US: Evacuations Ordered as Sandy Fire Tears Through Simi Valley, California 4

The Sandy Fire broke out Monday, May 18, in Simi Valley, roughly 40 miles northwest of Los Angeles, burning over 1,600 acres, destroying at least one home, and putting more than 28,000 people under mandatory evacuation orders.

US: Evacuations Ordered as Sandy Fire Tears Through Simi Valley, California 3

The Sandy Fire broke out Monday, May 18, in Simi Valley, roughly 40 miles northwest of Los Angeles, burning over 1,600 acres, destroying at least one home, and putting more than 28,000 people under mandatory evacuation orders.

US: Evacuations Ordered as Sandy Fire Tears Through Simi Valley, California 2

The Sandy Fire broke out Monday, May 18, in Simi Valley, roughly 40 miles northwest of Los Angeles, burning over 1,600 acres, destroying at least one home, and putting more than 28,000 people under mandatory evacuation orders.

US: Evacuations Ordered as Sandy Fire Tears Through Simi Valley, California

The Sandy Fire broke out Monday, May 18, in Simi Valley, roughly 40 miles northwest of Los Angeles, burning over 1,300 acres, destroying at least one home, and putting more than 28,000 people under mandatory evacuation orders.

US: Fast-Moving Sandy Fire Burns More Than 800 Acres, Prompting Evacuations 6

The Sandy Fire broke out Monday, May 18, in Simi Valley, roughly 40 miles northwest of Los Angeles, burning over 836 acres, destroying at least one home, and forcing more than 29,000 residents to evacuate.

US: Fast-Moving Sandy Fire Burns More Than 800 Acres, Prompting Evacuations 3

The Sandy Fire broke out Monday, May 18, in Simi Valley, roughly 40 miles northwest of Los Angeles, burning over 836 acres, destroying at least one home, and forcing more than 29,000 residents to evacuate.

US: Fast-Moving Sandy Fire Burns More Than 800 Acres, Prompting Evacuations 4

The Sandy Fire broke out Monday, May 18, in Simi Valley, roughly 40 miles northwest of Los Angeles, burning over 836 acres, destroying at least one home, and forcing more than 29,000 residents to evacuate.

US: Fast-Moving Sandy Fire Burns More Than 800 Acres, Prompting Evacuations 5

The Sandy Fire broke out Monday, May 18, in Simi Valley, roughly 40 miles northwest of Los Angeles, burning over 836 acres, destroying at least one home, and forcing more than 29,000 residents to evacuate.

US: Fast-Moving Sandy Fire Burns More Than 800 Acres, Prompting Evacuations

The Sandy Fire broke out Monday, May 18, in Simi Valley, roughly 40 miles northwest of Los Angeles, burning over 836 acres, destroying at least one home, and forcing more than 29,000 residents to evacuate.

US: Fast-Moving Sandy Fire Burns More Than 800 Acres, Prompting Evacuations 2

The Sandy Fire broke out Monday, May 18, in Simi Valley, roughly 40 miles northwest of Los Angeles, burning over 836 acres, destroying at least one home, and forcing more than 29,000 residents to evacuate.

US: Coldest Storm of the Season Buries Sierra Nevada in Heavy Snow 3

Rolling thunderstorms and strong winds swept across California as the season’s coldest storm dumped heavy snow on the Sierra Nevada. The heavy snow created dangerous backcountry conditions, and a large avalanche near Truckee killed at least eight skiers. Ski areas around Lake Tahoe reported significant totals, with more than 40 inches of new snow in 24 hours.

US: Coldest Storm of the Season Buries Sierra Nevada in Heavy Snow 2

Rolling thunderstorms and strong winds swept across California as the season’s coldest storm dumped heavy snow on the Sierra Nevada. The heavy snow created dangerous backcountry conditions, and a large avalanche near Truckee killed at least eight skiers. Ski areas around Lake Tahoe reported significant totals, with more than 40 inches of new snow in 24 hours.

