A strong earthquake measuring 7.7 in magnitude occurred off the coast of Indonesia near the Flores region early on Saturday morning. The quake happened at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers and was located about 68 kilometers north-northwest of the city of Ende.
Key Facts
The earthquake measured 7.7 on the Richter scale.
It struck near Indonesia’s Flores region.
The quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers.
The event happened at 5:58 a.m. local time on Saturday.
The epicenter was about 68 kilometers (42 miles) from Ende city.
Indonesia has many earthquakes due to its position on the "Ring of Fire," a zone with many volcanoes and fault lines.
The U.S. Geological Survey provided the earthquake information.
Indonesia consists of over 17,000 islands and is known for frequent seismic activity.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is asking for a clear schedule for Israel to leave Lebanese land and to stop destroying property. Hezbollah's leader criticized Lebanon’s government for risking the army’s safety by supporting the current deal with Israel. Talks involving the US are ongoing, but both sides have major disagreements, especially about Hezbollah’s weapons and Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon.
Key Facts
Lebanon’s Prime Minister wants Israel to stop damaging areas and leave Lebanese territory on a set timetable.
Hezbollah’s leader accuses Lebanon’s government of putting the army under pressure by agreeing to the deal.
US Ambassador to Beirut called the discussions positive but gave no date for future talks.
Hezbollah must disarm for Israeli attacks to stop, according to the US Ambassador.
Israel refuses to leave Lebanon’s south until Hezbollah gives up its weapons.
Israeli forces still occupy some towns in southern Lebanon and have destroyed homes and farmland.
Lebanese officials report thousands of deaths, injuries, and over a million displaced since attacks started in March.
The next round of negotiations is planned for early September.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Six ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi group hit the al-Makha port controlled by Yemen’s government. The attack killed at least four people and caused a fire at the port, raising concerns about a return to full-scale war after a 2022 ceasefire.
Key Facts
The Houthi group fired six ballistic missiles at al-Makha port in Yemen.
The port is under the control of the Yemeni government.
At least four people died in the missile attack.
The attack caused a fire at the port facility.
There was a truce between the Houthis and Yemen’s government starting in 2022.
This missile strike has raised fears that the fighting could start again on a larger scale.
The conflict involves Yemen’s government forces and the Houthi group.
Al-Makha port is an important location for trade and supplies in Yemen.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Thirty lions and tigers are being moved from a closed zoo in Argentina to wildlife sanctuaries in South Africa and the United States. The animals were kept in small concrete cages for years, and the rescue is one of the largest relocations of big cats in the world.
Key Facts
The animals come from the former Luján Zoo, located near Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Thirty big cats, including lions and tigers, are being transported in large crates.
Nine tigers and six lions will go to Lionsrock sanctuary in South Africa.
Eight tigers and seven lions will travel to The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado, USA.
The cats traveling to Colorado will have a flight stop in Chile.
Those going to South Africa will fly via Frankfurt or Amsterdam to Johannesburg, then drive to the sanctuary.
Some cats entered the transport crates willingly, but others needed sedation.
The Luján Zoo was shut down; it was known for allowing visitors to handle and take pictures with big cats.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
An air traffic controller in Phoenix prevented a possible accident when two American Airlines planes flew with the same flight number at the same time. The controller used clear instructions and kept the planes at safe distances until they passed each other safely.
Key Facts
Two American Airlines planes both used flight number 2482 and were in the same airspace near Phoenix at the same time.
One plane was arriving from Chicago while the other was departing from Phoenix.
The air traffic controller quickly clarified which plane was arriving and which was departing to avoid confusion.
The controller kept the arriving plane higher and directed the departing plane to stay lower to keep them safely separated.
The arriving pilot praised the controller for handling the situation well.
An aviation expert said the airline's dispatch center likely missed the overlap of these two flights with the same number.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and American Airlines will investigate the cause of this error.
Both the FAA and airline praised the professionalism of the controller and pilots for preventing an accident.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A heat wave is setting new temperature records across Europe. At the same time, cities in Japan face floods caused by heavy rain, and Hawaii is preparing for rain and strong winds from Tropical Storm Lala. In Italy, police recovered three stolen paintings by famous artists.
Key Facts
Europe is experiencing a heat wave with record high temperatures.
Several Japanese cities are flooded due to heavy rainfall.
Hawaii is getting ready for Tropical Storm Lala, which will bring strong winds and rain.
Italian authorities found three stolen artworks by Renoir, Cézanne, and Matisse.
The artworks were recovered recently by the police.
The heat wave and storms highlight unusual and extreme weather events in different parts of the world.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is growing quickly. More than 4,600 cases have been confirmed, and over 2,100 people have died, making it one of the deadliest Ebola outbreaks in history.
Key Facts
The outbreak is in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
There are over 4,600 confirmed Ebola cases.
More than 2,100 people have died from the disease.
