Shepherd.com, a platform created by Ben, aims to help authors connect with readers through book recommendations. The platform has gained significant traction, with 5 million visits last year and over 10,000 authors participating. Ben criticizes traditional book promotion methods and platforms like Amazon and Goodreads, advocating for a more independent book ecosystem. Shepherd.com offers a free service for authors to recommend books, aiming for long-term exposure rather than short-term sales spikes. The platform plans to introduce new features like genre-based filtering to enhance user experience.

Nearly 100 fishermen were stranded on an ice floe that broke off from Sakhalin Island, Russia, and drifted into the Othotsk Sea. Emergency services, including a Russian Mil Mi-8 helicopter and a fleet of small boats, were deployed to rescue the anglers. The incident was caused by an early Spring thaw, and some fishermen had to wait almost a day to be saved. Sakhalin's waters are known for being rich in salmon, which attracts many fishermen.

Twin girls aged one and their mother were rescued from a car trapped in floodwaters in Nova Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro, by logistics assistant Marcos Vinícius de Souza Vasconcelos. The dramatic rescue involved Marcos hanging from a bus door to reach the family before their car was swept away. The incident garnered significant attention, with Marcos being hailed as a hero and receiving praise from the state secretary of Civil Defense and general commander of the Fire Department, Colonel Leandro Sampaio Monteiro. Marcos' social media following surged as a result of his brave actions.

Alena Ershova, a fitness trainer from Lake Baikal, Siberia, transformed her life and body after leaving her unsupportive husband. Despite being banned from sports by her husband, she dedicated herself to fitness, becoming a successful personal trainer and bodybuilding competitor. Alena's journey involved overcoming personal insecurities and societal expectations, leading to a fulfilling career helping others achieve their fitness goals. She now works online, providing training videos and support to clients globally, and is considering building a new private life, including marriage and having another child.

In Germany, a trial has begun for 24-year-old Shahraban K.B., accused of organizing a beauty contest to find a lookalike, Khadidja O., to murder and fake her own death to escape her strict Iraqi family and Yazidi faith. Shahraban and her lover Sheqir, who met days before the murder, are charged with stabbing the victim over 50 times after luring her to a forest. The crime was uncovered when an autopsy revealed the victim's tattoos, exposing her true identity. The trial at Ingolstadt District Court, presided over by jury chairman Konrad Kliegt, is expected to run until the end of June with 190 witnesses and additional charges against the defendants for attempting to hire a hitman.

A drug dealer, Kya Evans, was arrested after crashing into a van while illegally riding a bike in front of an off-duty cop in Wales. Evans was found with crack, heroin, cash, and phones. He pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply and was sentenced to three years in prison. Detective Inspector Tim Jones commended the officer's actions and the public's assistance, emphasizing the police's commitment to tackling county lines drug dealing.

Lancaster firefighters are using a specialist robot in a landmark trial to extinguish a fire in a large building containing over 13,000 tonnes of compacted waste. The robot allows greater access to the fire without risking firefighter safety. The demolition of outbuildings and waste removal is ongoing, with fluctuating smoke plumes being monitored by Lancaster City Council. Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel near the fire site. The fire service warns that the fire, involving large quantities of commercial waste, may continue to smoulder for a prolonged period. Health advice is provided for those experiencing related symptoms.

Ecuadorian police seized over half a tonne of marijuana in Esmeraldas, a region increasingly used as a drug trafficking route to the US and Europe. The drugs, found in a van, were estimated to be 1,215,000 doses. This follows a recent seizure of nearly a tonne of cocaine in Santa Elena's La Libertad province. Ecuador has become a key point for drug trafficking, with mafias using its seaports to send drugs to consumer markets in the US and Europe.

Canadian Nurse Birgit Umaigba Omoruyi found bloodstains on the seat in front of her during an Air Transat flight and was told by a flight attendant to clean them herself. She shared her experience in a viral video, criticizing the airline's handling of the situation and another incident involving a Black elderly woman. Air Transat responded with an apology and requested her booking information to address the issue. The incident has sparked discussions online about airline cleanliness and customer service.

