Swift says filled with ‘fear’, ‘guilt’ after Vienna terror threat

Pop megastar Taylor Swift on Wednesday broke her silence about the cancellation of three Vienna concerts over an alleged suicide attack plot, saying the incident filled her with “fear” and “guilt.”

“Having our Vienna shows cancelled was devastating. The reason for the cancellations filled me with a new sense of fear, and a tremendous amount of guilt because so many had planned on coming to those shows,” the American said in a post on social media platform Instagram.

The Vienna shows, part of the European leg of Swift’s record-breaking “Eras” tour, were cancelled after authorities warned of a terror plot by sympathisers of the Islamic State armed group.

Police have detained three suspects over the alleged attack threat, with the United States saying it shared intelligence to assist in the investigation.

NGOs call for urgent heat protection measures in Austria

Several Austrian organisations have called for increased measures to protect vulnerable groups from the ongoing heatwaves and the escalating climate crisis. Children, low-income individuals in urban centres, and residents of retirement and nursing homes are particularly at risk. The NGOs are urging politicians to develop a heat protection package that includes funding for appliance replacements, building renovations, and the creation of climate-friendly social infrastructure. The calls follow a year in which tens of thousands of heat-related deaths were recorded in Europe, highlighting the urgent need for action.

What would an FPÖ government look like in Austria?

The FPÖ announced its party programme before this year’s election in Austria. Here are the main topics, from the most controversial to the most populist.

Whooping cough cases surge in Austria, doctors urge vaccination

Austria is experiencing a significant surge in whooping cough cases, primarily due to low vaccination rates. The Medical Association warns that this life-threatening infection poses a severe risk to infants, calling for free booster vaccinations against pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, and polio.  The number of cases has been steadily rising over the years, with a temporary decline during the pandemic. Data reveals a concerning number of unvaccinated children, particularly among two to four-year-olds. The Ministry of Health, while assuring sufficient vaccine stock, urges the public to review their vaccination records and consult with their doctors.

U4 line and ÖBB train connections back on track from September 2nd

Public transport in Vienna is set to see major improvements as construction projects on the U4 line and several ÖBB train lines are nearing completion. From September 2nd, the U4 line will resume full service between Schwedenplatz and Schottenring stations, and up to 116 daily connections will be restored on the R40 and S40 lines. While some minor disruptions might still occur, ÖBB has taken steps to ensure smooth operations, including acquiring new train sets and hiring additional staff.

Vienna offers free public transport for school trips

The City of Vienna is introducing free public transport for school trips, benefiting both students and accompanying adults. This initiative aims to alleviate financial burdens on parents and ensure equal opportunities for all students to participate in educational excursions. The free tickets will be available to all public and private compulsory schools in Vienna, including primary and secondary schools, as well as for activities organised as part of school daycare. The measure will come into effect at the start of the upcoming school year.

Vienna offers free dog registration

The City of Vienna is offering free dog registration until the end of October to increase compliance with mandatory pet registration laws. Although most stray dogs found in Vienna are microchipped, only a small percentage are registered in the pet database, making reuniting them with their owners difficult. After the free registration campaign ends, penalties for those who fail to register their dogs will be enforced.

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