The death toll has risen almost three times faster than in a previous outbreak over ten years ago.
Dr. Anne Rimoin, an expert in global health security, has discussed the situation publicly.
The outbreak is currently one of the worst by both cases and deaths in history.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Houthi group fired six ballistic missiles at the Yemeni port city of al-Makha, killing at least four people, according to Yemen’s internationally recognized government. The attack involved targeting civilian and military sites and is part of growing conflict linked to wider regional tensions involving Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Key Facts
The Houthis launched six ballistic missiles at al-Makha, a Red Sea port in Yemen.
At least four civilians were reported killed, with some sources saying up to eight people including security personnel died.
Several fishing boats caught fire during the attack.
The Houthis said they targeted military supplies, weapons, and warships of Saudi-backed forces.
The Houthi-run news agency reported a separate drone attack on a Saudi Aramco facility in Najran.
Saudi authorities and Aramco have not confirmed the drone attack.
The conflict is increasing amid stalled US-Iran talks and disputes involving Iran’s demands and President Donald Trump’s responses.
This violence is part of a broader regional conflict involving Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Greece is increasing efforts to stop illegal boat crossings from North Africa to the Greek island of Crete. Five European Union countries have reached an agreement to deport migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea, with Uganda agreeing to take some migrants, though the deal is not yet finalized.
Key Facts
Greece is acting to reduce illegal migration by stopping boats coming from North Africa to Crete.
The migration crisis in this region has lasted for eleven years.
Five European Union countries have worked together to improve migrant deportation processes.
Uganda in East Africa has agreed to accept some migrants from the Mediterranean crossings.
The agreement with Uganda has not been officially signed yet.
The news report is from Athens by correspondent Malcolm Brabant.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tropical Storm Lala is expected to become a hurricane before reaching Hawaii’s Big Island early Saturday. It could cause heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds, with a hurricane warning issued for the Big Island and tropical storm warnings for nearby islands.
Key Facts
Lala should reach hurricane strength before hitting the Big Island.
If Lala makes landfall, it would be the first hurricane to do so on the Big Island since 1871.
The storm could bring up to 25 inches (63.5 cm) of rain to some areas, causing flooding.
Hurricane warnings are in effect for the Big Island; tropical storm warnings cover Maui County.
Shelters have opened and events have been canceled ahead of the storm.
Officials urge residents to stay alert and take safety precautions.
Dry and windy conditions may increase wildfire risks despite no red flag warnings.
Lala was located 340 miles east-southeast of South Point, Hawaii, with winds of 60 mph, moving west-northwest.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Venezuela's interim government freed 131 people considered political prisoners as part of efforts to heal the country after former President Nicolas Maduro was removed by US forces. Families reunited with their loved ones outside prisons, while talks continue to address other national issues.
Key Facts
Venezuela released 131 detainees labeled political prisoners under a peace program.
The releases follow Maduro’s removal by US forces in early January 2026.
Families waited months outside prisons and were surprised by the sudden releases.
Since January 3, over 1,000 Venezuelans have been freed, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Human rights group Foro Penal confirmed at least 45 political prisoners among those released.
Talks between the interim government and opposition focus on frozen funds, earthquake recovery, and judicial reforms.
Maduro was accused of arresting opponents on false charges during his rule from 2013 to early 2026.
About 391 political prisoners remain in jail, and activists continue demanding full freedom for all.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump said the United States will soon declare the Strait of Hormuz as U.S. territory amid ongoing conflict with Iran. The strait is an important route for global oil and gas, and both countries are disputing control during the current war.
Key Facts
President Trump announced plans to claim the Strait of Hormuz as U.S. territory during a speech in New York.
The U.S. and Israel have been at war with Iran since February 28 after attacks against Iran.
Iran has restricted ship traffic through the strait, affecting roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply.
The US has set up a blockade in the strait and recently fired on a cargo ship accused of heading to Iran.
Both the U.S. and Iran signed an agreement in June to stop military operations and allow safe ship passage, but fighting continued.
Iran says part of the strait is in its territorial waters and rejects U.S. claims.
The situation remains tense, with ongoing negotiations but no clear resolution in the war.
Many Americans oppose military action against Iran, and the conflict has strained U.S. military supplies.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Wildfires driven by very high temperatures and dry conditions are spreading across Europe. These fires have burned about 500,000 hectares and caused many people to evacuate their homes, with some injuries and one death reported.
Key Facts
Wildfires are spreading in Europe due to record heat and drought.
Approximately 500,000 hectares of land have burned.
Thousands of people have had to leave their homes.
In Croatia, one person died and 40 others were hospitalized.
Around 2,000 people were evacuated from the tourist town of Omis in Croatia.
The fires are linked to unusually high temperatures causing dry conditions.
Emergency services are working to control the fires and protect residents.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
An Israeli activist said that soldiers sent to protect Palestinians in Qusra, West Bank, are actually helping settlers who attack Palestinians. Videos showed soldiers drinking tea with settlers who were surrounding Palestinian homes.