A young girl running past a snow leopard's enclosure at the Montgomery Zoo in Alabama triggered the animal's predatory instincts, leading to a playful chase captured on video by the girl's family. The leopard displayed affectionate behavior, such as rubbing its head and paws against the glass and attempting to lick the girl, which experts say is a sign of reinforcing family bonds. The footage was shared by the zoo and the visitor, Brinda DeAnne Green, who described the experience as the coolest she's ever had at a zoo. The zoo, spanning 40 acres, features various animals and attractions.

A dramatic incident occurred on Highway 1 in Surrey, British Columbia, where a tractor driven by Bill Shoker collided with a police car and overturned. The event, captured on video, happened on November 25th. Highway Patrol agents responded to a call about a tractor-trailer blocking traffic, leading to a pursuit that ended with the tractor overturning. Shoker, who was heading to a protest against the SOGI 123 resource package, was taken into custody and hospitalized for spinal surgery. The investigation is ongoing.

A British woman, Ayan Dhoba, was killed by her husband, Ahmet Yasin M., during a holiday in Istanbul, Turkey. The incident occurred in their hotel room where Ayan was found with 41 stab wounds. Ahmet confessed to the crime, claiming it was triggered by an argument over drugs. The murder weapon, a screwdriver, was found in the hotel bathroom. The investigation is ongoing.

A driver crashed into the Diana the Huntress fountain in Mexico City, causing the vehicle to dangle over the water. The incident occurred on 11th November, involving an Audi Q5. Jesus Ponce and Jaqueline Espinoza were rescued from the SUV, with Ponce later treated for chest injuries. The fountain, a city landmark since 1942, was designed by sculptor Juan Fernando Olaguibel and architect Vicente Mendiola. Police are investigating the crash.

A driver high on cocaine led police on a dangerous 20-mile chase in Madrid, Spain, endangering cars and pedestrians. The chase ended with the driver being boxed in by police and crashing into a barrier. The driver, aged between 27 and 37, was arrested on charges of serious reckless driving after drug tests confirmed cocaine in his system. Two police officers were injured during the pursuit.

A 13-year-old football player, Ernesto Ricardo Salomon, collapsed and died after colliding with another player during a talent scouting match in Tierra Blanca, Veracruz, Mexico. Despite resuscitation attempts by his parents and spectators, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death is suspected to be a sudden heart attack from the collision, pending autopsy results. The community and local sports teams have expressed their condolences.

A 15-year-old cyclist in Wervik, West Flanders, Belgium, was struck by a train after ignoring safety signals at a level crossing. Despite the severity of the incident, the teenager only sustained minor injuries. City Mayor Youro Casier and Railway Manager Thomas Baeken highlighted the dangers of ignoring railway safety measures, noting that such accidents are unfortunately common. Train services between Poperinge and Menen were temporarily halted, affecting 50 passengers.

A truck carrying fireworks exploded on the Gaziantep-Nizip motorway in Turkey's Gaziantep Province on November 5th. The driver escaped unharmed, and firefighters extinguished the blaze while police diverted traffic. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. The incident is reminiscent of a similar explosion three years ago at a fireworks factory in north-western Turkey, which resulted in three deaths and over 70 injuries.

Retired MMA fighter Javier Baez successfully defended himself against a knife-wielding attacker, Omar Marrero, in Cutler Bay, Florida. Baez overpowered Marrero, disarmed him, and held him in a chokehold until police arrived. Marrero, who was reportedly drunk, was arrested and is facing charges of burglary with assault or battery and aggravated battery. Baez, who retired from MMA in 2018, demonstrated his training and reflexes during the incident.

A violent altercation in a supermarket in Izmir, Turkey, resulted in the death of Semih Kenan Kose and injuries to his girlfriend, Sibel Kabadayi. The incident began when Kose accidentally bumped into kickboxer Sercan Bavkir, leading to a physical fight involving Bavkir and his two brothers. Bavkir claimed self-defense, stating Kose attacked him first and that the fatal stabbing was accidental. The investigation is ongoing, with Bavkir and his brothers under arrest.

A 19-year-old Belarusian girl, Polina Litvinova, walked down Istanbul's Istiklal Avenue with a sign seeking a husband, rejecting dating apps as platforms where men only seek sex. Her actions, shared on Instagram, received mixed reactions, with some supporting her and others accusing her of seeking social media fame.

A young man named Cengiz Adli narrowly escaped death when a car crashed onto the pavement, hitting the sofa he was napping on outside a dental practice in Adana, Turkey. The incident, captured on security camera, showed the car narrowly missing Cengiz's head. The driver, who fled the scene, seemed unfazed by the accident. Cengiz, who was unscathed, has filed a report with the police, who are investigating the incident.

