Nazi Ships Emerge as Drought Hits Europe, and Cameras That Track Every Car in the U.S.

📡 The New York Times · 1 min read ·
A severe drought has caused a major European river to shrink, exposing the wrecks of Nazi-era warships. The vessels, sunk during World War II, are now visible above the waterline. Local officials warn that the decaying hulls may contain unexploded ordnance, posing a safety risk. Meanwhile, a new report reveals how license-plate cameras across the United States can now track nearly every car on the road. The system, run by private companies and law enforcement, records the location and time of each vehicle. The data is stored for years and shared between agencies. Privacy advocates say this creates a surveillance network with little oversight. Supporters argue it helps solve crimes and find missing persons. The river in Europe is the Danube, and the exposed ships are from Nazi Germany’s Black Sea fleet. The wrecks have been known for decades, but low water levels have made them more accessible than ever. Authorities have cordoned off the area, but warn that the rusting metal could collapse at any time.