Ongoing History Daily: The time the cops crashed a David Bowie after-party

In the mid-70s, David Bowie was a mess. He was drinking a lot. His cocaine intake was off the charts. And he was convinced that he was some kind of alien who was being pursued by witches looking to steal his vital essence, which is why he took to storing his urine in the fridge. Oh, and for a while, he fell to less than 100 pounds because all he would eat for meals was milk and red peppers.

This being the 70s, the police were often curious about what sort of illegal things rock stars like Bowie were up to. On December 1, 1974, after the final show of the Diamond Dogs tour, there was a party. It was decadent.

Suddenly, a bunch of plainclothes cops armed with handguns broke down the door. Bowie retreated to a bedroom where he was able to flush his stash. Whatever was left was claimed by Bowie’s bodyguard, Tony Mascia.

He took the rap for his boss, keeping Bowie from being arrested on serious drug charges.

© 2026 Corus Radio, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Ongoing History Daily: Amy Lee's contest-winning father

Before there was X Factor and all the Idol and Got Talent TV shows, there was The Gong Show. It was conceived as an insane half-hour of absurdity by TV executive Chuck Barris. It debuted in 1975 and ran for 500 episodes.

There was often nothing serious about the amateur contestants who performed for the panel of judges. If they couldn’t stand you, one of them struck a big gong and your time was done.

John Lee was a radio DJ who also played in a band called The Hard Luck Band. In about 1979, John appeared singing a cover of The Eagles Desperado. Much to his surprise, the judges loved his performance, and he won that particular episode, escaping with his dignity and a little cash.

Why do I mention this? Because John Lee is the father of Amy Lee of Evanescence.

© 2026 Corus Radio, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Ongoing History Daily: What was this classic album cover trying to say?

One of the great things about vinyl is that you have a 12×12 palette on which to create artwork that says something about the release.

For example, everyone knows the cover for Nirvana’s Nevermind with the naked baby underwater in a pool chasing a dollar bill on a fishing hook. What’s the message? The designer Robert Fisher wanted to make a punk rock statement about the evils of late 20th-century capitalism mated with the cynicism felt by the Gen Xers of the day.

Nirvana loved the concept because it captured their anti-corporate feelings. It has become one of the most famous album covers of all time.

© 2026 Corus Radio, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Emergency equipment for 2-year-old girl battling cancer stolen during break and enter

Life-saving equipment was among some of the items that were stolen during a break and enter in Country Hills on Saturday morning. The equipment is needed in the case of an emergency for a two-year-old girl fighting cancer. Craig Momney reports.

The last thing a northwest Calgary family needed was to have someone break into their home and steal emergency equipment needed for a two-year-old girl fighting cancer.

That’s what happened around 3 a.m. Saturday.

Joseph Daniels says he was awoken by an officer knocking on his door in Country Hills, telling him that he and several other homes in his community had been broken into.

“I was scared for my family because he was in our garage and then anger, of course,” Daniels said.

Daniels says the thief broke into his car and then used his garage door opener to get inside. That’s when he says the thief took a Calgary Flames jersey, a gold chain and an uncashed cheque needed for his daughter’s treatment.

His daughter’s emergency kit that was kept in the middle console of their vehicle was also stolen.

“It would just hold a few things to help her in whatever emergency situation she was in regarding her access line,” Daniels said. “There’s things like syringes and heparin and clamps and stuff for her, the caps for her line and tape, emergency sticker — useless to anyone who doesn’t need it.”

Daniels says his daughter Aurora was diagnosed last year with Stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma.

“It’s quite the journey, highs and lows, treatment issues, ongoing treatment issues,” Daniels said. “Possible spread of the virus is what we’re currently dealing with now.”

Aurora and Joseph

An image of Aurora and Joseph in the hospital.

Credit: Joseph Daniels

People living in the neighbouring community Coventry Hills have also been sharing their concerns on social media over thefts. Several videos showing recent incidents have been posted, including one showing someone apparently siphoning gas from a vehicle. Another shows a man dragging a stack of toolboxes down an alley.

Man syphons gas

A security image of a man apparently siphoning gas from a vehicle in Coventry Hills.

Obtained by Global News
Man dragging toolboxes

Security image of someone dragging toolboxes in an alley in Coventry Hills.