Around 40 Dead After Bar Fire In Crans-Montana

Around 40 Dead After Bar Fire In Crans-Montana

People place candles and flowers to mourn the victims of a fire at a bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort in Valais Canton of southwestern Switzerland, Jan. 1, 2026. Around 40 people were killed and more than 110 others injured after a fire broke out at a bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort in Valais Canton in southwestern Switzerland, local police said on Thursday. Photo by Lian Yi/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Around 40 Dead After Bar Fire In Crans-Montana

Around 40 Dead After Bar Fire In Crans-Montana

This photo taken on Jan. 2, 2026 shows an exterior view of Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) in Lausanne, Switzerland. Around 40 people were killed and more than 110 others injured after a fire broke out at a bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort in Valais Canton in southwestern Switzerland, local police said on Thursday. Photo by Lian Yi/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Around 40 Dead After Bar Fire In Crans-Montana

Around 40 Dead After Bar Fire In Crans-Montana

This photo taken on Jan. 2, 2026 shows an exterior view of Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) in Lausanne, Switzerland. Around 40 people were killed and more than 110 others injured after a fire broke out at a bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort in Valais Canton in southwestern Switzerland, local police said on Thursday. Photo by Lian Yi/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Around 40 Dead After Bar Fire In Crans-Montana

Around 40 Dead After Bar Fire In Crans-Montana

Candles and flowers to mourn the victims of a fire at a bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort are pictured in Valais Canton of southwestern Switzerland, Jan. 1, 2026. Around 40 people were killed and more than 110 others injured after a fire broke out at a bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort in Valais Canton in southwestern Switzerland, local police said on Thursday. Photo by Lian Yi/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Around 40 Dead After Bar Fire In Crans-Montana

Around 40 Dead After Bar Fire In Crans-Montana

Candles and flowers to mourn the victims of a fire at a bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort are pictured in Valais Canton of southwestern Switzerland, Jan. 1, 2026. Around 40 people were killed and more than 110 others injured after a fire broke out at a bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort in Valais Canton in southwestern Switzerland, local police said on Thursday. Photo by Lian Yi/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Around 40 Dead After Bar Fire In Crans-Montana

Around 40 Dead After Bar Fire In Crans-Montana

Candles and flowers to mourn the victims of a fire at a bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort are pictured in Valais Canton of southwestern Switzerland, Jan. 1, 2026. Around 40 people were killed and more than 110 others injured after a fire broke out at a bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort in Valais Canton in southwestern Switzerland, local police said on Thursday. Photo by Lian Yi/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Around 40 Dead After Bar Fire In Crans-Montana

Around 40 Dead After Bar Fire In Crans-Montana

Candles and flowers to mourn the victims of a fire at a bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort are pictured in Valais Canton of southwestern Switzerland, Jan. 1, 2026. Around 40 people were killed and more than 110 others injured after a fire broke out at a bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort in Valais Canton in southwestern Switzerland, local police said on Thursday. Photo by Lian Yi/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Chinese Offshore Oil And Gas Platforms - Bohai Oilfield

Chinese Offshore Oil And Gas Platforms - Bohai Oilfield

An aerial drone photo taken on December 20, 2025 shows the offshore oil and gas platforms in Bohai Oilfield. China's largest offshore oilfield, the Bohai Oilfield, has produced over 40 million tonnes of oil equivalent in 2025, setting a historical record, the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) announced Sunday. The Bohai Oilfield, which currently operates more than 60 producing oil and gas fields, has yielded a cumulative crude oil output exceeding 600 million tonnes. Over the past five years, its oil and gas production has grown by 5 percent annually, according to CNOOC. Photo by Du Penghui/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Chinese Offshore Oil And Gas Platforms - Bohai Oilfield

