elliott, were killed when their helicopter crashed while fighting the Widemouth 2 Fire in Utah. Andersen, a seasoned pilot with a four-decade career, and Elliott, a small-business owner and photographer, were flying a Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane when it went down in rugged terrain. The crash sparked a separate fire, delaying rescue efforts. Andersen's family, aware of the risks he faced, is mourning his loss while honoring his dedication to service. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support Elliott's family, particularly his young son.