A British base jump athlete, Dilip Marcus Sundhod, died after losing control of his parachute and crashing into a cliffside during a free fall at the International Air Games Festival in Turkey. Emergency services, including the National Medical Rescue and Gendarmerie Search and Rescue teams, confirmed his death after reaching the location. Sundhod's body was recovered and taken to Fethiye State Hospital morgue. Investigations are ongoing to determine the legality and safety compliance of the jump.

During protests in Istanbul against Israel following the bombing of Gaza's al-Ahli hospital, a McDonald's branch was vandalized. Thousands protested outside the Israeli Consulate on October 18th, with some demonstrators smashing the windows of McDonald's. The Istanbul Governor's office reported five detentions, 63 injuries including 43 police officers, and one death due to a heart attack. Turkey declared three days of mourning for the Gaza victims. McDonald's Israel's support for Israeli troops and hospitals was condemned by Arab countries. The Qatari company Boehm owns Turkish McDonald's franchises. The explosion at Gaza's al-Ahli al-Arabi hospital resulted in hundreds of deaths, with Palestinian officials blaming an Israeli airstrike and Israel attributing it to a misfired missile by Islamic Jihad.

Health officials in Turkey destroyed three tonnes of apricots after a warehouse worker, Bilal M., was filmed standing on the fruit. The incident, which went viral on social media, led to a fine for Bilal M. and the intervention of the Malatya Agriculture and Forestry Directorate. This is part of a series of food-related pranks in Turkey, including an influencer named RB who was arrested for a similar stunt with pistachio nuts, and other incidents involving a pickle factory worker and a dairy worker. These pranks have led to legal actions and raised concerns about food safety.

Hande Macht, a former economics student from Turkey, met and married Prince Alexander of Germany's Mecklenburg royal clan after he invested in her yoghurt business. Now living in Rotterdam, Hande is celebrated as the first Turkish duchess and recently gave birth to their son, Duke Leopold. The couple's civil and religious weddings took place last year, and they plan to visit Turkey as a family.

The Searching Mothers Collective of Jalisco discovered a clandestine crematorium in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, used to incinerate human remains. Despite alerting authorities, initial investigations were dismissed, and the site continued to be used for illegal activities. The group called for a thorough forensic analysis, highlighting a growing forensic crisis in Jalisco, with a 44% increase in unidentified deceased individuals over the past two and a half years. The Special Prosecutor’s Office for Missing Persons has now initiated an investigation to determine the origin of the remains.

A 30-year-old woman named Seden Bas from Izmir, Turkey, credits her cat, Sans (Lucky), for alerting her to a breast tumor, which led to her early cancer diagnosis and successful treatment. Seden shares her journey through chemotherapy and recovery, emphasizing the emotional support she received from her cat and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. She aims to raise awareness and inspire others battling cancer to keep smiling and stay hopeful.

A man on trial for the brutal rape and murder of 15-year-old Busra Kabatas in Gebze, Turkey, claims the stabbing was accidental. Despite his assertions, evidence shows he searched for terms related to rape and murder online. The victim was found stabbed 25 times, strangled, and set on fire. Taner Yaylaci, the accused, was identified as the prime suspect due to his obsession with his ex-girlfriend, Aylin Cetin. He allegedly intended to kill Aylin but found her daughter instead. The case has been described as one of the most savage murders by the family's legal representative.

A motorist in Nealtican, Puebla, Mexico, caused a major accident during a cycle race by driving into the race leaders, despite road closure signs. The driver, operating an unauthorized taxi, was arrested after several cyclists were injured, with one remaining under medical care. The event, held in honor of San Miguel Arcangel, was canceled, and participants were refunded. Organizers faced criticism for insufficient road closure infrastructure. Authorities are investigating the incident.

A social media influencer, identified as 'RB', was arrested in Turkey after filming himself submerged in two tonnes of peanuts as part of a prank. The video, which was later deleted, sparked outrage among social media users. Authorities tracked down RB and confiscated the peanuts from a farm warehouse in Siirt province. This incident is part of a troubling trend of pranksters targeting food factories and farms in Turkey, with previous incidents involving a pickle factory, a tomato paste factory, and a dairy worker.

