- Reuters
Parched Philippine dam reveals centuries-old town, luring tourists
Ruins of a centuries-old town have emerged at a dam parched by drought in northern Philippines, giving residents a rare spectacle and an extra source of income in a region dependent on rice-growing. Following a prolonged spell with little rain, the dried-up dam has revealed parts of a sunken church and foundations of old structures from the old town in Nueva Ecija province in recent weeks. "When I heard about the sunken church of old Pantabangan town resurfacing, I got excited and wanted to see it," said 61-year-old retired nurse Aurea Delos Santos.
- Associated Press
Police detain driver who accelerated toward protesters at Portland State University in Oregon
Police said Thursday they detained the driver of a white Toyota Camry who briefly accelerated toward a crowd of pro-Palestinian demonstrators at Portland State University in Oregon and then ran off spraying what appeared to be pepper spray toward protesters who confronted him. The man was taken to a hospital on a police mental health hold, the Portland Police Bureau said in a written statement late Thursday afternoon. Demonstrators badly damaged the car, smashing in windows and spray painting graffiti on it.
- Reuters
Stay alert: Quake warning app demand surges in earthquake-rattled Taiwan
Earthquake warning smartphone apps have surged in popularity in Taiwan due to high demand from people eager to get a few extra seconds to take cover after more than 1,300 aftershocks rattled the island in the past month following a large temblor. Taiwan's east coast was struck by a 7.2 magnitude quake on April 3, killing 17 people. The frequent aftershocks since then - including more than 200 tremors in a 24-hour period starting April 22 - have unnerved many.
