A strong earthquake hit southwestern Japan on Tuesday, causing at least 18 deaths. Rescue teams continue to look for survivors, including in a shopping center that collapsed from an explosion about an hour after the quake.
Key Facts
The earthquake struck southwestern Japan on Tuesday.
At least 18 people have died because of the earthquake.
A shopping center collapsed due to an explosion after the quake.
Four people died inside the collapsed shopping center.
Rescuers are still searching for survivors in the affected areas.
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Saudi Arabia executed five Ethiopian migrants this week on drug-related charges after very short trials without translators or legal help, according to Human Rights Watch. At least 79 other Ethiopians face the risk of execution on similar charges, while Ethiopia’s government is seeking information and engagement with Saudi authorities.
Key Facts
Five Ethiopians were executed in Saudi Arabia for possessing hashish, a form of cannabis.
The trials reportedly lasted only a few minutes and lacked translators and lawyers.
Human Rights Watch says at least 79 Ethiopians remain at imminent risk of execution in Saudi Arabia for drug charges.
Saudi Arabia is one of the top countries in the world for carrying out executions.
Many Ethiopian migrants go to Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia looking for work.
Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry is working with Saudi Arabia about legal cases involving Ethiopian nationals.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has appealed to Saudi Arabia to stop executing Ethiopian citizens.
Human Rights Watch states that Saudi Arabia’s death penalty use violates international human rights laws protecting the right to life.
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Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye collapsed in court during his treason trial and has been detained without bail for months. He faces charges of plotting to overthrow President Yoweri Museveni's government, with court proceedings paused after the incident.
Key Facts
Kizza Besigye is a 69-year-old opposition leader and four-time presidential candidate in Uganda.
Besigye collapsed in court during his treason trial and shouted “stop” before falling.
He has been held without bail for several months in a maximum-security prison.
Besigye’s lawyer, Erias Lukwago, was also arrested on related charges.
Prosecutors say they have evidence Besigye planned to overthrow President Museveni.
His wife, Winnie Byanyima, says Besigye’s health is failing and calls for him to see a doctor of his choice.
Besigye was once a close ally and personal doctor to Museveni before becoming an opponent.
President Museveni is serving his seventh term after controversial elections, and his main challenger Bobi Wine is now in exile.
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A report found that 2025 was the deadliest year for antisemitic attacks outside Israel in over 30 years, with 20 people killed in Australia, the UK, and the US. Antisemitic incidents rose sharply in seven countries with large Jewish communities, showing a significant increase in violence and hate crimes compared to previous years.
Key Facts
In 2025, 20 people died in antisemitic attacks in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The J7 Large Communities' Task Force Against Antisemitism studied these attacks across seven countries with large Jewish populations.
The deadliest single incident was the shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, where 15 people were killed.
Other attacks included killings at a synagogue in Manchester, UK, and shootings at a Jewish museum and Israeli embassy staff in Washington D.C., USA.
Antisemitic incidents rose by 136% from 2022 to 2025, with violent attacks increasing by 97%.
Antisemitic incidents increased in the UK, Argentina, and Germany but decreased in the US, Australia, Canada, and France compared to 2024.
The rise in antisemitism is linked to tensions after the October 7, 2024, Hamas attack on Israel.
The J7 group called for better government actions, including more security, stronger laws, and stricter social media rules to prevent antisemitism.
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Fifa president Gianni Infantino plans to sell stakes in Fifa competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors linked to US President Donald Trump. This move aims to provide $20 million to all Fifa member countries to develop football but has caused anger among fans, politicians, and football organizations.
Key Facts
Gianni Infantino has been Fifa president since 2016.
The proposal involves selling parts of Fifa competitions to investors, including those connected to President Trump.
The sale would give $20 million to each Fifa member country for football development.
Infantino has support from many countries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, who benefit financially from his policies.
Fifa's 211 members vote on decisions, needing a simple majority for approval.
Investors include Thrive Capital, led by Josh Kushner, related to Trump's family, and Greg Maffei, a Trump political donor, as commercial advisor.
Infantino has a close relationship with President Trump, including awarding Trump a Fifa Peace Prize and opening a Fifa office in Trump Tower.
The plan has caused strong opposition from fans, politicians, and regional football bodies who say they were not consulted properly.
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President Donald Trump said on Fox News that the US and Saudi Arabia worked together with Iraq to carry out attacks on Iran-backed Iraqi militias. However, Iraq condemned the strikes as a serious violation and its prime minister canceled a meeting with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince because of the attacks.
Key Facts
The US, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq coordinated attacks on Iraqi militias backed by Iran.
Iraq described the strikes as a "blatant violation" of its sovereignty.
Iraq’s prime minister canceled a planned meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman due to the attacks.
President Trump confirmed the coordination publicly on Fox News.