Mexican police are using drones to determine whether a shark or crocodile killed an elderly Canadian tourist, Joseph ‘Jeff’ Bynens, and injured another person on Ixtapa beach. Initial reports suggested a shark attack, but the injuries led to suspicions of a crocodile, especially given the proximity of a crocodile farm. Marine biologists and local authorities are involved in the investigation, and beach access has been restricted. The incident also involved Valerie Haurowitz, who is in stable condition.

An American NATO worker, Reginald Patrice Thevenin, has been sentenced to three years in prison for a 2021 accident in Bodrum, Turkey, that left 21-year-old Ezgi Aydindag paralysed. Thevenin, who was speeding, hit Ezgi as she crossed the road. The victim's family, who have faced financial hardship due to medical bills, expressed dissatisfaction with the sentence, deeming it insufficient. The verdict can be appealed.

Melting permafrost in Russia is revealing mammoth tusks, leading to a surge in illegal looting and smuggling. The Federal Security Service of Russia recently seized over 1.5 tonnes of mammoth tusks in the Khabarovsk Territory, valued at over RUB 50 million. The tusks were hidden in a non-residential building and lacked legal documentation. An investigation has been launched into the smuggling ring. Earlier, nearly a tonne of mammoth tusks was seized at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport, with the head of the involved company facing criminal charges. The illegal trade of mammoth tusks has increased due to the melting Siberian permafrost, with many tusks being sold to Asian markets.

Shantanu Guha Ray, the Asia Editor for Central European News, has been awarded the International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award for his investigative work on corruption in cricket. The award was presented in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, by the President of Uzbekistan and the Emir of Qatar. Shantanu's work has also exposed corruption in other areas, including blood diamonds and coal extraction. He has received multiple awards for his investigative journalism, highlighting his significant contributions to uncovering corruption and other societal issues.

A 76-year-old Turkish grandmother, Hayriye Findikoglu, suspected of killing her husband and daughter decades ago, has been released due to the statute of limitations. The investigation, initiated by a complaint from her granddaughter, led to the discovery of the bodies of her husband and daughter. Despite being charged with premeditated murder, the case was dropped as the crimes occurred 26-27 years ago, exceeding the 20-year statute of limitations under Turkish law at the time. The motive behind the alleged murders remains unknown.

A mother, Damira Zinnurova, claims that police ignored her warnings about her estranged husband, Mustafa Topkaya, who later killed their eight-year-old son, Mehmet, during a court-ordered custody visit in Mersin, Turkey. Despite her repeated alerts to the police and prosecutor’s office, they dismissed her concerns. The tragic incident has raised questions about the authorities' handling of domestic violence and child custody cases.

In Kumamoto, Japan, a new initiative by the city's Board of Education will allow anxious students to send robot avatars to school as an intermediary step to attending in person. The robots will enable students to interact with their peers and experience the school environment remotely. This project aims to alleviate the psychological fears of attending school and encourage students to eventually return to physical attendance. The decision comes in response to a rising number of children too scared to attend school, with 2,760 children currently not attending, double the number from 2018. The program is set to launch in November with two robot bodies if approved.

Economist Korhan Berzeg, 83, went missing on June 17 while walking his dog Tina near his home in Gonen, Turkey. After nearly three months, Tina was found, but Korhan remains missing. His wife, Angela Berzeg, revealed that a tip-off led to Tina's discovery, but no clues have emerged about Korhan's whereabouts despite a TRY 1 million reward. Turkey’s Provincial Disaster and Emergency Directorate is coordinating a new search. Angela shared insights into their life together and Korhan's esteemed career, including an offer for a ministerial position from former President Turgut Ozal, which he declined.

Somorie Moses, known as 'Sugar Bear', admitted to the murder and dismemberment of sex worker Leondra Foster and to sex trafficking eight women. Moses, who coerced women into prostitution through violence and threats, kept Foster's severed head, hands, and feet in his freezer. He faces a sentence of 15 years to life. The case highlights the extreme cruelty and brutality Moses inflicted on his victims, with official statements from the United States Attorney and the FBI underscoring the severity of his crimes.

