International

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain have expressed their solidarity with Colombia following the devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck the country, leaving at least 132 people dead and more than 570 injured. Rescue teams continue searching for survivors as authorities assess the extensive damage across western Colombia. In an emotional message shared by the Spanish Royal Household, the King and Queen conveyed their deepest sympathy to the Colombian people during what they described as an extremely difficult time. They offered their support to families who have lost loved ones and to everyone affected by the disaster. The Spanish monarchs also expressed concern for people who remain missing following the powerful earthquake. Among those unaccounted for are 164 Spanish citizens, according to Spain’s foreign minister. Spanish authorities have said there are currently no reports of Spanish nationals being injured or killed. The earthquake struck on Monday near San José del Palmar in Colombia’s Chocó department. The powerful tremor was felt across a wide area and caused serious damage in several cities, including Cali, Pereira, Quibdó and Manizales. Emergency crews have been working through damaged buildings and rubble in an urgent effort to locate survivors. King Felipe’s connection to the country is particularly notable because he was in Colombia only days before the disaster. He traveled to Cali to attend the inauguration of newly elected Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella. His visit formed part of a long-standing tradition in which the Spanish monarch has represented Spain at presidential inaugurations across Latin America. The Royal Household said Felipe also sent a telegram to President de la Espriella, conveying condolences to the families of those who died and wishing injured victims a full recovery. The King also offered support to Colombian authorities as they begin the difficult task of reconstruction. The disaster has triggered an international response as rescue operations continue. Authorities are facing the dual challenge of finding people who may still be trapped while providing shelter and assistance to thousands affected by the destruction. For Colombia, the immediate priority remains saving lives and supporting survivors. The Spanish royals’ message underscores the international solidarity surrounding the country as it confronts one of its most serious recent natural disasters.

Lindsay Clancy’s psychiatrist testified in court Monday as her defense lawyer questioned whether warning signs were missed during the Massachusetts mother’s deteriorating mental health in the months before the deaths of her three young children. Dr. Jennifer Tufts, who began treating Clancy in September 2022, faced detailed questioning from defense attorney Kevin Reddington about her approach to treatment, medication decisions and the use of relatively brief video appointments. According to the Associated Press, Reddington argued that Clancy’s mental healthcare may have been inadequate at a time when she was experiencing serious emotional and psychological difficulties. He focused on 25-minute telehealth appointments, computerized clinical forms and the numerous medications prescribed as Clancy reported different symptoms and side effects. During questioning, Reddington challenged Tufts over whether Clancy should have received more intensive or in-person care. When asked why she did not recommend that Clancy meet her face-to-face instead of continuing with video appointments, Tufts said she did not believe there was a problem with providing treatment through telehealth. The psychiatrist also told jurors she was “surprised” to learn that Clancy had contacted a suicide hotline twice while receiving treatment. Tufts said Clancy had denied experiencing suicidal thoughts during their treatment, although she acknowledged that she had been “close to feeling suicidal.” Reddington highlighted an appointment roughly two months before Clancy strangled her children, asking the psychiatrist what she had done after Clancy described feeling hopeless. Tufts responded that she had reassured Clancy that there was hope and that treatment options and different programs were available. She said her goal was to make Clancy understand that she still had options and reasons to hope. Reddington highlighted an appointment roughly two months before Clancy strangled her children, asking the psychiatrist what she had done after Clancy described feeling hopeless. Tufts had previously testified for prosecutors that Clancy initially sought treatment because of anxiety and had raised concerns about medication side effects. Court records indicate that Clancy was prescribed more than a dozen psychiatric medications through multiple healthcare providers before the killings. The testimony is part of the ongoing trial involving Clancy, whose case has drawn significant attention because of the deaths of her three children. The defense continues to examine the care she received and whether her mental health deterioration was properly recognized and addressed before the tragedy. As the trial continues, jurors are expected to hear further testimony about Clancy’s mental state, treatment history and the circumstances surrounding the deaths of her children.

