Japan's parliament has passed a law to ease rules about who can be part of the royal family. The changes allow the imperial family to adopt distant male relatives and let female members keep their royal status after marriage, but women still cannot become emperor.
Key Facts
The new law was approved by Japan's upper house and earlier by the lower house.
It permits adoption of male relatives over 15 from former imperial branches removed after World War II.
Women in the royal family can now retain their royal status after marrying outside the family.
The law does not allow women to succeed to the throne, so Princess Aiko, the emperor’s only child, cannot become emperor.
Japan’s imperial family is the world’s oldest hereditary monarchy, over 2,600 years old.
The current order of succession includes the emperor’s younger brother, his son, and then the emperor’s uncle.
The law aims to address the problem of having very few male heirs in the imperial family.
Opinion polls show strong public support for allowing a female emperor, but conservative leaders support limiting succession to males only.
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Australian Olympic cyclist Rohan Dennis pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified after police stopped him last month. He was banned from driving for five years following a 2023 incident where his wife, also an Olympic cyclist, died after being hit by his car.
Key Facts
Rohan Dennis was banned from driving for five years starting December 2023.
He was pulled over last month while driving with two children in the car.
Dennis pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified at the Adelaide Magistrates Court.
In 2023, Dennis was involved in a car crash that killed his wife, Melissa Hoskins.
The court found Dennis reckless but not criminally responsible for her death.
Hoskins was on the car when the crash happened during an argument with Dennis.
Dennis received a suspended 17-month jail sentence and a two-year good behaviour bond last May.
Prosecutors want the case moved to a higher court to handle both the driving offence and bond breach.
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Certain types of clouds seen in the English summer sky, called mackerel skies and mare’s tails, can signal bad weather is coming. These clouds form when a warm front or storm system is approaching, causing changes in moisture and wind at high altitudes.
Key Facts
Mackerel skies are made of cirrocumulus or altocumulus clouds arranged in patchy rows that look like fish scales.
Cirrocumulus clouds are white and wispy; altocumulus clouds are thicker and grey.
Mare’s tails, or cirrus uncinus, are high clouds shaped like a horse’s tail with hooked, wispy plumes.
Both cloud types indicate a warm front or low-pressure storm is coming soon.
Warm fronts push moisture high in the sky, creating these cloud patterns.
Mackerel skies form from turbulence; mare’s tails form from ice crystals stretched by wind differences at various heights.
An old English saying advised sailors to lower their sails when seeing these clouds because strong winds usually followed.
These cloud signals help predict changes in the weather.
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The port of Dover in the UK expects heavy traffic and long delays this summer due to new EU border controls called the entry-exit system (EES), which is not working properly because of software problems in France. Many drivers are choosing to holiday within the UK because of flight concerns and border delays, leading to high domestic travel this year.
Key Facts
The new EU entry-exit system (EES) requires travelers to be photographed and fingerprinted at the border.
The automated system at Dover to speed up EES checks is not working due to software issues in France.
French border police will manually register non-EU travelers, which may cause long queues.
Around 7,500 cars are expected to cross from Dover to France on Friday and 10,000 on Saturday.
Drivers are advised to use main roads and arrive no earlier than two hours before their ferry time.
Eurotunnel’s automated kiosks are also not working, but they do not expect delays.
More than 14 million drivers are expected on British roads this weekend, the busiest summer weekend since 2022.
Flight delays, higher airfares, heatwaves, and border controls have encouraged many Britons to take domestic holidays instead of traveling abroad.
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The United States carried out airstrikes on Iran for the sixth night in a row, targeting civilian infrastructure such as bridges and an airport. These attacks show an expansion of U.S. military actions deeper into Iran.
Key Facts
The U.S. launched air attacks on Iran for six nights consecutively.
Targets included civilian structures like bridges and an airport.
The strikes took place deeper inside Iranian territory than before.
The U.S. had previously warned it would take such actions.
These attacks represent a significant military escalation against Iran.
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Sue Kreitzman is an 85-year-old artist who began creating art later in life after careers as a teacher, cookbook author, and TV chef. She lives in her colorful London home filled with her artwork, which she calls an art installation, and also mentors others, offering a safe space for people, including those from the LGBT community.
Key Facts
Sue Kreitzman was born in New York and did not succeed in school art classes.
She started seriously making art at age 58 after working in other professions.
Her London home is decorated with her paintings and sculptures on walls, tables, and corridors, creating a living art installation.
Kreitzman has a housekeeper and a curator, Jaime Freestone, who helps organize and care for the artwork.
She creates custom neck shrines, unique wearable sculptures with personal meaning.
Kreitzman’s home is considered a safe space for LGBT people and others seeking mentorship.
She prefers exchanging art with friends instead of selling it and believes her pieces have deep personal meaning.
Kreitzman describes her style as colorful and unconventional, working outside traditional art rules.
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Israeli settlers attacked the outskirts of Sinjil, a town in the occupied West Bank. Residents report ongoing Israeli military raids and road closures that isolate the town.
Key Facts
The attack was carried out by Israeli settlers at the edge of Sinjil.
Sinjil is located in the West Bank, a region under Israeli occupation.
Residents say the town is frequently subjected to military raids.
Road closures block access, making the town isolated.
Physical barriers like iron gates and earth mounds surround Sinjil.
These conditions have caused tension and clashes in the area.
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US Marines boarded a ship in the Gulf of Oman to enforce a naval blockade of Iran's ports, part of a broader US campaign targeting Iran. The US has also carried out airstrikes on bridges in Iran, leading to tensions and missile attacks in nearby Gulf countries.
