A crucial natural gas pipeline from Russia to Germany has been shut down for scheduled maintenance, but leaders in Berlin are worried that Russia may keep the gas turned off longer. That may make it impossible to store the natural gas needed for heat this coming winter.

5) More evidence of unexpected sharp declines in birth rates; 4) Europe facing unpleasant choice between buying gas from Russia and freezing this winter; 3) Races are on for prime minister jobs in UK and Israel; 2) US Space Force launches new intelligence unit with creepy logo; 1) UK police and firefighters sent to rescue pigeon stuck on roof find that bird is actually a bull mastiff.