Obtained by Global News

The president of the Northern Hills Community Association, Mark Hayden, says they are aware of the uptick in crime in recent months.

“Since spring, we have had three of our storage sheds get vandalized or broken into, so we have seen it first-hand,” Hayden said.

Across Calgary, police stats show that break and enters declined by 14 per cent between 2021 and 2025. Nearly 600 have been reported this year, which is less than half of all of 2025.

Despite the citywide trend, Hayden hopes to restart a block watch initiative within the Northern Hills community.

He’s also been keeping track of the Facebook comments and sharing them with their recently appointed community liaison with the Calgary police.

“Even if you don’t file an official police report or an active investigation doesn’t happen. It doesn’t mean it’s been ignored. At the very least, keep statistics and keep an eye on things,” Hayden said.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help the Daniels’ family through Aurora’s cancer treatment.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

6 low-lift fall 2026 home decor trends to refresh your space

The Curator independently decides what topics and products we feature. When you purchase an item through our links, we may earn a commission. Promotions and products are subject to availability and retailer terms.

Fall 2026’s biggest home decor trends are all about making your space feel warmer, richer and more personal, all without a full-on renovation. From chocolate brown and moody, earthy neutrals to collected-not-coordinated styling, and rich, tactile fabrics, these are the fall 2026 home decor trends–and complementary pieces from brands like ArticleSimonsSilk & Snow and more–to know and easy ways to bring each look into your home for a fresh seasonal update.

 

1. Chocolate Brown & Warm “Dirty Neutrals” Everything

From sofas and accent chairs to ceramics, pillows and wall colour, deep chocolate and espresso tones are becoming key alternatives to black and charcoal. Earthy neutrals such as mushroom, taupe, greige, putty, camel and warm beige are replacing stark white and cool gray as foundational shades. Instead of turning to monochrome accents, you can swap in espresso brown or add in earthy neutrals through textiles and decor.

 

How to lean into it: 

Bring the chocolate-brown trend home with Cozey’s Cassini sofa, a curved three-seater designed with generous depth for lounging. Its removable, machine-washable covers make upkeep simple, while interchangeable covers let you switch up the colour later (no need to change your whole sofa!). The modular design can also be rearranged as your space or seating needs change. It’s perfectly flexible for families who need a sofa that adapts with them.[/product_listing]

 

2. Collected, Not Coordinated

Matching furniture sets are giving way to rooms that mix vintage, antique, contemporary and handmade pieces for a more curated look.The goal isn’t to make everything match, but to create a space that feels layered, personal and lived-in. Start small by introducing pieces that contrasts with what you already own – think antique-inspired side table next to a modern couch or a handcrafted sculpture on a sleek console.

 

How to lean into it: 

A small swap can make a surprisingly big difference. The Dahlia drinks table brings the warmth of walnut and a playful, sculptural silhouette to your sofa or lounge chair, making it an easy way to work the season’s darker wood trend into your space. Made from solid wood, its compact footprint also works well in tighter rooms, proving you don’t need a big footprint for big impact.[/product_listing]

 

Add a little artistic interest to a shelf, coffee table or console with this hand-blown glass knot sculpture. Its rounded, intertwined form gives the piece a sculptural quality, while the gold and white glass adds warmth that will play off the room’s other light. At just three inches across, it’s an easy way to add personality without crowding your space.[/product_listing]

 

3. Heritage-Inspired Decor

Nostalgia for traditionalist and heritage design elements is still having a moment with gingham, ticking stripes, traditional florals, needlepoint, quilts and blue-and-white ceramics getting a fresh,less formal interpretation. And the great news is, you don’t have to go all out — a little goes a long way.

 

How to lean into it: 

This nostalgic patchwork quilt from Simons mixes vintage-inspired blooms and layered patterns, bringing colour and personality to your bedroom or sofa, while the quilted texture adds the cozy, tactile feel that suits fall (more on that trend next). Drape it over a neutral bed or chair for an easy seasonal refresh.[/product_listing]

 

These buffalo-check classic plaid curtains add a dose of bygone decades and work nicely with florals, stripes and solid textures elsewhere in the room. They’re also an easy way to introduce pattern and warmth for fall without replacing your existing furniture or decor.[/product_listing]

 

You may also like:

Veradek Demi Series Raised Planter – $89.99

Adolfa Landscape & Nature Figurines & Sculptures – $112

ecobee New Smart Thermostat – $279.96

 

4. Rich, Tactile Fabrics

The colder, darker seasons often usher in a moodier atmosphere, shifting the focus less on what we see than what we feel. Velvet, mohair, bouclé, wool, linen and other touchable materials make interiors feel particularly inviting for fall and this season is no exception.

