Japan executed Takahiro Shiraishi, known as the "Twitter killer," for murdering and dismembering nine people in 2017. Shiraishi was sentenced to death in 2020 and was executed as debate over the death penalty continues in Japan.
Key Facts
Takahiro Shiraishi was executed for killing and dismembering nine people in 2017.
He was called the "Twitter killer" because he contacted victims through Twitter.
Most victims shared suicidal thoughts on social media before their deaths.
The victims included eight women and one man.
Shiraishi was also found guilty of sexually abusing female victims.
Shiraishi's execution occurred amid discussions in Japan about ending the death penalty.
Japan has a high suicide rate, which has increased as the COVID-19 pandemic affects the country.
The execution was conducted in secrecy and wasn't revealed until after it happened.
A bright object, likely a meteor or space junk, was seen in the sky over parts of the Southeastern U.S. on June 26, 2025. The National Weather Service reported sightings mainly from Georgia and South Carolina, and a house in Georgia was damaged when a rock broke through its roof.
Key Facts
A bright object appeared in the midday sky over southeastern U.S. on June 26, 2025.
The National Weather Service suggested it might be a meteor or space debris.
Most sightings occurred around 12:30 p.m. in Georgia and South Carolina.
A house in Henry County, Georgia, was damaged by the object, which left a golf ball-sized hole.
Officials are investigating the object about 25 miles southeast of Atlanta.
Over 140 people across various states reported seeing the fireball.
Bright fireballs like this are caused by objects entering Earth's atmosphere and slowing down.
While many objects enter the atmosphere, they usually break into very small pieces before reaching the ground.
In Vilnius, Lithuania, fly larvae are used to process food waste, saving the city money by reducing waste disposal costs. The larvae eat the waste and are then converted into products like animal feed, while their manure is used as fertilizer.
Key Facts
Fly larvae in Vilnius process food waste for the city's residents and nearby councils.
The waste management company Energesman does not charge Vilnius for processing food waste.
This system is expected to save Vilnius up to €2 million per year by 2026.
Energesman uses fly larvae to convert food waste into renewable products like animal feed and industrial materials.
About six million flies are housed at Energesman's plant, producing over three million larvae a month.
The company provides orange waste bags and runs campaigns to encourage waste sorting.
EU regulations restrict fly larvae fed with kitchen waste from being used for human food products.
Energesman collaborates with other industries and universities for trials and research involving fly larvae products.
The PKK, an outlawed group fighting for Kurdish rights, announced it would stop its long conflict with Turkey, which has lasted 40 years and caused over 40,000 deaths. Despite the announcement, no formal peace talks have started, and fighting continues. Families of PKK fighters, like Leila, are waiting for peace, with some hopeful they might reunite with loved ones.
Key Facts
The PKK is known for fighting against Turkey to gain rights for Kurds and has been labeled a terrorist organization by several countries.
In the past, the PKK wanted an independent Kurdish state but now focuses on more autonomy and rights for Kurds.
The conflict between Turkey and the PKK has been ongoing for 40 years and has resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 people.
The PKK announced it would disband and end its fight, but no official peace process has started, and violence continues.
The PKK is based in the Qandil Mountains, a remote area near Iraq's border with Iran.
Leila's son joined the PKK after becoming interested in their ideas, and she hasn't seen him since he left home to train with the group.
Leila often visits the Qandil Mountains hoping to see her son, despite not having contact with him for years.
The BBC visited the Qandil Mountains and found that access is controlled by the PKK, and they display images of their leader Abdullah Ocalan, who has been imprisoned by Turkey since 1999.
Sean Combs is on trial for sex trafficking and related charges in a New York court. Prosecutors claim he used threats and control to force victims into sexual activities over several years. Combs has denied all allegations.
Key Facts
Sean Combs is facing charges including sex trafficking and racketeering.
Prosecutors argued that Combs controlled victims through threats and violence.
Two women testified against Combs, describing pressured participation in sexual events.
These events were allegedly orchestrated by Combs over several years.
Combs allegedly coerced women with financial control, violence, and blackmail.
The jury only needs to believe that the women were coerced in one instance to convict.
Cassie Ventura, one of the accusers, claimed Combs controlled her life and was physically abusive.
Prosecutors in Sean "Diddy" Combs's trial argued that he used his business to coerce women into unwanted sexual acts. Combs, who faces charges including sex trafficking and racketeering, has pleaded not guilty. The prosecution presented evidence over seven weeks, suggesting Combs committed multiple crimes through his network, including drug trafficking and arson.
Key Facts
Sean "Diddy" Combs is on trial facing charges like sex trafficking and racketeering.
Prosecutors claim Combs used his business and a network of employees to coerce women into unwanted sexual activities.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Assistant US Attorney Christy Slavik argued that Combs's actions included drug trafficking and hiring someone to destroy a car.