Economist Korhan Berzeg, 83, went missing on June 17 while walking his dog Tina near his home in Gonen, Balikesir Province, Turkey. His wife, Angela Berzeg, revealed that Tina has been found after nearly three months, but Korhan remains missing. Despite a TRY 1 million reward, no clues have emerged about his whereabouts. Turkey’s Provincial Disaster and Emergency Directorate is leading a new search effort. Angela shared insights into their life together and Korhan's esteemed career, including his tenure at the World Bank and his connection to notable figures like Turgut Ozal and Mehmet Simsek.

A British mother, Tracie Brookes, is seeking justice for her daughter Ayse Rhiannon Vural, who was found dead in Istanbul with a gunshot wound to her head. Despite the Turkish judiciary ruling it a suicide, Tracie believes there are unanswered questions and inconsistencies in the investigation. She received her daughter's alleged suicide note and some belongings, but key items were missing. Tracie suspects foul play involving Ayse's ex-boyfriend, Ararat Ozer, who had threatened her daughter and is under investigation for gang involvement. Tracie vows to have the case reopened, doubting that her daughter took her own life.

A significant spillage of red wine occurred in Sao Lourenco do Bairro, Portugal, when two large tanks at Levira Distillery burst, releasing 2.2 million litres of wine. The spill prompted an ecological alert due to the risk of contaminating the nearby Certima River. The Anadia Fire Department intervened to prevent the wine from reaching the river, directing it into a field instead. Levira Distillery has taken responsibility for the incident, including the cleanup and repair costs, and has moved the wine-soaked soil to a special treatment plant.

New Delhi officials have hired 'monkey wallahs' to impersonate grey langur primates and deter macaque monkeys from G20 summit areas. The 40 mimics, along with langur cutouts, aim to protect the venues and hotels from the macaques, which have been raiding local establishments. The summit, hosting numerous VIPs on September 9th and 10th, is a high-priority event for India, which took over the G20 presidency last year. Satish Upadhyay of the New Delhi Municipal Council emphasized the non-harmful nature of the monkey management strategy.

Young black bears in the Sikhote-Alin Biosphere Reserve in Primorsky Krai, eastern Russia, were captured on camera playfighting, a behavior that helps them develop essential survival skills. The reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, emphasized the importance of these activities for the bears' hunting, fighting, and breeding abilities. The playful interactions also aid in social bonding among the typically solitary animals.

Yilmaz Fahrioglu is on trial for the murder of businesswoman Zehra Catal, whom he shot nine times in Antalya, Turkey, after accusing her of scamming him over a villa construction project. Fahrioglu, who lent Catal TRY 2,800,000, claimed she had no such project and went on a holiday abroad despite owing him money. He expressed regret for the shooting, which occurred after Catal allegedly cursed at him during a confrontation. Prosecutors are seeking an aggravated life sentence with a minimum non-parole term of 30 years, plus up to three years for possessing an unlicensed weapon. Fahrioglu has a criminal record, and the victim's family contends she was debt-free and that Fahrioglu was trying to extort money from her. The trial is ongoing.

Giuliano Stroe, once known as the world's strongest boy, has maintained his impressive physique at 19. Born in Italy to Romanian parents, he set multiple world records at a young age. Despite allegations against his father for enforcing unhealthy training routines, Giuliano continues to engage in sports, particularly boxing, although early weight-training has impacted his muscle and bone development.

Nil Marino, a 60-year-old man from Florianopolis, Brazil, has gone viral for his youthful appearance, which belies his age. He recently received his OAP parking permit, causing disbelief among social media users who think he looks much younger. His fitness routine includes callisthenics, situps, strength training, and daily walking or cycling. The video of him revealing his age has amassed over eight million views, with many expressing amazement at his lack of wrinkles and chiseled physique.

A Brazilian football star's four-year-old son, Davi Pereira, is in critical condition after being flung from a car in a three-vehicle crash in Konyaaltı, Antalya Province, Turkey. Paramedics revived him twice en route to the hospital. The crash involved Davi's grandfather, Walter Tilatti, who collided head-on with another vehicle, leading to a collision with a motorcycle. The biker, Cuneyt Eslik, was also involved. Davi's father, Edinaldo Gomes Pereira, known as Naldo, was not in the crash. Naldo's in-laws are stable, but Davi remains critical after emergency surgery.

