Ottilie Mitchell

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has killed 2,325 people and become the deadliest in the country’s history, with 4,945 confirmed cases recorded. The Bundibugyo virus has spread across six provinces, while smaller numbers of cases have been detected in Uganda, Germany and France. Conflict, population mobility and limited resources are complicating containment. No approved vaccine currently exists for this Ebola species, but an Oxford-led candidate based on Oxford-AstraZeneca technology has received permission for human trials. The WHO is also supporting a trial of two antiviral treatments and aims to bring transmission under control within three months.

An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has killed 2,325 people and produced 4,945 confirmed cases, making it the deadliest outbreak in the country’s history and the fastest-growing on record. The virus has spread across six provinces, with limited cases reported in Uganda, Germany and France. Conflict and population movement are complicating containment efforts. No approved Bundibugyo vaccine currently exists, but Oxford researchers have received permission for human trials of a candidate based on Oxford-AstraZeneca technology; other vaccines and a WHO-sponsored trial of antiviral therapies are also in development.

A$AP Rocky says Rihanna is currently in the studio working on new music, raising the possibility of her first full album since 2016’s Anti. He provided few details and denied that they are planning a joint double album. Rihanna has previously said she is optimistic about a new album but unwilling to release anything she considers mediocre. Since Anti, she has released several singles and expanded her businesses, including Fenty Beauty and a lingerie company.

Wildfires in Le Porge in France’s Gironde region exposed and detonated about 400 German and French World War Two shells, including mortar and anti-tank rounds. More than 100 explosions were heard, over 180 homes were destroyed, and demining operations allowed most residents to return, although access to some areas remained restricted. The fire burned for roughly 10 days and was brought under control after affecting a large area of south-western France.

Wildfires in Le Porge, in France’s Gironde region, uncovered about 400 historic German and French shells and other munitions buried in the area. More than 100 explosions heard during the fire may have been caused by heat detonating World War Two explosives, rather than gas cylinders as initially suspected. Demining operations have allowed most residents to return, although access to the ocean, a campsite and La Jenny remains restricted. The fire destroyed more than 180 homes and burned about 42,000 hectares in south-western France, while Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the response had entered a new phase.

A Russian overnight missile and drone barrage killed at least eight people in Ukraine, including five members of the Voronov family whose home near Kryvyi Rih was destroyed. Several other family members remained missing, while additional civilians were wounded in Kryvyi Rih, Kyiv, Poltava and Lviv. Polish officials said debris and a large crater in Lublin province were probably caused by a Russian Kh-101 missile that violated Polish airspace, although the investigation was continuing. The attacks renewed Ukrainian calls for Patriot air-defence missiles, which Kyiv says are essential for protecting civilians from Russian ballistic missiles.

A Russian overnight barrage of more than 70 missiles and 280 drones killed at least eight people in Ukraine, including five members of the Voronov family near Radushne in the Kryvyi Rih area. Several other family members remain missing, while strikes also caused deaths and damage in Kyiv, Poltava and Lviv. Poland said a missile crater found near its eastern border was probably caused by a Russian Kh-101, although the investigation continues. Volodymyr Zelensky used the attack to renew calls for Patriot interceptor missiles and stronger international support for Ukraine's air defenses.

A 19‑year‑old dual US‑Estonian national, Peter Stokes, was arrested in Finland and extradited to the US on charges linked to the Scattered Spider hacking group, which is connected to cyberattacks resulting in more than $100m in ransom payments. Authorities allege he conspired in intrusions including an $8m cryptocurrency ransom attempt on a luxury jewellery retailer. The case follows recent guilty pleas by two men involved in the 2024 Transport for London cyberattack, with investigators linking multiple UK retail breaches to the group.

A man identified as Timir Ahmed Mohamed has been charged with five counts of attempted murder and several driving offences after a vehicle struck pedestrians in Ealing Broadway, west London. He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear at Willesden Magistrates' Court. Counter-terrorism officers reviewed the case but determined the incident was not terror-related. Three people were taken to hospital and two others were treated at the scene, with none sustaining life-threatening or life-changing injuries.