A simple trick, tying a plastic bag around your broom, has resurfaced online, promising to help pick up pet hair and fine dust. But does it really work, and what are the risks? Here’s what science and experts say about this household hack.
A flash flood in Manzaneda de Valdueza, León, killed two women and injured two minors. Emergency services responded after a landslide hit a local bodega. No one remains missing.
A sudden flood in Manzanedo de Valdueza, León, triggered a deadly landslide. One person died and two minors were injured. Emergency services and rescue teams responded to the scene.
France is set for unsettled weather as an Atlantic disturbance moves across the country. Rain and strong winds are forecast in many regions, while temperatures remain near autumn levels. Forecasts highlight localized risks from heavy rain and gusts.
Firefighters have stopped the wildfire from reaching the historic San Juan de la Peña monasteries. Emergency crews evacuated royal remains as a precaution. More than 15,000 hectares have already burned in Huesca.
A powerful thunderstorm hit Málaga overnight, bringing intense lightning and rain. Residents shared dramatic images as the storm broke the summer calm. Authorities warn of more unstable weather ahead.
Fishermen in Gandia collected 4,320 kilos of jellyfish from the coastline in July 2026 alone. The cleanups, organized with the city council, now extend into December as warming seas and changing currents alter the Mediterranean’s rhythms.
The Spanish government’s decision to extend the Almaraz nuclear plant’s operations until 2030 has triggered a sharp conflict between PSOE and Sumar. The move breaks a basic coalition promise and exposes new political fault lines.
Hérault shifts from orange to yellow heat alert after five days of high temperatures. Montpellier extends the opening of Salle Pelloutier for vulnerable residents. Fire risk remains elevated in several areas.
Official records link Tropical Storm Lala to damage on Maui in October 2026. By October 23, the National Weather Service listed Lala in its post-tropical cyclone reports. Forecasts described showers and trade winds across parts of Hawaii.
Syros Cats on the Greek island of Syros will soon open applications for volunteers to care for stray cats in 2027. The program covers housing, breakfast, and supplies, but volunteers must cover their own travel and meals. The minimum stay is one month.
A major wildfire south of Rennes has been contained after burning 230 hectares. Meanwhile, 83 French departments remain under orange heat alert as temperatures reach up to 40°C; several fires remain active.
A man has been placed in pre-trial detention without bail for allegedly starting the Peñas de Riglos wildfire. The fire has destroyed more than 11,200 hectares and forced evacuations in 18 villages. Authorities continue to battle the blaze.
A 28-year-old man has been placed in pretrial detention over the Las Peñas de Riglos wildfire, which has burned more than 11,000 hectares in five days. Eighteen villages have been evacuated, and two more are under confinement.
A DANA will bring intense storms and hail, with possible wind bursts across much of northern and eastern Spain. Authorities have issued orange and yellow alerts, and the most unstable conditions are expected on Saturday.
Nikki, now 77, has spent more than four decades living alone on a sailboat in Alaska. She grows her own food and repairs every system herself, sometimes going weeks without seeing another vessel. Her story is a rare portrait of independence and ability to recover far from the mainland.
A wildfire broke out in Collserola Park, near Barcelona, prompting an evacuation and a major emergency response. Authorities activated the highest fire risk alert as intense heat complicated firefighting efforts.
A global study finds that abandoned farmland is typically left untouched for only 14 years, far short of the 50 years needed to restore carbon storage and biodiversity. The findings come as Spain prepares its national restoration plan ahead of the EU’s 2026 deadline.
Carpobrotus edulis, once planted to stabilize soil, is now an aggressive invader along Spanish and Californian coasts. Its rapid spread is pushing authorities toward satellite monitoring and costly removal efforts to protect fragile ecosystems.
A 58-year-old man with a criminal record has been detained on suspicion of causing a wildfire in León. The blaze burned 150 hectares, triggered evacuations and road closures, and affected several villages.
A wildfire erupted this afternoon in the Collserola mountains near Esplugues de Llobregat. Firefighters from Barcelona and the Generalitat are working to contain the flames. Air and ground units have been deployed to the scene.
Spain faces a surge in extreme heat, with temperatures nearing 42°C in several provinces. Widespread alerts are in place, and authorities warn of increased wildfire risk and severe storms in the coming days.
All Spanish regions face official warnings for dangerous heat or severe weather, including heavy rain and storms. Temperatures are expected to exceed 35°C, with some areas nearing 40°C. Authorities warn of hail and strong winds.
A major wildfire in Huesca has led to the evacuation of 830 residents across 16 towns. The flames threaten the San Juan de la Peña monastery, a basic symbol of Aragón’s heritage. Authorities have removed royal remains and valuable artifacts.
A major wildfire in Huesca has forced the removal of royal remains and heritage items from San Juan de la Peña. Nearly 900 residents have been evacuated as flames approach basic cultural sites, and authorities are intensifying firefighting efforts.
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Chocó, Colombia, causing severe damage and casualties. Airports and roads are disrupted, with power and communication outages reported. Authorities and the U.S. Embassy are responding to the emergency.
A 1.5-kilometre stretch of the River Lugg in Herefordshire lost 71 mature trees and critical habitat after illegal works by a local landowner. Experts warn it could take up to 30 years for the environment to recover, while replacement trees may need half a century to reach maturity.
More than half a million tires have been pulled from the Osborne Tire Reef off Florida, but over 500,000 remain visible on the seabed. The state now estimates it will take until 2038 and $137 million to fully remove the tires and restore damaged coral habitats.
Authorities in Catalonia have confirmed four new cases of African swine fever in wild boar. The total number of infected animals since November 2025 has reached 379. Intensive monitoring and population-control measures continue.
A 56-year-old woman was detained after a fire in Llançà damaged 1,200 square meters of forest. Police say the blaze started when she lit a fire to cook. The incident highlights Catalonia’s strict fire bans.
A Florida resident replaced his front lawn with cardboard and mulch beneath native plants, creating a low-maintenance garden that attracts pollinators and birds. Inspired by local ecosystems, the project also features edible species and stone pathways.
A pronounced cold front will sweep Spain this weekend, ending the recent heat. Meteorologists warn of widespread storms and a marked temperature drop, especially in the north and east. Authorities urge caution in affected areas.
Storm Austen and its fronts will bring unsettled weather to parts of Spain this weekend, while high pressure keeps most of the peninsula stable. Rain and wind alerts are in place in northern and northeastern areas.
In the Karrantza valley, Erika Yurre’s family left city life behind to build a straw-bale house powered by solar panels and surrounded by their own vegetable garden. Their approach has cut expenses and changed their daily routine, showing what’s possible with local materials and careful planning.
After years of murky water and declining biodiversity, two high-mountain lakes in the Pyrenees have regained their clarity. Scientists report that invasive fish have been eradicated, with amphibians and invertebrates returning and water quality visibly improved.