The skeleton of a religious leader, dubbed the 'Priest of Pacopampa,' was discovered in a tomb in northern Peru, dating back 3,000 years. The tomb contained ornamental ceramic bowls, a carved bone spatula, and offerings, indicating the high status of the individual. Japanese archaeologist Yuji Seki highlighted the significance of the find, noting the priest's role in controlling temples in the northern Andes. The discovery follows a similar find last year of the 'Priest of the Pututos,' also over 3,000 years old, found with musical instruments made from seashells.

Regulatory authorities in Brazil have dismissed a complaint regarding Volkswagen's use of the late singer Elis Regina in a commercial. The AI-generated animation featured Regina performing a duet with her daughter, Maria Rita, to celebrate Volkswagen's 70th anniversary in Brazil. The National Advertising Self-Regulation Council (Conar) ruled that the campaign did not violate ethical standards, noting that the use of Regina's image was consensual and transparent. The decision highlights the growing acceptance of AI in advertising, despite ethical concerns.

A young woman, Havva Bayrak, committed suicide after learning that her boyfriend, Salihcan Kaya, had shot himself in the head following a violent altercation where he stabbed his cousin, Serhat Kaya, in the neck over a jealous dispute. The incident occurred in Ozkurtun, Turkey, and resulted in both Salihcan and Havva's deaths, while Serhat was left with life-threatening injuries and transferred to a hospital in Trabzon. The tragic sequence of events has left the local community in shock.

A two-kilogram block of Cabrales cheese, one of the world's rarest cheeses, sold for a record-breaking EUR 30,000 at an auction. The cheese, made from a blend of unpasteurised milk from cows, sheep, and goats in Spain's Picos de Europa range, is matured in mountain caves for four months. The previous record was EUR 20,500. The buyer, a restaurant in Oviedo, Asturias, secured the cheese, which was judged the best in show at a cheese festival. Cabrales cheese has been protected by the PDO system since 1981.

A mother and son, Sibylle D. and Daniel D., were sentenced to life imprisonment by a German court for the murder of their wealthy cousin, Lieselotte Gerda Schuster, with the motive of greed. The victim, who had planned to leave her fortune to a home for abandoned pets and a cancer charity, was found dead with multiple stab wounds after being invited on a holiday by the perpetrators. The pair, who were financially struggling, aimed to acquire her assets, including savings, a collection of watches, cars, and her home. The crime was uncovered when police found the victim's identity card and savings book during a traffic stop and later discovered her decomposed body in a box at the pair's rented property.

Maxi Ludvik, 29, and Emmanuel Soria, 34, disappeared at sea after setting off from Huelin beach in Malaga, Spain, to watch the sunset on 27th August. Despite warnings about strong winds and having practised only three times, they proceeded and were never seen again. The coastguards found their board floating 15 miles from the coast on 28th August, but there was no sign of the individuals. Friends and family are seeking information on their whereabouts.

A previously unknown species of snake with a well-preserved trachea has been discovered at the Messel Pit, a disused quarry in Germany. Initially planned to become a landfill, local protests led to its preservation and eventual designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The excavation, led by Dr. Sonja Wedmann from the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum, has uncovered 800 fossils this year, including a 40-centimeter-long snake believed to be an ancestor of the python. The snake's trachea, preserved with protective cartilage rings, is a unique find for the site. The exact classification of the snake is pending further preparation and analysis.

Young women are training rare wild Ibis birds to follow microlight aircraft for their migration south due to climate change altering their traditional routes. The EU LIFE project aims to reintroduce the Bald Ibis in Europe by breeding them in captivity and teaching them new migration paths. This year's journey is more challenging, requiring the birds to travel to Andalusia instead of Tuscany. The project, led by Johannes Fritz, hopes to establish new breeding colonies in the northern Alpine foothills. The birds are imprinted on human foster mothers to learn their migration routes, with rigorous training ongoing to ensure their success.

Ten Burundi handball players, aged 17, disappeared in Croatia where they were to compete in the World Cadet Handball Championship from August 2nd to 13th. Last seen leaving their accommodation in Rijeka on August 9th, they were unresponsive to calls and their whereabouts are unknown. Police are searching for them. The Croatian Handball Federation confirmed their unexplained departure, despite high security. Burundi's handball association president, Dauphin Nikobamye, expressed shock and appealed for assistance. The team's match against Bahrain was cancelled, and a forfeit was declared in favor of Bahrain.