The attacks happened amid ongoing struggles to end the conflict between the US and Iran.
The situation has increased tensions between Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the US.
The conflict involves wider regional issues linked to Iran’s influence in the Middle East.
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The French army has sent about 1,500 soldiers to help fight a large wildfire in southwest France's Gironde region. They use tools like drones and bulldozers to support firefighters by clearing paths, spotting danger spots, and locating people trapped by the fire.
Key Facts
Around 1,500 French soldiers are involved in battling the Gironde wildfire.
The army assists local firefighters with practical support.
Bulldozers help widen forest trails for better access.
Drones are used to find hotspots and monitor the fire.
Soldiers help find civilians trapped by the flames.
The army also looks out for potential looters during the disaster.
Reporters were allowed to accompany some soldiers to show their work.
The wildfire continues despite efforts to control it.
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A large wildfire in southwest France's Gironde region remains stable after a second calm night. Firefighters continue to work on the ground as a fourth heatwave, with temperatures expected to rise above 40°C, threatens to worsen the situation.
Key Facts
The wildfire is located in the southwest part of France, specifically in the Gironde area.
Authorities reported that the fire was stable after two calm nights.
A fourth heatwave is expected soon, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
Firefighters are actively fighting the blaze on the ground.
The hot weather could make firefighting efforts more difficult.
The article includes a video featuring firefighters working near sensitive areas.
France is planning how to rebuild forests damaged by the fires.
Volunteers are helping protect forest wildlife affected by the fires.
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President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met at the White House and had a positive discussion. They talked about missile defense support and efforts to handle the conflict with Russia through diplomacy.
Key Facts
President Trump and President Zelenskyy met at the White House.
They discussed licenses for Patriot interceptor missiles, which help defend against missile attacks.
The leaders talked about diplomatic ways to address the Russia-Ukraine war.
Both presidents described their meeting as going well.
The discussion focused on support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
The meeting was covered by CBS News and reported by correspondent Aidan Stretch.
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Glen Hansard, an Irish singer-songwriter and actor who won an Oscar in 2008 for best original song, died in a motorcycle crash near Dublin at age 56. He was known for his music career with bands like The Frames and The Swell Season and for his work on the film "Once."
Key Facts
Glen Hansard died in a motorcycle accident early Wednesday near Dublin.
He was 56 years old and from Dublin, Ireland.
Hansard won an Academy Award in 2008 for the song "Falling Slowly" from the movie "Once."
He acted in films including "The Commitments" and "Once."
He was lead singer of the band The Frames and part of the duo The Swell Season.
Hansard released five solo albums, with one Grammy-nominated folk album.
He was involved in charity events supporting homelessness in Dublin.
Hansard is survived by his wife and a young son.
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The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said it prevented a surprise attack by Iran in the Middle East. The U.S. and Saudi Arabia also carried out military strikes against groups in Iraq that are supported by Iran.
Key Facts
The Middle East experienced new fighting after several days of calm.
CENTCOM reported stopping a surprise attack by Iran.
The U.S. worked together with Saudi Arabia on military strikes.
The strikes targeted Iran-backed groups located in Iraq.
The action involved both the U.S. and Saudi Arabian forces.
The situation reflects ongoing tensions involving Iran and its allies in the region.
The military response aims to address threats coming from Iran-backed groups.
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Large wildfires are burning in parts of France and Spain, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes to stay safe. The fires are spreading quickly and causing serious concerns for residents and authorities.
Key Facts
Wildfires are affecting regions in both France and Spain.
Thousands of people have been evacuated to avoid danger.
The fires continue to grow and spread rapidly.
Local officials and emergency services are involved in evacuation efforts.
Hot, dry weather conditions are contributing to the wildfires.
The situation remains serious as firefighters work to control the flames.
Authorities are monitoring the fires closely to protect communities.
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Newly released video shows Elizabeth Waddell, a missing American woman from North Carolina, entering the water in Grenada. She was seen later far from shore on Jet Skis but did not return to land.
Key Facts
Elizabeth Waddell is a missing American woman from North Carolina.
Surveillance video shows her last known movements in Grenada.
The video captures her entering the water but not coming back.
Two people on Jet Skis saw a woman who might have been Waddell far from shore.
The woman declined help when offered by those on the Jet Skis.
The incident is under local media and authorities’ attention.
The video and witness reports are recent developments in the search.
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Four women have accused actor and musician Jared Leto of criminal sexual conduct when they were teenagers, including allegations of sexual assault and statutory rape. These claims date from 2002 to 2016, and Leto has denied all wrongdoing; no criminal charges have been filed.
Key Facts
Four women told the BBC they experienced sexual misconduct by Jared Leto while they were teenagers.
One woman said Leto sexually assaulted her at 17 in a motel; another said she had sex with him at 17 in California, which could be statutory rape.