Key Facts
Qusra is a village in the occupied West Bank.
Israeli soldiers were supposed to protect Palestinian residents there.
The activist Alon Lee Green claimed soldiers support settlers involved in attacks.
Settlers are people who move into areas occupied by Palestinians, often causing tensions.
Soldiers were seen spending time socially with these settlers instead of guarding Palestinians.
The settlers were surrounding or blocking Palestinian homes during these events.
The situation raises concerns about soldiers’ role and neutrality in the conflict.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
In the West Bank village of Qusra, Palestinian families are facing a siege by Israeli settlers who want to take over their homes. The Israeli army has intervened but has not stopped the settlers from returning, leading to ongoing tensions and fears of home seizures.
Key Facts
Israeli settlers besieged three Palestinian homes in Qusra, blocking the occupants from leaving.
The settlers initially set up a tent in front of one home, then moved to a nearby valley but stayed close.
The Israeli army intervened and took positions around the homes but settlers returned after troops left.
Activists supporting Palestinians marched to deliver food and water to the besieged families.
Qusra is in the West Bank, an area captured by Israel in the 1967 war and considered occupied territory.
Over 700,000 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, areas the international community sees as illegal settlements.
Palestinian homes have been attacked by extremist settlers, with damage to homes, mosques, and cars reported.
The situation in Qusra highlights wider violence and tensions in the West Bank amid new settlement approvals by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier is returning to the United States after a long deployment. The Navy made this announcement amid reports about low morale among the crew.
Key Facts
Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao announced the return of the USS Abraham Lincoln.
The aircraft carrier had been on a long deployment away from the U.S.
There were reports of low morale among the sailors on board.
The Navy did not provide specific details about the reasons for the return.
The ship plays an important role in U.S. naval operations and national security.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tropical Storm Lala is expected to become a hurricane as it nears Hawaii this weekend, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. Officials have issued warnings for several islands and urged residents to prepare for dangerous flooding, mudslides, and coastal flooding.
Key Facts
Lala is about 360 miles southeast of Hilo with winds of 60 mph and may strengthen into a hurricane before hitting Hawaii.
Hawaii County has a hurricane warning; Maui County has a tropical storm warning; Oahu and Kauai have tropical storm watches.
Rainfall could reach up to 12 inches on Maui and the Big Island, with isolated amounts up to 25 inches causing flood and mudslide risks.
The storm’s impacts will start late Friday on the Big Island and move to other islands through Saturday and Sunday.
Officials recommend residents clear drains, move valuables from flood areas, and avoid driving during floods.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green declared a state of emergency and asked people to prepare and follow official updates.
Coastal areas may see storm surges up to 3 feet, dangerous waves, and strong rip currents.
People are advised not to swim or surf because of risky ocean conditions as the storm approaches.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A secret World War II detention site in Hawaiʻi called Honouliuli has opened to the public for the first time since it closed 80 years ago. The site held Japanese Americans and others suspected of disloyalty during the war under martial law, but only a small number of people were imprisoned there compared to the mainland U.S. camps.
Key Facts
Honouliuli National Historic Site opened for public tours starting July 18, 2026, after being closed for 80 years.
The site was a wartime detention camp on Oʻahu, operating from 1943 to 1946.
It held around 4,000 prisoners, including Japanese Americans, Korean and Okinawan conscripts, and European Americans suspected of disloyalty.
The camp was called "Jigoku Dani," meaning "Hell Valley," because of its hot, windless location.
After the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941, the U.S. military imposed martial law in Hawaiʻi and detained suspects without charges.
Unlike the mainland, where whole Japanese American families were relocated, only about 400 individuals were detained in Hawaiʻi out of a population with nearly 40% Japanese ancestry.
Those detained were typically community leaders and influential figures rather than entire families.
Honouliuli is now managed by the National Park Service, offering free guided tours with over 1,800 people on the waiting list.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump said he will soon declare the Strait of Hormuz as U.S. territory amid ongoing conflict with Iran. The U.S. has been blocking Iranian shipping to pressure Tehran, and peace talks have not made progress.
Key Facts
President Trump said he plans to declare the Strait of Hormuz a U.S. territory.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important water passage where about 20% of the world’s oil travels by ship.
The U.S. and Israel started a war with Iran in February, leading to blockades and the near closure of the strait.
Iran has refused to reopen the strait and demands the U.S. lift sanctions, provide compensation, and release frozen assets.
President Trump claims the U.S. has "total control" over the strait and enforces the blockade.
Fuel prices have risen due to the conflict, and Trump said Americans paying more at the pump are helping stop Iran from gaining nuclear weapons.
Negotiations to end the war have not progressed, with Iran rejecting U.S. demands.
The seriousness of the plan to claim the strait as U.S. territory was not immediately clear.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