 

How to lean into it: 

Add a soft, neutral layer to a living room or bedroom with Bouclair’s beige accent chair. Its fabric upholstery brings texture to the space, while the understated colour works well with the season’s dirty neutral palette. Use it to break up a matching furniture set or fill an empty corner with a useful, comfortable seat.[/product_listing]

 

5. Hand Knitted Weighted Blanket

Give your sofa or bed a cosy fall refresh with Silk & Snow’s hand-knitted weighted blanket in chestnut. The chunky knit adds the trending rich, tactile texture, while the chestnut hue works with everything from warm neutrals to autumnal shades. It’s an easy way to bring more warmth and visual interest to a room.

 

Give your sofa or bed a cosy fall refresh with Silk & Snow’s hand-knitted weighted blanket in chestnut. The chunky knit adds the trending rich, tactile texture, while the chestnut hue works with everything from warm neutrals to autumnal shades. It’s an easy way to bring more warmth and visual interest to a room.[/product_listing]

 

 

Statement Stone

Marble, travertine, limestone and other naturally patterned stones are moving beyond countertops and into coffee tables, side tables and decorative objects.These days, you don’t need to drop a lot of money to get the look, either. From small stone accessories to statement furniture, there are plenty of ways to bring the trend home at just about any budget.

 

How to lean into it: 

The Nordens coffee table offers an accessible way to bring the statement-stone trend into your living room without going overly dramatic. It makes the case for concrete and adds visual interest with its fluted pattern. Its natural variations mean every table is unique, while the hollow design makes it surprisingly easy to move. [/product_listing]

 

Bring the statement-stone look to a coffee table, console or dining table with this Avice decorative bowl. Its matte, stone-inspired finish and organic shape add texture without feeling too formal, while the neutral tone works with warm woods, ceramics and other natural materials. Use it as a catchall or leave it empty as a sculptural accent.[/product_listing]

 

6. Sculptural Lighting

Lamps and fixtures are becoming decor in their own right, with unusual silhouettes, ceramic bases, pleated shades and oversized pendants taking centre stage. Whether it’s a sculptural table lamp or a statement sconce, lighting can add personality while bringing in the warm glow that feels just right for fall.

 

How to lean into it: 

Give a bathroom, hallway or bedroom a little more character with this two-light wall sconce, which pairs warm-toned finishes with a sculptural silhouette. It’s a practical way to bring the season’s statement-lighting trend into your home without committing to a major fixture or renovation. Use it wherever you want softer light and a decorative focal point.[/product_listing]

 

Add a warm glow to a side table, nightstand or console with Bouclair’s brown glass mushroom lamp. Its rounded silhouette and rich, earthy finish bring together two key fall looks – moody colour and sculptural lighting – while the compact size makes it an easy addition when you want to refresh a room without rearranging everything.[/product_listing]

 

You may also like:

Silk & Snow Egyptian Cotton Bed Sheets – $162

Over the Door Shoe Organizer – $15.47

Blackout Curtains for Bedroom – $18.82

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Selena Gomez's lawyer calls Wondermind fraud lawsuit 'completely meritless'

Several investors in Selena Gomez’s mental health startup 'Wondermind' are suing the pop star and her mother for fraud, claiming they were misled about the success of the business venture and her involvement in it.

Pop star Selena Gomez’s legal team is speaking out after she was accused of fraud in a lawsuit by investors who say she failed to fulfil her duties to build and promote her mental health startup.

Gomez’s lawyer, Mathew S. Rosengart, shared a statement with People and Rolling Stone, saying, “The allegations that Selena Gomez engaged in any way whatsoever in any purported ‘fraud’ or other wrongdoing are completely meritless, both factually and legally.”