A third woman said Leto threatened her with sexual assault at age 19, and a fourth said he groomed her as a teenager.
Ten women in total spoke to the BBC for a documentary called "Jared Leto: Hollywood's Dark Secret," including nine who shared their stories publicly for the first time.
These encounters happened between 2002 and 2016 when Leto was in his 30s and 40s; he is now 54 years old.
Two men who worked with Leto’s band said staff felt uneasy about his contact with teenage girls.
The BBC verified some claims with family, friends, photos, and messages.
Jared Leto has faced previous sexual misconduct allegations but has never faced criminal charges.
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More than a month after strong earthquakes hit Venezuela, the hardest-hit areas are still dealing with dust, rubble, and unsafe buildings. Experts warn that the cleanup and health risks caused by contaminated debris could cause more problems if not handled carefully.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes on June 24 had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 and killed over 5,000 people.
About 17,000 were injured, and nearly 18,000 people lost their homes.
The World Bank estimates the direct damage at $19.6 billion.
Dust from collapsed buildings is causing health problems like coughs, allergies, and fever.
Debris includes hazardous materials like fuel, chemicals, asbestos, and paints.
Authorities are separating safe rubble for recycling and hazardous waste for special disposal.
Some contaminated debris was reportedly dumped into the sea early on but that stopped soon after.
Venezuela’s health system is already weak, making the recovery harder for survivors.
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Forensic teams in Kosovo have started digging at a site where human remains were found, believed to be from people who disappeared during the 1998-1999 Kosovo war. Kosovo police have arrested two Kosovo Serbs in connection with suspected war crimes linked to this site.
Key Facts
The excavation is happening near the village of Kalluder in northern Kosovo.
The remains are thought to be from individuals missing since the Kosovo conflict between 1998 and 1999.
The Kosovo Liberation Army fought for independence, and Serbia responded with a severe crackdown during the war.
NATO bombed Serbia for 78 days in 1999, which led to the withdrawal of Serbian troops from Kosovo.
Two Kosovo Serbs were arrested on suspicions of war crimes related to the site.
About 1,600 people went missing during the war and are still unaccounted for.
Kosovo authorities suspect the remains may belong to a group of 23 people who were abducted and disappeared in 1999.
Kosovo’s Interior Minister said Serbia is not cooperating and is obstructing efforts to find missing persons and hold war crime suspects accountable.
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UNESCO has added six ancient medinas in Comoros to its World Heritage List. These medinas include old palaces, mosques, public squares, and narrow streets surrounded by medieval walls.
Key Facts
The medinas date back to the 12th century.
They consist of historic buildings such as palaces and mosques.
The medinas are connected by narrow streets.
They are protected by large medieval walls.
Comoros authorities and conservationists welcomed UNESCO’s recognition.
The addition helps preserve the cultural and historical value of these sites.
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Since late June, the capital city of Madagascar, Antananarivo, has faced many kidnappings and disappearances, mainly involving children and teenagers. The government has created a special team to fight kidnapping, and the country recently held a national day to mourn the victims.
Key Facts
Kidnappings and disappearances began increasing in Antananarivo at the end of June 2026.
Most victims are children and teenagers.
Madagascar held a national day of mourning for the victims last Friday.
The government formed an anti-kidnapping task force to address the issue.
Police and families of victims are actively involved in responding to the crisis.
The situation has caused fear and concern in the capital city.
Reports of kidnappings are still coming in, showing the problem continues.
Media coverage includes interviews with affected families and police officials.
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Chad has decided to leave the International Criminal Court (ICC) by withdrawing from the Rome Statute, the treaty that created the ICC. The government said the court is unfair because it mostly investigates cases in Africa.
Key Facts
Chad officially announced its withdrawal from the Rome Statute and the ICC.
Chad joins other Sahel region countries that have also left the ICC.
The government claims the ICC is biased against African countries.
Most ICC investigations have focused on crimes in Africa, according to Chad’s statement.
The ICC is an international court that tries people accused of serious crimes like war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Chad’s departure follows similar moves by several African nations in recent years.
The decision raises concerns about cooperation in fighting impunity for serious crimes in the region.
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Large wildfires are burning in France and Spain. In France, the fires have destroyed land four times bigger than the city of Paris, and thousands of firefighters are working to stop them. In Spain, over 1,000 firefighters are fighting 16 fires, including the worst fire ever recorded there.
Key Facts
Wildfires in France have burned an area four times the size of Paris.
More than 2,500 firefighters are working to control fires across France.
In Spain, over 1,000 firefighters are fighting 16 active wildfires.
The Avila Fire in Spain is the worst fire in the country's history.
Firefighters continue to battle these large and dangerous wildfires.
The fires are affecting multiple regions in both France and Spain.
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