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Austrian Man Admits Plot to Attack Taylor Swift Concert

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A 21-year-old man in Vienna has admitted in court to planning a jihadist attack targeting a concert by Taylor Swift in August 2024. The person, identified as Beran A, also confessed to being part of a terrorist organisation, though he denied involvement in other alleged plots abroad. Authorities said an almost completed bomb was discovered during a search of his home.

The suspect was arrested just a day before the scheduled concert after a tip-off from the Central Intelligence Agency. The planned attack led to the cancellation of three sold-out shows at Ernst Happel Stadium, where nearly 195,000 fans were expected. The swift intervention was later described by Swift as preventing a potential mass-casualty event.

Beran A is standing trial alongside another suspect accused of links to the Islamic State, with both facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors allege the pair had broader plans involving other international targets and had attempted to acquire weapons and explosives. The trial is set to continue through May as authorities detail how the plot was uncovered and stopped.

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Sweden Flags Risk of Jet Fuel Shortage

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Sweden has issued an early warning about a possible shortage of jet fuel, citing disruptions linked to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Energy Minister Ebba Busch said the alert is based on assessments from the national Energy Agency, highlighting growing concerns over fuel supply stability.

Officials warned that in a worst-case scenario, the country could face rationing of aviation fuel if supply constraints worsen. Caroline Asserup noted that the outlook will largely depend on how global markets respond and adjust to the current disruptions.

While no immediate shortages have been confirmed, authorities are closely monitoring the situation as geopolitical tensions continue to impact energy supply chains. The warning underscores the vulnerability of aviation fuel markets to international conflicts and shifting trade dynamics.

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Wind-Powered Ferry Connects England and France

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A new eco-friendly travel option is emerging across the English Channel, as British startup SailLink offers passenger crossings powered largely by wind. Its 17-metre catamaran, Echoes, carries up to 12 passengers between Dover and Boulogne-sur-Mer, completing the journey in four to five hours depending on weather. The service aims to reduce emissions by relying on wind and tidal energy instead of conventional fuel.

Now in its second full season, the company is seeing growing demand after launching commercially in 2025. Founder Andrew Simons says the goal is to demonstrate that sail-powered passenger travel can be both sustainable and commercially viable. Around 70% of crossings in its first season were fully wind-powered, though engines are occasionally used during low-wind conditions or while leaving harbours.

Tickets cost about £85 one way, with extra fees for bicycles, and the service has already carried hundreds of passengers. Unlike traditional ferries, SailLink operates from town-centre marinas with onboard passport checks, offering a simpler and more relaxed experience. Passengers also get a hands-on sailing experience, making the journey not just transport but a closer connection to nature.

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French Coastguard Rescues Migrants in Channel Crossing Attempts

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The French Coastguard rescued more than 100 migrants after a boat attempting to cross the English Channel broke down. Authorities responded on Saturday, bringing 106 people safely aboard a rescue vessel and transporting them to Calais early Sunday morning.

Earlier, emergency teams had already intervened near Wimereux to assist seven individuals struggling to board the overcrowded boat, including a woman who lost consciousness and required helicopter evacuation. In a separate incident, six more people were rescued, bringing the total number saved across operations to 119.

The rescues come shortly after a new £662 million agreement between the UK and France aimed at curbing dangerous crossings. Despite increased enforcement plans, officials continue to warn that the Channel remains one of the world’s busiest and most hazardous waterways, with unpredictable weather and strong currents posing serious risks to those attempting the journey.

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Influencer’s Livestream Raises Millions for Cancer Charity

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Polish YouTuber Piotr Hancke has raised more than £50 million for children battling cancer through a nine-day nonstop livestream. Broadcasting from his Warsaw apartment, the 23-year-old captivated millions of viewers while promoting donations for the Cancer Fighters Foundation, with the campaign drawing massive global attention.

The fundraiser gained momentum with support from high-profile figures including Chris Martin, Lamine Yamal, Wojciech Szczęsny, and Robert Lewandowski. Celebrities joined via video messages, performances, and social media posts, while some participants shaved their heads in solidarity with cancer patients, amplifying the campaign’s emotional impact.

