U.N. watchdog says the status of Ukraine nuclear plant is ‘extremely serious’

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The U.N.’s atomic watchdog says an explosion caused by an alleged drone attack at Europe’s largest nuclear plant in Ukraine poses no direct threat to its safety. But it says the facility is in an “extremely serious situation” after repeatedly being caught in the war’s crossfire. The International Atomic Energy Agency says its team was aware of an explosion at a training center next to the plant. It said it was informed the blast was from a drone attack. Russians have occupied and run the plant since the war’s early stages. Ukraine accuses Russia of making false statements about alleged attacks there.

At least 3 dead and 4 missing in an explosion at hydroelectric plant

MILAN (AP) — Italian officials say an explosion at a hydroelectric plant Tuesday in the Apennine Mountains south of Bologna has left at least three people dead and another four reported missing. Five were being treated at hospitals for serious injuries including burns. The explosion occurred at the hydroelectric plant at the Suviana Dam, some 70 kilometers southwest of Bologna. Firefighter commander Francesco Notaro told SKY TG24 that an explosion underground collapsed part of the structure, and flooded the 9th underground level.

Amanda Knox faces a new slander trial in Italy

MILAN (AP) — Amanda Knox faces another trial for slander this week in Italy in a case that could remove the last allegation against her eight years after Italy’s highest court threw out her conviction for the murder of her 21-year-old British roommate. The case involves alleged slander against a Congolese bar owner. Even now, Knox isn’t sure that a not guilty verdict in the new trial will persuade her detractors. It is not clear whether she will testify at the trial that opens Wednesday in Florence.

Medical care and supplies are scarce as gang violence chokes Haiti’s capital

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Fresh gunfire has erupted in Haiti’s capital, forcing aid workers in downtown Port-au-Prince to halt urgently needed care for thousands of people. The Alliance for International Medical Action says the gang violence has forced 18 hospitals to stop working and caused a shortage in medical supplies. Haiti’s biggest seaport and main international airport remain closed. The violence has driven some 17,000 people from their homes in the capital. Many are crammed into abandoned schools and other buildings where they often share a single toilet.