Chinese Offshore Oil And Gas Platforms - Bohai Oilfield

An aerial drone photo taken on December 21, 2025 shows the offshore oil and gas platforms in Bohai Oilfield. China's largest offshore oilfield, the Bohai Oilfield, has produced over 40 million tonnes of oil equivalent in 2025, setting a historical record, the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) announced Sunday. The Bohai Oilfield, which currently operates more than 60 producing oil and gas fields, has yielded a cumulative crude oil output exceeding 600 million tonnes. Over the past five years, its oil and gas production has grown by 5 percent annually, according to CNOOC. Photo by Du Penghui/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Chinese Offshore Oil And Gas Platforms - Bohai Oilfield

Chinese Offshore Oil And Gas Platforms - Bohai Oilfield

An aerial drone photo taken on December 21, 2025 shows the offshore oil and gas platforms in Bohai Oilfield. China's largest offshore oilfield, the Bohai Oilfield, has produced over 40 million tonnes of oil equivalent in 2025, setting a historical record, the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) announced Sunday. The Bohai Oilfield, which currently operates more than 60 producing oil and gas fields, has yielded a cumulative crude oil output exceeding 600 million tonnes. Over the past five years, its oil and gas production has grown by 5 percent annually, according to CNOOC. Photo by Du Penghui/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Chinese Offshore Oil And Gas Platforms - Bohai Oilfield

Chinese Offshore Oil And Gas Platforms - Bohai Oilfield

This photo taken on December 21, 2025 shows the offshore oil and gas platforms in Bohai Oilfield. China's largest offshore oilfield, the Bohai Oilfield, has produced over 40 million tonnes of oil equivalent in 2025, setting a historical record, the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) announced Sunday. The Bohai Oilfield, which currently operates more than 60 producing oil and gas fields, has yielded a cumulative crude oil output exceeding 600 million tonnes. Over the past five years, its oil and gas production has grown by 5 percent annually, according to CNOOC. Photo by Du Penghui/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Chinese Offshore Oil And Gas Platforms - Bohai Oilfield

Chinese Offshore Oil And Gas Platforms - Bohai Oilfield

An aerial drone photo taken on December 21, 2025 shows the offshore oil and gas platforms in Bohai Oilfield. China's largest offshore oilfield, the Bohai Oilfield, has produced over 40 million tonnes of oil equivalent in 2025, setting a historical record, the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) announced Sunday. The Bohai Oilfield, which currently operates more than 60 producing oil and gas fields, has yielded a cumulative crude oil output exceeding 600 million tonnes. Over the past five years, its oil and gas production has grown by 5 percent annually, according to CNOOC. Photo by Du Penghui/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Chinese Offshore Oil And Gas Platforms - Bohai Oilfield

Chinese Offshore Oil And Gas Platforms - Bohai Oilfield

This photo taken on December 21, 2025 shows the offshore oil and gas platforms in Bohai Oilfield. China's largest offshore oilfield, the Bohai Oilfield, has produced over 40 million tonnes of oil equivalent in 2025, setting a historical record, the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) announced Sunday. The Bohai Oilfield, which currently operates more than 60 producing oil and gas fields, has yielded a cumulative crude oil output exceeding 600 million tonnes. Over the past five years, its oil and gas production has grown by 5 percent annually, according to CNOOC. Photo by Du Penghui/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Chinese Offshore Oil And Gas Platforms - Bohai Oilfield

Chinese Offshore Oil And Gas Platforms - Bohai Oilfield

This photo taken on December 21, 2025 shows the offshore oil and gas platforms in Bohai Oilfield. China's largest offshore oilfield, the Bohai Oilfield, has produced over 40 million tonnes of oil equivalent in 2025, setting a historical record, the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) announced Sunday. The Bohai Oilfield, which currently operates more than 60 producing oil and gas fields, has yielded a cumulative crude oil output exceeding 600 million tonnes. Over the past five years, its oil and gas production has grown by 5 percent annually, according to CNOOC. Photo by Du Penghui/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Chinese Offshore Oil And Gas Platforms - Bohai Oilfield