“We will vigorously defend these false allegations and indeed are filing a motion to dismiss the baseless claims against her,” Rosengart added.

Global News has reached out to Rosengart for further comment, but has not received a response.

Last week, Gomez and her mother Mandy Teefey were accused of allegedly deceiving investors of their mental health startup Wondermind to continue funding the company, according to legal documents obtained and viewed by Global News.

Wondermind was co-founded by Gomez, Teefey and Daniella Pierson in November 2021 and claims to share “doable ways to put your mental fitness first every day,” according to the website.

The lawsuit accuses Wondermind and the founders of falsely representing the company’s “infrastructure, leadership, and resources necessary for the Company to launch into a profitable, one-of-its-kind mental health and wellness platform.”

The suit also claims that the defendants told the plaintiff’s three things, including that Gomez would be “actively building the Company as its head of marketing,” that Pierson was “a $200 million executive whose prior businesses generated $40 million a year and who had already secured institutional employer partnerships with JPMorgan and Fidelity” and that a “full slate of revenue-generating initiatives, including advertising deals, celebrity cover stories, and a groundbreaking app, were already underway.”

“Gomez purported to sign a contract obligating her to perform and then ignored it. The partnerships did not exist. The initiatives never materialized. The app was never built,” the legal documents allege.

It also claims that while Wondermind “quietly collapsed,” the founders allegedly did not say “a word to the investors whose money was funding the collapse.”

The investors allegedly learned about the news from an online article published in September 2025 by The Cut, titled “What Happened at Wondermind?”

The investors claim they put USD$1.2 million into Wondermind and are now accusing the company of securities fraud, common law fraud and breach of contract.

The lawsuit also shares allegations of investors being given updates that they claim were misleading or false.

It says that from 2022 to 2025, the plaintiffs “proactively” contacted Teefey and Pierson for updates on the company.

“When the Defendants would provide updates — either by email or on a phone call — they concealed the significant operational and financial issues at the Company. Indeed, the Defendants affirmatively misrepresented that the Company was performing well,” the lawsuit alleges.

The investors are seeking rescission of their investments in Wondermind, damages, costs and lawyers’ fees.

—With files from Reuters

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Has there been an increase in big earthquakes worldwide this year?

At least 53 people have died and around 5,000 others have been evacuated after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake rocked eastern Indonesia on Saturday, the country's disaster mitigation agency said on Sunday.

Experts say despite the “big earthquakes that have recently made headlines in countries like Indonesia and Venezuela, there has not been an above-average rate of large quakes in 2026.

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Indonesia’s capital on Saturday, the 11th earthquake above a magnitude of seven this year and fifth since June, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). There have also been 34 earthquakes with a magnitude between six and 6.9 this year.

Roughly 16 major earthquakes are typically expected by the USGS in any given year, which includes “15 earthquakes in the magnitude seven range and one earthquake magnitude eight or greater.”

The USGS measures a magnitude 5.3 as a “moderate” earthquake, and a 6.3 as a “strong” earthquake. Earthquakes Canada cites earthquakes between seven and 7.9 magnitude as “major.” Earthquakes that reach magnitude six and above tend to cause large-scale damage.

“We’re three-quarters of the way through the year; we’ve had 11 earthquakes when the average would suggest 12,” said John Cassidy, earthquake seismologist with Natural Resources Canada.

“We’re just about on average.”

Twenty-three major hurricanes hit in 2010, the highest total in 26 years. There have also been an average of 14 seven to 7.9 magnitude earthquakes since 2000.

There are an average of roughly 20,000 earthquakes worldwide each year, equalling approximately 55 per day, the National Earthquake Information Center says.

The “primary driver” of large earthquakes is “the movement of tectonic plates,” according to Cassidy.

“For the big earthquakes, what really drives those is the movement of tectonic plates. And in the case of Indonesia, in the cases of Canada’s west coast, we have ocean plates that are being pushed beneath continent, we have a collision of plates. These tectonic plates move typically five or six or seven centimetres each year, roughly how fast your fingernails grow.

“It’s not very fast, but over a hundred years, it represents five or six or seven metres of movement, which is a big earthquake. That’s the equivalent of a magnitude seven or larger earthquake.” 

In Canada, there have been 2,819 earthquakes this year, according to data from Earthquakes Canada.