At its peak, the stream attracted over 1.4 million concurrent viewers and ultimately raised more than three times the previous livestream fundraising record. The charity has pledged full transparency on how the funds will be used, aiming to provide meaningful support to children fighting cancer and turning widespread online engagement into real-world aid.

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Worker Killed in Drone Strike at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant

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An employee at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was killed following a drone strike, according to Russian-installed management at the site. The incident reportedly occurred when a drone hit the plant’s transport department, resulting in the death of a driver.

The facility, located in Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine, has remained a focal point of concern due to ongoing conflict in the region. Authorities said the attack was carried out by Ukrainian forces, though the situation remains tense and under close international scrutiny.

The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that its team stationed at the plant will investigate the incident and continue monitoring safety conditions. Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi emphasized that any military action near nuclear facilities poses serious risks and should be strictly avoided.

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Switzerland Seeks Reimbursement from Italy Over Fire Victims’ Treatment

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Switzerland has sparked diplomatic tension with Italy after announcing plans to recover medical costs for treating Italian nationals घायल in the deadly New Year’s Eve fire at the Crans-Montana ski resort, which killed 41 people. The Swiss Federal Social Insurance Office confirmed that the expenses would be billed under existing cross-border healthcare agreements.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly criticised the move, calling it “disgraceful” and stating that Italy would reject any formal request for payment. Swiss authorities clarified that the charges would not be directed at victims’ families but instead billed to the relevant foreign health insurer, which in Italy’s case would involve the government.

The dispute has further strained relations between the two countries, with Italian officials highlighting their own support during the tragedy, including medical treatment for Swiss victims and emergency rescue assistance. Switzerland is reportedly seeking over 100,000 Swiss francs for treating a small number of Italian patients, intensifying the diplomatic disagreement.

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AfD Hits Record 28% in Germany, Expands Lead in Latest Poll

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Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has reached a record 28% in the latest INSA opinion poll, marking its highest level to date. The party gained one percentage point from the previous week, further strengthening its position as the leading political force in the survey.

The conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, remained steady at 24%, trailing the AfD by four points. Meanwhile, the Social Democratic Party held at 14%, the Alliance 90/The Greens slipped to 12%, and The Left stayed at 11%.

The poll also highlighted challenges in forming a government, as around 11% of votes went to smaller parties unlikely to enter parliament. With most parties ruling out cooperation with AfD, potential governing coalitions would likely require three-party alliances. Combinations such as CDU, SPD, and Greens could secure a majority, according to the survey conducted among 1,203 respondents between April 20 and April 24.

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French Teen Faces Jail in Singapore Over Vending Machine Prank

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An 18-year-old French student, Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien, has been charged in Singapore after allegedly licking a straw from an orange juice vending machine and placing it back into the dispenser. The act, which was recorded and shared on Instagram, quickly went viral and sparked widespread backlash online due to hygiene concerns.

The vending machine company, iJooz, responded by replacing all 500 straws in the affected machine and filing a police report. Authorities have charged Maximilien with committing mischief and public nuisance, offences that could result in a jail term of over two years along with substantial fines if he is found guilty.

The incident reportedly occurred on 12 March at a shopping centre in Singapore. Maximilien, who studies at the Singapore campus of Essec Business School, is currently out on bail, with his parents travelling to Singapore to support him. His case is scheduled to be heard again in court on 22 May.

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Italy Approves Extradition of Suspected Chinese Hacker to US

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Italy has decided to extradite a Chinese national, Xu Zewei, to the United States over allegations of cybercrime, according to a source familiar with the matter. The decision follows a recent Italian court ruling that cleared the way for extradition. Xu was arrested in Milan last year at the request of US authorities, who accuse him of involvement in hacking activities.

US prosecutors allege that Xu engaged in cyber espionage between 2020 and 2021, including attempts to steal sensitive COVID-19 research. The US Justice Department claims he targeted universities, immunologists, and virologists working on vaccines, treatments, and testing during the pandemic. Xu’s lawyer has argued that he is a victim of mistaken identity and stated that no official communication on the extradition has yet been received.

Authorities also link Xu to the hacking group “Hafnium,” which allegedly infiltrated thousands of computer systems globally in 2021. The case underscores growing international cooperation on cybercrime enforcement, as well as rising concerns over cyber espionage targeting critical scientific research.

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