Chinese Offshore Oil And Gas Platforms - Bohai Oilfield

An aerial drone photo taken on December 21, 2025 shows the offshore oil and gas platforms in Bohai Oilfield. China's largest offshore oilfield, the Bohai Oilfield, has produced over 40 million tonnes of oil equivalent in 2025, setting a historical record, the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) announced Sunday. The Bohai Oilfield, which currently operates more than 60 producing oil and gas fields, has yielded a cumulative crude oil output exceeding 600 million tonnes. Over the past five years, its oil and gas production has grown by 5 percent annually, according to CNOOC. Photo by Du Penghui/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

First Snowfall of The Season Over the Pyrenees

First Snowfall of The Season Over the Pyrenees

Handout photo dated on November 9, 2025 shows The Pyrenees are an important ecological corridor stretching between France and Spain, connecting Atlantic and Mediterranean ecosystems across a rugged mountain landscape. The mountain range supports high-altitude grasslands, ancient forests, and glacial valleys, providing habitat for endemic species. The arrival of snow marks the beginning of the alpine winter and plays a key role in regional water storage. This image, acquired by one of the Copernicus Sentinel-3 satellites on 9 November 2025, shows fresh snowfall above 1,900 metres, while lower elevations remain in shades of green and brown. This snowfall followed an Atlantic front, which brought up to 12 cm of snow and more than 40 l/m² of rain to parts of Spain. Photo by European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-3 imagery via ABACAPRESS.COM

Damage After Typhoon Ragasa - China

Damage After Typhoon Ragasa - China

Workers check damaged power facilities in Sanya Village, Yangjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province, September 25, 2025. More than 2.16 million local residents had been relocated in south China's Guangdong Province as of 4 p.m. on Wednesday, in response to Typhoon Ragasa, which made landfall in the province at about 5 p.m. Typhoon Ragasa, the 18th typhoon of this year, with maximum wind force near its center reaching 40 meters per second, churned ashore at Hailing Island in the city of Yangjiang in Guangdong, according to the provincial meteorological observatory. Photo by Xinhua/Deng Hua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Damage After Typhoon Ragasa - China

Damage After Typhoon Ragasa - China

Workers repair a damaged road in Yangjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province, September 25, 2025. More than 2.16 million local residents had been relocated in south China's Guangdong Province as of 4 p.m. on Wednesday, in response to Typhoon Ragasa, which made landfall in the province at about 5 p.m. Typhoon Ragasa, the 18th typhoon of this year, with maximum wind force near its center reaching 40 meters per second, churned ashore at Hailing Island in the city of Yangjiang in Guangdong, according to the provincial meteorological observatory. Photo by Xinhua/Deng Hua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Damage After Typhoon Ragasa - China

Damage After Typhoon Ragasa - China

Workers clear fallen trees on a road in Yangjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province, September 25, 2025. More than 2.16 million local residents had been relocated in south China's Guangdong Province as of 4 p.m. on Wednesday, in response to Typhoon Ragasa, which made landfall in the province at about 5 p.m. Typhoon Ragasa, the 18th typhoon of this year, with maximum wind force near its center reaching 40 meters per second, churned ashore at Hailing Island in the city of Yangjiang in Guangdong, according to the provincial meteorological observatory. Photo by Xinhua/Deng Hua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Damage After Typhoon Ragasa - China

Damage After Typhoon Ragasa - China

An aerial drone photo taken on September 25, 2025 shows factory buildings of a company in a mess after Typhoon Ragasa in Yangjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province. More than 2.16 million local residents had been relocated in south China's Guangdong Province as of 4 p.m. on Wednesday, in response to Typhoon Ragasa, which made landfall in the province at about 5 p.m. Typhoon Ragasa, the 18th typhoon of this year, with maximum wind force near its center reaching 40 meters per second, churned ashore at Hailing Island in the city of Yangjiang in Guangdong, according to the provincial meteorological observatory. Photo by Xinhua/Deng Hua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Damage After Typhoon Ragasa - China