Robert Shcherbakov, an earth sciences professor at Western University, said the “location” and “depth of an earthquake” contribute to how intense an earthquake is.

“ means typically those earthquakes which occur pretty close to the surface, they can create more shaking on the ground and then that can result in more damage to the structures, buildings, and so forth,” he said. “It also depends on the quality of the buildings.

“This comparison — say, between Venezuela or Japan — in Japan they have much better quality of buildings and even the old ones, they are retrofitted properly and so it means they can withstand shaking much better than, say, in other parts of the world.”

On June 24, a 7.2 magnitude quake hit Venezuela’s northern coast, followed by a magnitude 7.5 just 39 seconds later, leaving more than 6,000 dead. A 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit Japan’s southern main island of Kyushu on July 28, killing 38.

In addition, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake shook Colombia on Aug. 10, leaving nearly 300 dead.

Earthquake

People arrive at the Hikawa Town Hall to receive food and water supplies in Hikawa, southern Japan, Thursday, July 30, 2026, two days after an earthquake hit the area.

(AP Photo/Hiro Komae)
Venezuela earthquakes

FILE - Rescue workers and volunteers search through the rubble of a building collapsed during the earthquakes in La Guaira, Venezuela, July 6, 2026.

(AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos, File)
EDS NOTE: GRAPHIC CONTENT - Emergency workers gather the bodies of earthquake victims in the parking lot of a hospital three days after twin earthquakes struck, in La Guaira, Venezuela, Saturday, June 27, 2026.

EDS NOTE: GRAPHIC CONTENT - Emergency workers gather the bodies of earthquake victims in the parking lot of a hospital three days after twin earthquakes struck, in La Guaira, Venezuela, Saturday, June 27, 2026.

AP Photo/Matias Delacroix
Venezuela earthquakes

Damaged buildings in the Playa Grande neighbourhood of Catia la Mar, La Guaira state, Venezuela, on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, after earthquakes the previous week.

(Miguel Medina/Pool Photo via AP)
Japan earthquake

FILE- A person sits near a house damaged following an earthquake in Uki, Kumamoto Prefecture, southern Japan, Thursday, July 30, 2026.

(AP Photo/Hiro Komae)
In this aerial image taken with a drone, responders work outside AEON Mall Kumamoto after an explosion occurred following an earthquake, in Kashima, Kumamoto Prefecture, southern Japan, Thursday, July 30, 2026.

In this aerial image taken with a drone, responders work outside AEON Mall Kumamoto after an explosion occurred following an earthquake, in Kashima, Kumamoto Prefecture, southern Japan, Thursday, July 30, 2026.

Koji Harada/Kyodo News via AP
Japan earthquake

FILE- A rescue worker walks in front of AEON Mall, which was damaged by an explosion following an earthquake, in Kashima, Kumamoto Prefecture, southern Japan, Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

(AP Photo/Hiro Komae)
Colombia earthquake

A crane lifts a concrete slab to clear the way for rescuers searching through the rubble three days after an earthquake hit Pereira, Colombia, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026.

AP Photo/Brandon Pinto
Colombia earthquake

Firefighters search through rubble two days after an earthquake struck Cali, Colombia, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026.

(AP Photo/Santiago Saldarriaga)
Soldiers clear debris three days after an earthquake struck Cali, Colombia, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Ivan Valencia)

Soldiers clear debris three days after an earthquake struck Cali, Colombia, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026.

(AP Photo/Ivan Valencia)

Despite the intensity of the damage from some of the quakes, this year’s earthquake count is “a normal year from this point of view on the moment,” according to Shcherbakov.

Regardless, the intensity of the earthquakes hitting is still notable to Cassidy.

“I think that’s the biggest difference this year is not the numbers, but just the fact that these earthquakes are close to major population centres and vulnerable areas, and we’ve seen terrible impacts from these earthquakes,” Cassidy said.

“They’ve been particularly devastating earthquakes, very impactful earthquakes.”

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Hayden Panettiere’s ex Wladimir Klitschko posts tribute to late actor

Hayden Panettiere, the actress best known for her roles in television series such as 'Heroes' and 'Nashville,' has died at age 36. As Sarah MacDonald reports, Panettiere lived a star-studded but deeply troubled life while being outspoken about her battles right until the end.

