Dr. Fauci Invokes 5th Amendment in Senate Hearing Refuses to Answer Questions

BUDAPEST: Hungary has taken the unprecedented step of shutting down its only nuclear power plant after severe drought pushed the Danube River to critically low levels, threatening the facility’s ability to safely cool its reactors and raising fears of an energy crisis during an intense summer heatwave. The closure of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant marks the first complete shutdown in the facility’s 44-year history. The plant, which typically supplies between one-third and 40 percent of Hungary’s electricity, has been forced offline as water levels in the Danube continue to fall amid one of Central Europe’s worst droughts in recent decades. Prime Minister Peter Magyar warned that the country now faces its “most critical five days,” with temperatures expected to climb to around 40 degrees Celsius just as electricity demand peaks. In a video message shared on social media, Magyar said the shutdown would place enormous pressure on Hungary’s electricity grid, public services and essential infrastructure. “Tomorrow, the Paks power plant will not be generating, while the hottest days are still ahead,” he said, urging citizens and businesses to reduce electricity consumption during evening peak hours between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. The 2-gigawatt facility operates four Russian-built reactors that rely on water from the Danube for cooling. With river levels dropping to record lows, authorities determined that continuing operations could compromise reactor safety. Officials have also warned that the plant could remain offline for several weeks if weather conditions fail to improve. The drought has affected more than just power generation. Falling water levels have disrupted river transport, slowed tourism and prompted water-use restrictions in over 100 cities and villages, including areas surrounding Budapest. To maintain electricity supplies, Hungary has begun importing emergency power from neighboring countries while considering additional measures to stabilize the grid. The government is also weighing mandatory electricity restrictions for large industrial consumers if conditions worsen. Officials estimate the crisis could cost the country between 100 billion and 200 billion forints (approximately $315 million to $630 million) because of soaring electricity import prices. Climate experts say the situation highlights the growing vulnerability of Europe’s energy infrastructure to extreme weather events linked to climate change. Nuclear power plants across the continent depend on rivers and lakes for cooling, making prolonged droughts an increasingly serious operational challenge. For now, authorities remain focused on conserving electricity and closely monitoring the Danube’s water levels. With scorching temperatures forecast to continue, Hungary faces a difficult balancing act between ensuring public safety, maintaining energy security and managing one of the country’s most severe climate-related emergencies in decades.

The Pakistani-American community has received a major recognition in California, with the state Senate unanimously approving a resolution honoring its contributions to the state’s economy, culture and social life. The resolution also highlights the long-standing relationship between Pakistan and the United States, placing particular emphasis on the role Pakistani-Americans have played in strengthening ties between the two countries. Introduced by State Senator Melissa Hurtado, the resolution recognises the achievements of Pakistani-Americans across different fields and acknowledges their contribution to California’s continued development. A similar resolution reported by California authorities and Pakistani diplomatic sources was unanimously approved by the Senate, underscoring the community’s growing presence and influence in the state. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, welcomed the unanimous approval and expressed gratitude to Senator Hurtado for her leadership and efforts in recognising the Pakistani-American community. The ambassador also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening people-to-people contacts and building on positive developments in Pakistan-US relations. The resolution also recognises the role of Pakistani-American entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders in promoting economic cooperation. Their involvement in business and investment, particularly in technology and other emerging sectors, has helped create opportunities for stronger commercial links between Pakistan and the United States. Sheikh’s engagement with California comes as Pakistani officials seek to expand economic, political and community-level ties with the state. During his visit, he met with state lawmakers and discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation. The recognition carries significance beyond the Pakistani-American community itself. California is one of the world’s largest economic centres and home to a diverse population, making acknowledgement by its legislature an important symbol of the community’s growing role. The resolution also praised Ambassador Sheikh’s efforts to promote Pakistan-US relations. For Pakistani-Americans, the Senate’s recognition represents more than a ceremonial gesture. It highlights decades of community participation, professional success and cultural engagement while offering a fresh opportunity to deepen connections between California and Pakistan. The development is expected to further encourage people-to-people, economic and cultural exchanges between the two sides.