Damage After Typhoon Ragasa - China

Citizens pass by fallen trees in Yangjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province, September 25, 2025. More than 2.16 million local residents had been relocated in south China's Guangdong Province as of 4 p.m. on Wednesday, in response to Typhoon Ragasa, which made landfall in the province at about 5 p.m. Typhoon Ragasa, the 18th typhoon of this year, with maximum wind force near its center reaching 40 meters per second, churned ashore at Hailing Island in the city of Yangjiang in Guangdong, according to the provincial meteorological observatory. Photo by Xinhua/Deng Hua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Damage After Typhoon Ragasa - China

Damage After Typhoon Ragasa - China

An emergency repair vehicle passes by fallen trees in Yangjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province, September 25, 2025. More than 2.16 million local residents had been relocated in south China's Guangdong Province as of 4 p.m. on Wednesday, in response to Typhoon Ragasa, which made landfall in the province at about 5 p.m. Typhoon Ragasa, the 18th typhoon of this year, with maximum wind force near its center reaching 40 meters per second, churned ashore at Hailing Island in the city of Yangjiang in Guangdong, according to the provincial meteorological observatory. Photo by Xinhua/Deng Hua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Damage After Typhoon Ragasa - China

Damage After Typhoon Ragasa - China

Workers repair damaged lines of telecommunications in Yangjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province, September 25, 2025. More than 2.16 million local residents had been relocated in south China's Guangdong Province as of 4 p.m. on Wednesday, in response to Typhoon Ragasa, which made landfall in the province at about 5 p.m. Typhoon Ragasa, the 18th typhoon of this year, with maximum wind force near its center reaching 40 meters per second, churned ashore at Hailing Island in the city of Yangjiang in Guangdong, according to the provincial meteorological observatory. Photo by Xinhua/Deng Hua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Typhoon Ragasa Makes Landfall in South China

Typhoon Ragasa Makes Landfall in South China

A security staff member checks the condition of equipment outside a hotel in Yangjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province, on September 24, 2025. Typhoon Ragasa, the 18th typhoon of 2025, made landfall in south China's Guangdong Province at about 5 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the provincial meteorological observatory. The typhoon, with maximum wind force near its center reaching 40 meters per second, churned ashore at Hailing Island in the city of Yangjiang in Guangdong. As of 10 p.m. on Tuesday, more than 1.89 million local residents had been relocated across the province. Meteorological authorities forecast that Ragasa will continue moving westward at a speed of roughly 20 km per hour and gradually weaken. Photo by Xinhua/Deng Hua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Typhoon Ragasa Makes Landfall in South China

Typhoon Ragasa Makes Landfall in South China

Staff members are seen on duty at the entrance of a hotel in Yangjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province, on September 24, 2025. Typhoon Ragasa, the 18th typhoon of 2025, made landfall in south China's Guangdong Province at about 5 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the provincial meteorological observatory. The typhoon, with maximum wind force near its center reaching 40 meters per second, churned ashore at Hailing Island in the city of Yangjiang in Guangdong. As of 10 p.m. on Tuesday, more than 1.89 million local residents had been relocated across the province. Meteorological authorities forecast that Ragasa will continue moving westward at a speed of roughly 20 km per hour and gradually weaken. Photo by Xinhua/Deng Hua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Typhoon Ragasa Makes Landfall in South China

Typhoon Ragasa Makes Landfall in South China

A staff member tends to an umbrella damaged by the wind at a hotel in Yangjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province, on September 24, 2025. Typhoon Ragasa, the 18th typhoon of 2025, made landfall in south China's Guangdong Province at about 5 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the provincial meteorological observatory. The typhoon, with maximum wind force near its center reaching 40 meters per second, churned ashore at Hailing Island in the city of Yangjiang in Guangdong. As of 10 p.m. on Tuesday, more than 1.89 million local residents had been relocated across the province. Meteorological authorities forecast that Ragasa will continue moving westward at a speed of roughly 20 km per hour and gradually weaken. Photo by Xinhua/Deng Hua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Typhoon Ragasa Makes Landfall in South China