Hayden Panettiere’s ex-partner and the father of their 11-year-old daughter, Wladimir Klitschko, has shared a tribute to the late television and film star.

In an Instagram post on Tuesday, the former world heavyweight boxing champion wrote that their family was “going through a time of profound shock and grief.”

“The announcement of Hayden’s tragic death saddens me deeply. She left this world far too soon. Hayden was, although no longer my partner, an important part of my life and the mother of our daughter, Kaya,” he wrote.

“She built an incredible career through immense talent, while also facing the darker sides of a very demanding industry. Nothing will erase the times we shared or the place she had in our lives.”

He went on to address their daughter and Panettiere’s family, saying he would always speak of her with respect and preserve her memory.

“I extend my deepest condolences to Hayden’s parents, her friends, and her fans, who are also grieving today. Young and talented people like Hayden should not leave this world so soon,” he wrote.

“I ask everyone to please respect our family’s feelings and privacy during this incredibly difficult time. For now, this is all I wish to say.

“Thank you to everyone who is supporting my family and expressing their sincere condolences.

“Rest easy, Hayden. May you find eternal peace.”

The former couple met in 2009, got engaged in 2013 — though never married — and welcomed their daughter the following year. Panettiere suffered from postpartum depression and alcoholism, and when their daughter was three, agreed to sign over full custody to Klitschko.

FILE: Wladimir Klitschko and Hayden Panettiere attend The Daily Front Row and Faena Art Celebrate the Launch of The Daily's Miami Edition, Featuring Act One at The Faena Art Dome on November 29, 2016 in Miami Beach, FL.

FILE: Wladimir Klitschko and Hayden Panettiere attend the Daily Front Row and Faena Art Celebrate the Launch of the Daily's Miami Edition, Featuring Act One at the Faena Art Dome on Nov. 29, 2016 in Miami Beach, Fla.

Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

In her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, which was published earlier this year, she wrote: “Not being under the same roof with her every day has been the most gut-wrenching experience of my life, and it’s hard to describe the layers of emotion, including sadness, resentment, and anger I felt because of it…

“I grieve that I’m not the mother I thought I’d be, and definitely not the mother I want to be. Trust me, no one should ever have to raise a child on FaceTime.”

Panettiere remained involved in her daughter’s life.

“Despite it all, the bond I have with Kaya is incredibly strong,” she added.

Panettiere was found unresponsive shortly before 2 p.m. at a residence in Greenville, S.C., on Sunday after police received a call for a reported cardiac arrest.

She was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:32 p.m., the coroner’s office said Monday, adding that an autopsy determined that there were no signs of foul play or trauma.

The cause and manner of her death remain under investigation.

Her father, Skip Pannettiere, announced her death in a statement to ABC News on Sunday.

Panettiere, who was turning 37 on Friday, began acting at the age of four, appearing in soap operas and TV commercials.

Her role as a cheerleader with superpowers in Heroes propelled her to fame in 2006, with the series revolving around the mantra “Save the cheerleader, save the world.”

She went on to win three Teen Choice Awards for that role and was a Grammy Award nominee for a children’s spoken word album recorded a few years after the release of the animated movie A Bug’s Life. She later received two supporting actress nominations at the Golden Globes for her role as Juliette Barnes in Nashville.

Panettiere also appeared in two Scream films, and starred in the 2000s films Ice Princess and Bring It On: All or Nothing and as the title character in the 2009 film I Love You Beth Cooper. She also played the young daughter of a football coach in Remember the Titans.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

U.S. tourist killed by lightning strike while hiking Sicily's Mount Etna

Mount Etna’s ongoing eruption is disrupting travel in Sicily, with volcanic ash forcing flights at Catania airport to be cancelled or re-routed during the busy summer season.

An American tourist was killed after being struck by lightning while hiking Sicily’s Mount Etna following a period of volcanic activity, Italian firefighters said Monday.

The 29-year-old man from Kansas was found and transported to hospital by helicopter crew after being struck on Sunday evening in a prohibited area on Mount Etna’s eastern slope, authorities told The Associated Press.

He was later declared dead by medical personnel. His name was not released as next-of-kin is still being notified.

The man was found at about 4,600 feet in the Rocca Capra area.

