Rhine River

Drought and record-low water levels on the Danube and Rhine rivers in Europe have disrupted river cruises, stranding ships and altering itineraries for passengers. The European Drought Observatory reports severe drought conditions in Central and Western Europe, impacting cruise operators like Avalon Waterways and AmaWaterways, which warn of ongoing travel disruptions due to low water levels and heatwaves.

Dry, hot summers are weakening Dutch dikes made of peat, increasing flood risks, and causing record-low water levels in European rivers like the Rhine and Waal. Cargo ships in Germany and the Netherlands are carrying less freight due to shallow waters, while farmers face irrigation restrictions and houseboats rest on exposed riverbeds.

A 99-year-old World War II veteran, Glenn Fisher, was awarded the Purple Heart after waiting 81 years for recognition of his wartime injuries. Fisher, wounded near the Rhine River in 1945, received the medal with help from friend Jeff Thoke, who compiled historical records to support his claim.

Glenn Fisher, a 99-year-old World War II veteran, received the Purple Heart 81 years after being wounded in action due to a clerical error. The award ceremony took place in Louisville, Kentucky, with a representative from the U.S. Army Awards and Decorations Branch presenting the medal.

France has restricted public alcohol consumption and canceled outdoor sports events due to a severe heat wave causing temperatures up to 40°C in parts of Europe. The heat has led to multiple drownings, red alerts in a third of France, and heightened concerns about health risks, with climate change cited as a contributing factor.