Typhoon Ragasa Makes Landfall in South China

People look out of a window at a hotel in Yangjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province, on September 24, 2025. Typhoon Ragasa, the 18th typhoon of 2025, made landfall in south China's Guangdong Province at about 5 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the provincial meteorological observatory. The typhoon, with maximum wind force near its center reaching 40 meters per second, churned ashore at Hailing Island in the city of Yangjiang in Guangdong. As of 10 p.m. on Tuesday, more than 1.89 million local residents had been relocated across the province. Meteorological authorities forecast that Ragasa will continue moving westward at a speed of roughly 20 km per hour and gradually weaken. Photo by Xinhua/Deng Hua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Typhoon Ragasa Makes Landfall in South China

Typhoon Ragasa Makes Landfall in South China

This photo taken on September 24, 2025 shows fallen branches lying outside a restaurant in Yangjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province. Typhoon Ragasa, the 18th typhoon of 2025, made landfall in south China's Guangdong Province at about 5 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the provincial meteorological observatory. The typhoon, with maximum wind force near its center reaching 40 meters per second, churned ashore at Hailing Island in the city of Yangjiang in Guangdong. As of 10 p.m. on Tuesday, more than 1.89 million local residents had been relocated across the province. Meteorological authorities forecast that Ragasa will continue moving westward at a speed of roughly 20 km per hour and gradually weaken. Photo by Xinhua/Deng Hua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Typhoon Ragasa Makes Landfall in South China

Typhoon Ragasa Makes Landfall in South China

This photo taken on September 24, 2025 shows an uprooted tree on the roadside in Yangjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province. Typhoon Ragasa, the 18th typhoon of 2025, made landfall in south China's Guangdong Province at about 5 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the provincial meteorological observatory. The typhoon, with maximum wind force near its center reaching 40 meters per second, churned ashore at Hailing Island in the city of Yangjiang in Guangdong. As of 10 p.m. on Tuesday, more than 1.89 million local residents had been relocated across the province. Meteorological authorities forecast that Ragasa will continue moving westward at a speed of roughly 20 km per hour and gradually weaken. Photo by Xinhua/Deng Hua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Typhoon Ragasa Makes Landfall in South China

Typhoon Ragasa Makes Landfall in South China

Staff members reinforce a glass gate at a hotel in Yangjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province, on September 24, 2025. Typhoon Ragasa, the 18th typhoon of 2025, made landfall in south China's Guangdong Province at about 5 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the provincial meteorological observatory. The typhoon, with maximum wind force near its center reaching 40 meters per second, churned ashore at Hailing Island in the city of Yangjiang in Guangdong. As of 10 p.m. on Tuesday, more than 1.89 million local residents had been relocated across the province. Meteorological authorities forecast that Ragasa will continue moving westward at a speed of roughly 20 km per hour and gradually weaken. Photo by Xinhua/Deng Hua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Typhoon Ragasa Makes Landfall in South China

Typhoon Ragasa Makes Landfall in South China

This photo taken on September 24, 2025 shows a fallen branch lying on a parking space in Yangjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province. Typhoon Ragasa, the 18th typhoon of 2025, made landfall in south China's Guangdong Province at about 5 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the provincial meteorological observatory. The typhoon, with maximum wind force near its center reaching 40 meters per second, churned ashore at Hailing Island in the city of Yangjiang in Guangdong. As of 10 p.m. on Tuesday, more than 1.89 million local residents had been relocated across the province. Meteorological authorities forecast that Ragasa will continue moving westward at a speed of roughly 20 km per hour and gradually weaken. Photo by Xinhua/Deng Hua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Pays Cathare