Authorities have closed areas of the volcano’s slope to hikers due to prolonged volcanic activity, which forced the closure of the airport in Catania for most of last week.

Planes were re-routed to other airports following the closure and Catania airport resumed flights on Saturday after the volcanic alert was downgraded.

Officials said that lightning strikes have killed more people on Mount Etna in recent decades than volcanic activity. The last eruption-related fatalities were in 1987.

Last June, Mount Etna, which is known to erupt frequently, sent a cloud of smoke and ash several kilometres into the air but officials said that activity posed no danger to the population.

Italy’s INGV National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology said the spectacle on Europe’s most active volcano was caused when part of the southeast crater collapsed, resulting in hot lava flows. It was the 14th eruptive phase in recent months.

The area of danger was confined to the summit of Mount Etna, which was closed to tourists as a precaution.

In February 2025, local officials asked tourists to stop flocking to Mount Etna to watch volcanic eruptions.

Many tourists were climbing up the Sicilian slope to get a better look at the substantial lava flows that cut through the mountain’s deep snowpack.

In a post on Facebook, Sicily’s head of regional civil protection, Salvo Cocina, described how narrow streets leading to the volcano had been packed with parked cars and traffic jams, making it almost impossible for emergency vehicles to access the site.

—With files from The Associated Press

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Best bedsheets for every type of sleeper

The Curator independently decides what topics and products we feature. When you purchase an item through our links, we may earn a commission. Promotions and products are subject to availability and retailer terms.

Choosing the perfect bedsheets can transform your sleep experience, but with so many options available, finding the right fit for your sleeping style can feel overwhelming. From cooling linens for hot sleepers to plush fabrics for those who crave softness, the right sheets can help you wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the day. We’ve curated top picks from Amazon, Silk & Snow, Simons and more. In this guide, we’ll explore the best bedsheets for every type of sleeper, so you can rest easy no matter how you sleep.

 

Experience ultimate comfort with this 4-piece bed sheet set, including a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. Made from ultra-soft, breathable brushed microfiber, these sheets fit mattresses up to 16 inch deep and deliver luxurious quality at an affordable price.[/product_listing]

 

Crafted from authentic 400-thread count long-staple cotton, these highly rated bedsheets provide exceptional comfort and breathability. Plus, they’re eco-friendly![/product_listing]

 

Crafted from premium extra-long staple Egyptian cotton with a luxurious sateen weave, this 4-piece Cal King set boasts deep pockets, breathable softness, and lasting durability for a cool, snug, and restful sleep.[/product_listing]

 

The bedroom just got a whole lot cozier with Lane Linen’s queen comforter set, a perfect blend of pinch pleats and geometric patterns that bring modern elegance to your space. Wrapped in ultra-soft, finely brushed microfiber, this set promises a dreamy, breathable sleep experience – lightweight warmth meets cloud-like comfort, ideal for all seasons.[/product_listing]

 

You may also like:

Bedsure Satin Pillow Cases – $10.79 (was $13.99)

Vitruvi Stone Diffuser – $149

Levoit Humidifier – $74.37 (was $78.18)

Plug-in Night Lights – $13.99

 

Drift into dreamy nights with A Simons Maison’s exclusive Canadian-designed sheets – where soft, organic cotton meets charming, slightly faded tones for comfort that only gets better with every wash.[/product_listing]

 

These breathable percale sheets from Silk & Snow are crafted in Portugal with organic dyes and a matte, hotel-style finish for a luxurious, cooling sleep.[/product_listing]

 

Sleep meets luxury with this 450-thread count sheet set, made from 100 percent cotton. The complete set includes a deep-pocket fitted sheet, a flat sheet and two pillowcases.[/product_listing]

 

Crafted from bamboo-derived rayon with a unique twill weave, this luxe sheet set offers silk-like smoothness. The moisture-wicking fabric keep you cool and dry, ensuring cloud-like comfort all night long.[/product_listing]

You may also like:

Joydeco Linen Curtains – $42.39 (was $59.99)

Kitsch Satin Sleep Mask – $28.99

Ecozy Sunrise Alarm Clock – $56.99 (was $69.99)

Microfiber Quilted Solid Comforter – $36.79 (was $45.99)

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