The prosecution presented a video from 2016 showing Combs allegedly attacking one of the victims.
Testimonies from two of Combs's ex-girlfriends describe being manipulated and coerced into sex acts.
One victim claimed Combs threatened her living situation to force compliance.
The jury could start deliberating on the case as soon as Friday.
Bill Moyers, former White House press secretary and renowned TV journalist, passed away at 91 after a long illness. He was known for his influential work in television, producing many programs on public television that explored a wide range of topics. Moyers won numerous awards for his contributions to journalism, including over 30 Emmy Awards.
Key Facts
Bill Moyers died at the age of 91 in a New York City hospital.
He served as a White House press secretary under President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Moyers worked in various roles, including a minister, Peace Corps deputy director, newspaper publisher, and TV journalist.
He was well-known for his public television programs on topics like government corruption, religion, and media consolidation.
Moyers produced a notable series, "The Secret Government," about the Iran-Contra scandal.
He received many awards, such as more than 30 Emmys and 11 Peabody Awards, for his work in journalism.
Moyers was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1995.
A vaccine advisory committee has seen changes in its membership. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. replaced all the previous members with new appointees, who have proposed a new approach during a recent meeting.
Key Facts
A key vaccine advisory committee has experienced a complete change in membership.
The committee is known as ACIP, which stands for Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
ACIP gives advice to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on vaccine recommendations.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. removed every former member of the committee.
Seven new members have been appointed to the committee.
The new members held a two-day meeting to discuss their future plans.
Former Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams provided additional insights on the changes.
The genetic testing company 23andMe went bankrupt because it could not find a successful way to make money. The company is now being sold to a non-profit started by one of its co-founders, which is postponing the handling of concerns about data privacy.
Key Facts
23andMe is a company that offers genetic testing, which helps people learn about their ancestry and health.
The company went bankrupt as it failed to create a successful business strategy.
23andMe is being sold to a non-profit organization.
One of 23andMe’s co-founders started this non-profit.
The sale delays dealing with issues related to the privacy of customers' DNA data.
NPR is gathering stories from military veterans who have been charged a fee by private companies to apply for VA (Veterans Affairs) disability benefits. Some organizations provide this help for free, but NPR is interested in hearing about any experiences, good or bad, with paid services.
Key Facts
NPR is investigating stories about veterans being charged fees to apply for VA benefits.
Accredited organizations like the VFW and the Legion offer free help to veterans.
Some private companies are asking veterans for money to help with the same application process.
NPR asks veterans who used these private services to share their experiences.
NPR promises not to share any personal information without the veteran’s permission.
Interaction with NPR through stories will be handled following their Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
A government review found that the UK's official statistics agency, the Office for National Statistics (ONS), has significant issues that affect the quality of its economic data. The review pointed out that these problems stem from how the agency makes decisions and manages its resources, leading to unreliable data that impacts government policy and financial decisions. The ONS acknowledges these issues and plans to make changes to improve its data reliability.
Key Facts
A review was conducted by the UK government on the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The review identified major issues with how the ONS plans and makes decisions.
The ONS provides key data for government decisions on benefits, housing, migration, and crime.
The Bank of England uses ONS data to make decisions on interest rates, which affect loans and mortgages.
Sir Robert Devereux led the review and attributed problems to poor choices by ONS leaders.
There is a suggestion to split the National Statistician role into two positions for better management.
The ONS plans to improve data quality by making management changes and cutting some programs to save money.
Tight budgets and difficulties in staff recruitment and retention were noted as ongoing challenges.
The Trump Organisation removed a "Made in the USA" claim from its website for the new Trump T1 phone, although it still asserts the phone will be made in America. Experts doubt the possibility of fully assembling smartphones in the US due to the lack of a local supply chain, suggesting parts might be imported.
Key Facts
The "Made in the USA" statement for the Trump T1 phone was removed from the Trump Organisation's website.
Trump Mobile claims the phone will still be made in America.
The company now describes the phone as having an "American-Proud Design" and being "brought to life right here in the USA."
Tech experts question if the phone can be entirely built in the US, noting a lack of necessary local supplies.
The phone was announced without a working prototype.
It is more likely the phone will be assembled in the US with imported parts.
Donald Trump has previously encouraged Apple to make its iPhones in the US.
Tabarre Hospital in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, operates in temporary structures as one of the few trauma hospitals amid the collapse of the country's health system. Armed groups have taken control of most of the capital, leading to widespread violence and displacement, which has forced hospitals to close and made it challenging to deliver medical care.
Key Facts
Tabarre Hospital uses shipping containers and modular units for its facilities.
The hospital is run by Doctors Without Borders and is one of the few remaining trauma hospitals in Port-au-Prince.