Illustration - Pays Cathare

FRANCE - ARIEGE (09) - MONTSEGUR CASTLE. VIEW FROM THE SOUTH EAST, AT SUNSET. STANDING AT AN ALTITUDE OF 1207M, ON THE HIGHEST PART OF A ROCKY OUTCROP, THE FORTRESS IS MENTIONED IN THE TEXTS FROM THE END OF THE 12TH CENTURY. AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 13TH CENTURY, THE CATHARS, ADEPTS OF A DUALISTIC RELIGION DECLARED HERETICAL BY THE POPE, SETTLED IN THESE PLACES. IN 1232, THE CASTLE BECAME THE SEAT OF THE CATHAR CHURCH AND THE REFUGE OF THE FAIDITS, LOCAL LORDS DISPOSSESSED OF THEIR PROPERTY BY THE CRUSADE. WHILE LANGUEDOC WILL BE SET ON FIRE, MONTSEGUR WILL LIVE IN RELATIVE PEACE FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS. FINALLY, THE POPE AND THE KING OF FRANCE, DECIDED IN 1243 TO FINISH WITH MONTSEGUR: AFTER A TERRIBLE SIEGE OF 11 MONTHS, MARCH 16, 1244, THE CATHARS ARE LED TO THE STAKE. MORE THAN 200 OF THEM ARE BURNED ALIVE. CATHARISM WILL NEVER RECOVER FROM THE LOSS OF MONTSEGUR AND WILL DISAPPEAR COMPLETELY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 14TH CENTURY. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Pays Cathare

Illustration - Pays Cathare

FRANCE - ARIEGE (09) - MONTSEGUR CASTLE. VIEW FROM THE SOUTH EAST, AT SUNSET. STANDING AT AN ALTITUDE OF 1207M, ON THE HIGHEST PART OF A ROCKY OUTCROP, THE FORTRESS IS MENTIONED IN THE TEXTS FROM THE END OF THE 12TH CENTURY. AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 13TH CENTURY, THE CATHARS, ADEPTS OF A DUALISTIC RELIGION DECLARED HERETICAL BY THE POPE, SETTLED IN THESE PLACES. IN 1232, THE CASTLE BECAME THE SEAT OF THE CATHAR CHURCH AND THE REFUGE OF THE FAIDITS, LOCAL LORDS DISPOSSESSED OF THEIR PROPERTY BY THE CRUSADE. WHILE LANGUEDOC WILL BE SET ON FIRE, MONTSEGUR WILL LIVE IN RELATIVE PEACE FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS. FINALLY, THE POPE AND THE KING OF FRANCE, DECIDED IN 1243 TO FINISH WITH MONTSEGUR: AFTER A TERRIBLE SIEGE OF 11 MONTHS, MARCH 16, 1244, THE CATHARS ARE LED TO THE STAKE. MORE THAN 200 OF THEM ARE BURNED ALIVE. CATHARISM WILL NEVER RECOVER FROM THE LOSS OF MONTSEGUR AND WILL DISAPPEAR COMPLETELY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 14TH CENTURY. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Pays Cathare