A trans woman named A.K. attacked vet Ceren Eroglu in Ankara, Turkey, after her pet cat died despite the vet's efforts. Security footage shows A.K. assaulting Ceren, who later filed a police complaint. A.K. was arrested and released on bail. Ceren expressed her distress and called for consequences for the attack.

A 57-year-old man from the UK, Murat Arpapay, was killed by lethal injection in Turkey after moving there to live with a 19-year-old girl, Muhterem Percikli. His body was found in a ventilation shaft, leading to a police investigation. Percikli and three accomplices, Serpil Demir, Dogan Sariyildiz, and Fatih Erginoglu, were implicated in the crime, with Ersen Basak identified as the mastermind. The suspects planned to steal money Murat received from his family in England. Basak fled to Georgia, while Sariyildiz and Erginoglu escaped to Cyprus. Percikli and Demir were arrested, and the investigation continues.

A husband, Rifat Yilmaz, has been arrested in Turkey for allegedly luring his estranged wife, Dudu Yilmaz, to a hotel and then killing her with an electric cable. He attempted to deceive her parents by sending messages from her phone. The couple had separated due to financial disputes and domestic abuse. Dudu's mother, Fatma Onal, revealed the ongoing violence her daughter faced and expressed regret for not knowing sooner. Police investigations are ongoing.

A ten-year-old girl named Lena was raped and later strangled to death at a care home in Wunsiedel, Bavaria, Germany. The main suspect, Daniel T., 25, allegedly raped Lena after watching porn with an 11-year-old boy, who later strangled her. Daniel T. has been charged with rape and burglary but denies involvement in the murder. The 11-year-old boy faces no punishment due to his age. The incident has led to a private complaint against the care home for lack of supervision. The investigation by the Hof Public Prosecutor’s Office is ongoing.

A high-speed chase in England ended with a Land Rover Discovery crashing into The Lockside pub in Worksop, Nottinghamshire. The driver, Jamie Kettle, attempted to evade police by driving at speeds up to 110mph and later fleeing on foot. He was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including aggravated vehicle taking and dangerous driving. Kettle was sentenced to two years in jail and banned from driving for three years and three months. Nottinghamshire Police emphasized the danger posed by Kettle's actions and the importance of bringing such offenders to justice.

A Chihuahua named Caramelo chewed up over R 1,340 in cash at his family home in Esperantina, Tocantins State, Brazil. The family discovered the damage upon returning home and attempted to salvage the banknotes. Bank officials indicated that some less damaged notes might be replaceable. Social media users expressed sympathy and shared similar experiences.

A sudden explosion at the Tosyali Iron and Steel Factory in Iskenderun, southern Turkey, injured 13 workers, with two in critical condition. The incident, captured on CCTV, showed workers trying to resolve an issue before being engulfed by a fireball. Emergency services responded to the scene. The cause of the explosion is unknown, and an investigation is underway. This event follows a similar explosion at the same factory two months prior, which injured four workers.

A man named Bartu Can Akkisla faces up to six years in jail for causing death by negligence after ignoring his girlfriend Ayse Ozgecan Usta's threats to kill herself. Ayse, who became hysterical during a discussion about their future, threw herself off an eighth-floor balcony in Zonguldak, Turkey, resulting in her death. Prosecutors argue that Akkisla could have foreseen her suicidal intentions and failed to prevent her death. Ayse's family also seeks prosecution for false imprisonment. The case will be heard at the Zonguldak 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance.

China will finance the renovation of a house on the Croatian island of Korcula, claimed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, to be turned into a museum. Despite Venice being the generally accepted birthplace, some historians support the Croatian claim. The island's mayor, Mirko Duhovic, has purchased the property, aiming to have it ready for tourists soon. British historian James Gilman provided evidence from the British Museum supporting the claim. Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader and Chinese ambassador Zhenglong Wu have both promoted the site, with Wu planting an olive tree there as a symbol of China-Croatia friendship.

A Hong Kong medical student, Oscar Wang, has become the first international client of a unique travel service offering European holidays for teddy bears. His teddy, Grey Bear, is set to enjoy sightseeing and activities in Munich, Germany, including Oktoberfest. The service, run by Christopher Bohm and Elke Verheugen, includes a photo album of the teddy's adventures. Despite initial reservations about the cost, Wang's girlfriend, Michelle, supported the idea, highlighting the novelty and fun of the experience.