Armed groups have gained control of up to 90% of Port-au-Prince, forming an alliance called Viv Ansanm.
Over 5,600 people were killed in Haiti last year, according to the United Nations.
More than 1 million Haitian people have been forced to leave their homes due to violence.
Around half of Haiti's population is experiencing hunger.
Hospitals have difficulty obtaining supplies due to armed group control and attacks.
Haiti has not conducted a national election since 2016, and the interim government faces accusations of corruption and infighting.
Bill Moyers, a respected journalist and former White House press secretary, passed away at age 91 in New York. He was known for his public television work, creating many acclaimed programs on various topics. Moyers received numerous awards for his contributions to broadcast journalism.
Key Facts
Bill Moyers died at 91 years old in a New York City hospital.
He was a former White House press secretary and an honored television journalist.
Moyers worked on a variety of topics, from government issues to arts, on public television.
He created significant programs like “The Secret Government” and “Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth.”
Moyers was considered a "citizen journalist," working outside mainstream corporate media.
Throughout his career, Moyers won over 30 Emmy Awards and other notable journalism honors.
He began his career in journalism as a high school sports writer.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that recent U.S. strikes did not significantly harm Iran's nuclear program. The U.S. claims the strikes greatly damaged Iran's nuclear capabilities, while Iran insists that the attacks were not effective and threatened further retaliation if Provoked.
Key Facts
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says U.S. strikes did not hurt Iran's nuclear program significantly.
The U.S. targeted nuclear sites in Iran with airstrikes.
U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, claimed the strikes significantly damaged Iran's nuclear facilities.
Iran retaliated by attacking a U.S. air base in Qatar.
No casualties were reported during the attack on the U.S. base.
Direct conflict between Iran and Israel began on June 13.
Iran says its nuclear program is only for civilian use, not for making weapons.
Iran passed a law to stop cooperating with international nuclear inspectors.
In Peru, gangs are threatening private schools in less wealthy areas to get money, which started happening during the COVID-19 pandemic. In London, a well-known song from the musical "Evita" is performed every night on the street for people to enjoy without buying a ticket.
Key Facts
Gangs have started targeting private schools in poor neighborhoods in Peru.
This crime wave began during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The gangs are using threats to extort money from the schools.
School administrators and parents are trying to manage these threats.
In London's West End, a famous song from "Evita" is sung in the street every night.
People can listen to the "Evita" song performance for free, without needing to buy a ticket.
A U.S. committee advising on vaccine policies recommended that flu vaccines for children and adults should not contain thimerosal, a preservative rarely used today. The discussion took place after the committee was restructured by RFK Jr., who replaced existing members with his own choices, some of whom have been known to make inaccurate claims about vaccine safety.
Key Facts
The committee advising on U.S. vaccine policies is called the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
Thimerosal is a preservative that contains mercury and is sometimes added to vaccines but is rarely used now.
The committee recommended that flu vaccines should not contain thimerosal.
The belief that thimerosal causes autism in children has been disproven, and it is not found in any vaccines on the current U.S. pediatric schedule.
The ACIP voted for continuing the general flu vaccine recommendation for those over six months old.
RFK Jr. recently replaced the entire previous committee with new members, decreasing the number from 17 to 7.
The committee also supported a monoclonal antibody shot for preventing RSV in infants under 8 months.
Residents in Tehran and Tel Aviv are worried about possible missile attacks and the spread of fake information, including videos made with artificial intelligence (AI). An increase in AI-made videos showing fake events has raised concerns about how this technology can shape what people believe is real. A new AI tool called Veo 3, from Google's DeepMind, can create realistic videos that are hard to tell apart from real ones.
Key Facts
People in Tehran and Tel Aviv are anxious about potential missile strikes.
AI-generated fake videos are spreading misinformation in Iran and Israel.
A platform called GeoConfirmed has noticed more AI-made fake videos.
Google DeepMind released an AI tool named Veo 3 that makes videos from text prompts.
Veo 3 can create eight-second videos that look and sound real.
Al Jazeera made fake videos of events to show how easy it is to create misinformation.
Google claims it adds watermarks to identify AI-generated content.
Some experts are concerned that Google released Veo 3 before security features were ready.
Kenyans are continuing to protest despite recent clashes. Elijah Rottok from the Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights commented on their determination.
Key Facts
Elijah Rottok works at the Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights.
Rottok commented about the protests happening in Kenya.
Recent demonstrations in Kenya have involved some violence.
Kenyans want to continue protesting despite these challenges.
Some schools in Maine allow students to go on a hike as an alternative to sitting in detention. This option lets students spend time outdoors instead of staying indoors for discipline.
Key Facts
The school is located in Maine.
Students can choose to hike instead of sitting in detention.
This alternative takes place in the woods.
The program is meant for high school students.
The goal is to offer a different way for students to deal with discipline.