Illustration - Pays Cathare

FRANCE - ARIEGE (09) - MONTSEGUR CASTLE. VIEW FROM THE SOUTH EAST, AT SUNSET. STANDING AT AN ALTITUDE OF 1207M, ON THE HIGHEST PART OF A ROCKY OUTCROP, THE FORTRESS IS MENTIONED IN THE TEXTS FROM THE END OF THE 12TH CENTURY. AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 13TH CENTURY, THE CATHARS, ADEPTS OF A DUALISTIC RELIGION DECLARED HERETICAL BY THE POPE, SETTLED IN THESE PLACES. IN 1232, THE CASTLE BECAME THE SEAT OF THE CATHAR CHURCH AND THE REFUGE OF THE FAIDITS, LOCAL LORDS DISPOSSESSED OF THEIR PROPERTY BY THE CRUSADE. WHILE LANGUEDOC WILL BE SET ON FIRE, MONTSEGUR WILL LIVE IN RELATIVE PEACE FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS. FINALLY, THE POPE AND THE KING OF FRANCE, DECIDED IN 1243 TO FINISH WITH MONTSEGUR: AFTER A TERRIBLE SIEGE OF 11 MONTHS, MARCH 16, 1244, THE CATHARS ARE LED TO THE STAKE. MORE THAN 200 OF THEM ARE BURNED ALIVE. CATHARISM WILL NEVER RECOVER FROM THE LOSS OF MONTSEGUR AND WILL DISAPPEAR COMPLETELY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 14TH CENTURY. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Pays Cathare

Illustration - Pays Cathare

FRANCE - ARIEGE (09) - MONTSEGUR CASTLE. VIEW FROM THE SOUTH EAST, AT SUNSET. STANDING AT AN ALTITUDE OF 1207M, ON THE HIGHEST PART OF A ROCKY OUTCROP, THE FORTRESS IS MENTIONED IN THE TEXTS FROM THE END OF THE 12TH CENTURY. AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 13TH CENTURY, THE CATHARS, ADEPTS OF A DUALISTIC RELIGION DECLARED HERETICAL BY THE POPE, SETTLED IN THESE PLACES. IN 1232, THE CASTLE BECAME THE SEAT OF THE CATHAR CHURCH AND THE REFUGE OF THE FAIDITS, LOCAL LORDS DISPOSSESSED OF THEIR PROPERTY BY THE CRUSADE. WHILE LANGUEDOC WILL BE SET ON FIRE, MONTSEGUR WILL LIVE IN RELATIVE PEACE FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS. FINALLY, THE POPE AND THE KING OF FRANCE, DECIDED IN 1243 TO FINISH WITH MONTSEGUR: AFTER A TERRIBLE SIEGE OF 11 MONTHS, MARCH 16, 1244, THE CATHARS ARE LED TO THE STAKE. MORE THAN 200 OF THEM ARE BURNED ALIVE. CATHARISM WILL NEVER RECOVER FROM THE LOSS OF MONTSEGUR AND WILL DISAPPEAR COMPLETELY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 14TH CENTURY. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

US: More Than 40 Arrested During Jewish Group’s Protest Outside NYC Trump Hotel

More than 40 people were arrested outside the Trump International hotel in New York City on Monday, August 4, during a protest against the war in Gaza. The protest, organized by Jewish-American group IfNotNow, demanded an end to the war and called for more aid to counter starvation and malnutrition in the region.

Violin Family Manufacturing - China

Violin Family Manufacturing - China

This photo taken on July 24, 2025 shows musical instruments on display at an enterprise in Queshan Violin Industrial Park, Queshan County of Zhumadian City, central China's Henan Province. In recent years, Queshan County has developed a complete industrial chain of the violin family manufacturing from raw material processing to instrument and accessories production. Local production accounts for more than 40 percent of the country's total output and the products are exported to European and American markets. During the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, Zhugou Township in Queshan County was once a key anti-Japanese base, and now the county is pursuing its development in modern manufacturing. Photo by Xinhua/Zhu Weixi/ABACAPRESS.COM

Violin Family Manufacturing - China

Violin Family Manufacturing - China

A worker works at a workshop in Queshan Violin Industrial Park, Queshan County of Zhumadian City, central China's Henan Province, July 24, 2025. In recent years, Queshan County has developed a complete industrial chain of the violin family manufacturing from raw material processing to instrument and accessories production. Local production accounts for more than 40 percent of the country's total output and the products are exported to European and American markets. During the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, Zhugou Township in Queshan County was once a key anti-Japanese base, and now the county is pursuing its development in modern manufacturing. Photo by Xinhua/Zhu Weixi/ABACAPRESS.COM