Toy safety alert after severe burns & more today
A safety alert has been issued for parents after a popular toy caused severe facial burns, while global shipping is disrupted following an attack in the Middle East. We also cover the rising death tolls from extreme heat in Europe and catastrophic earthquakes in Venezuela.
Parents are urged to check their children's toys after a 10-year-old girl was severely burned when a "knock-off" version of a NeeDoh stress toy exploded. The child, Violet, had placed the toy in the microwave, which caused it to burst and cause severe injuries to her face. Her father is now sharing the story to warn other families about the risks of these popular items. The incident occurred as the toy, which is designed to be squeezed, reacted violently to the heat. He is speaking out despite facing a "brutal" backlash online following the accident.
Expect potential disruptions to maritime trade as the evacuation of ships from the Persian Gulf—a vital global oil route—is paused following an Iranian attack on a cargo vessel. Authorities have halted all movement until safety can be guaranteed for the remaining stranded ships. This delay could impact the flow of global goods and energy supplies through the region.
Travelers and those with family abroad should note rising death tolls from Venezuela's earthquakes and Europe's record-breaking heatwave. In Venezuela, the death toll has climbed to 235 with thousands missing, according to the country's Health Minister, Carlos Alvarado. Meanwhile, extreme heat in Europe has claimed hundreds of lives as temperatures exceed 35 degrees Celsius for over 100 million people.
For more on these stories and others, including King Charles' first public tax disclosure, the "haunted" mountain discovery, and why the Prime Minister declined an invitation to Paris, visit the app’s News section.