The UK’s ongoing small boat crisis has come under renewed scrutiny after around 230 migrants crossed the English Channel and arrived in Britain, raising fresh questions about the government’s efforts to tackle irregular migration. The latest arrival comes just 17 days after 165 people crossed the Channel in a single day, according to reports. The new figure has added to growing political pressure on the UK government as ministers face continued challenges in preventing dangerous journeys across one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. Hundreds of people are believed to have reached the UK by small boats during the current week, with reports putting the number at more than 900. The continued crossings have become a major political issue, with the government under pressure to demonstrate that its border policies can reduce the number of people making the journey. People-smuggling networks are believed to charge migrants thousands of pounds for the dangerous passage. Critics say the criminal gangs running these operations make substantial profits while placing migrants’ lives at serious risk by using overcrowded and often unsuitable boats. The latest development follows an incident last week in which a small boat caught fire while attempting to cross the Channel. A total of 173 people were reportedly rescued following the incident, highlighting the dangers faced by those attempting the journey. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticized the French authorities over the continued crossings. He argued that French officials could have prevented boats of this size from entering deeper waters but failed to do so. The issue has also drawn strong criticism from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. He has called for small boat crossings to be treated as a national security emergency, reflecting the increasingly prominent role of immigration in Britain’s political debate. The UK government has repeatedly pledged to tackle illegal immigration and disrupt the criminal networks responsible for organizing Channel crossings. However, the continued arrival of boats demonstrates the difficulty of stopping the journeys despite increased enforcement measures and cooperation with French authorities. The small boat crisis has become one of the most contentious issues in British politics, with politicians divided over how best to address irregular migration. While supporters of tougher policies argue that stronger border controls are urgently needed, others have stressed the need to address the criminal smuggling networks and the wider factors driving people to attempt dangerous crossings. With hundreds more people arriving in Britain, pressure on the government is likely to remain intense as it seeks to reduce Channel crossings and restore public confidence in its immigration strategy.

Mohsin Akhtar, the former husband of veteran Bollywood actress Urmila Matondkar, has shared a fresh collection of romantic photographs with his new wife, Nida Bhatt, giving fans another glimpse into their wedding celebrations. The 43-year-old businessman and model posted photographs from his walima ceremony several months after announcing his marriage to Nida. Alongside the pictures, Mohsin shared an emotional message expressing his love and appreciation for his new wife. In his heartfelt post, Mohsin described Nida as much more than his wife, calling her his “home” and “peace.” He also promised to stand by her, value her and continue loving her throughout every chapter of their journey together. The new photographs offer glimpses of the couple celebrating their marriage with family and friends. Mohsin had previously shared pictures from his wedding with Nida in June, officially revealing details of his new marriage to his followers. His latest social media post has attracted attention largely because of his previous high-profile marriage to Urmila Matondkar, one of Bollywood’s well-known actresses. Before marrying Nida, Mohsin was married to Urmila. The couple tied the knot on February 4, 2016, in an intimate ceremony attended by close friends and family members. Their relationship attracted considerable attention at the time, partly because of their age difference and their interfaith marriage. Mohsin, who comes from a Kashmiri business background and has worked as a model, is around 10 years younger than Urmila. Following their separation, both have continued with their respective lives and careers. Mohsin’s latest posts now focus on his new relationship and marriage, with his affectionate message to Nida offering a glimpse into his current personal life. The newly shared wedding photographs have given fans a closer look at the celebrations surrounding Mohsin and Nida’s marriage. His romantic caption has also drawn attention, particularly his description of his wife as his source of comfort and happiness. While Urmila Matondkar remains a prominent name in Indian cinema, Mohsin Akhtar’s latest social media update has shifted the spotlight toward his new chapter in life. The couple’s wedding pictures are continuing to attract interest online as fans react to the romantic moments and Mohsin’s emotional message for his new bride.