Key Facts
The US military began a naval blockade of Iran’s ports starting Tuesday at 8 pm GMT.
US Marines boarded the tanker M/T Wen Yao to ensure it followed the blockade rules.
US Central Command redirected three commercial ships attempting to break the blockade.
The US fired on and disabled an oil tanker that tried to run the blockade.
The US expanded airstrikes against Iranian infrastructure, including bridges near Bandar Abbas.
Iran responded by firing missiles at Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait, which host US forces.
Iran’s state media reported casualties and damage in multiple provinces and near the Strait of Hormuz.
There are increased security alerts and attacks in Gulf countries, with civilians urged to take shelter.
Iran has asked its ally, the Houthis in Yemen, to be ready to close the Red Sea oil route if US attacks its energy infrastructure.
Pakistan is trying to support negotiations between the US and Iran but says talks are difficult.
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The UK government took full ownership of British Steel, a major steel producer, to protect national interests after the company was losing money. China criticized this move, saying it harms Chinese investors’ confidence and violates agreements.
Key Facts
British Steel is the only primary steel producer in the UK and supports about 2,700 jobs.
The Chinese company Jingye bought British Steel in 2020 for £70 million ($94 million).
Jingye was losing about £700,000 ($942,000) daily by 2025.
In early 2025, Jingye said the steel furnaces were not financially sustainable and stopped key material orders.
The UK government took operational control of British Steel in April 2025 and fully nationalized it in June 2025.
The UK plans to appoint an independent valuer to decide if Jingye should be compensated.
China’s Ministry of Commerce said the nationalisation harmed Jingye’s rights and Chinese companies’ confidence in the UK.
China urges the UK to respect the China-UK Investment Protection Agreement and protect Chinese investors’ rights.
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Japan’s parliament changed its imperial succession law to allow male distant relatives to join the royal family and let princesses keep their royal status after marrying commoners. However, the law continues to ban women from becoming emperor, despite many people in Japan supporting a female ruler.
Key Facts
The new law allows distant male relatives to be adopted into the imperial family to provide future male heirs.
Princesses can now keep their royal status even if they marry someone without royal blood.
Women are still not allowed to become emperor under the revised law.
Emperor Naruhito’s daughter, Princess Aiko, cannot become empress because she is female.
The current male-only succession means the throne will pass to the emperor’s younger brother, then to a young male cousin, Prince Hisahito.
There are only five adult male members in the imperial family, which is shrinking fast.
Conservatives say the male bloodline is the only source of the emperor’s legitimacy.
Some people and experts worry the law will harm the future of Japan’s monarchy and reinforce gender discrimination.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping said that no single country should control artificial intelligence (AI) and called for global cooperation on AI development at a conference in Shanghai. He stressed the need for rules to keep AI under human control and warned against using AI for security conflicts or giving priority to one country's safety over others.
Key Facts
President Xi spoke at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai on July 17, 2026.
He said AI development should be a global effort, not controlled by one country alone.
China’s AI technology is catching up to the United States and is often cheaper for global users.
Concerns exist about AI being used in military combat, cyberattacks, or by terrorists.
The US and European Union have placed limits on Chinese tech imports over security worries.
An international AI cooperation group was formed with 29 countries to promote safe AI development.
A Beijing startup unveiled a powerful AI model, Kimi K3, which may rival top US AI systems.
Companies showed new AI-related technologies, including phones with autonomous AI agents and advanced AI chips.
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Two boats carrying around 530 Rohingya people left Myanmar's Rakhine state on June 29 and have not been heard from since. It is very likely they sank during rough monsoon seas, and most passengers did not survive.
Key Facts
The Rohingya are a persecuted ethnic group living in Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Two boats left from an Arakan Army-controlled village with about 530 Rohingya people aboard.
Both boats disappeared, likely capsizing due to bad weather and unsafe conditions.
Only a few bodies have been found, suggesting most passengers drowned.
The Myanmar region they fled from is a war zone with fighting between the military and the Arakan Army.
Many Rohingya try to reach Malaysia by boat to escape poverty and persecution.
Smugglers charge families $2,000 to $4,000 to help people travel by boat across several countries.
The routes are dangerous, and some people are detained or abused by smugglers if fees are not paid.
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Australia is unhappy because Laos plans to press only minor charges related to the deaths of six tourists who drank poisonous methanol-laced alcohol. The Australian government wants harsher punishments and has sent a special envoy to Laos to address the issue.
Key Facts
Six tourists, including two Australians, died in Laos after consuming methanol-tainted alcohol at a hostel in November 2024.
Laos is expected to press charges that carry a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a fine of about A$1600 ($1100).
Australia says these charges are too light given the seriousness of the deaths.
The Australian Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, has summoned the Laos ambassador to express concerns.
Australia has appointed a special envoy, Pablo Kang, to visit Laos and discuss the case.
Charges against some people connected to the hostel earlier resulted in suspended sentences and small fines.
Families of the victims have expressed strong disappointment and called for tougher justice.
Australia plans to raise the issue at a regional ASEAN meeting to seek further support.
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The Philippines has criticized a Chinese state media video that shows the country as a monkey being bullied by the US and Japan in the South China Sea dispute. The video was made using artificial intelligence and has caused diplomatic tensions between Manila and Beijing, which have overlapping claims over islands in the South China Sea.
Key Facts
China Daily posted an AI-generated video showing a monkey in a Filipino shirt being pushed by arms with US and Japanese flags.
The monkey pulls out a "South China Sea arbitration award" before being thrown into the sea and sprayed with a water cannon.
The Philippines called the video "dehumanising and racist" and asked for the clip to be removed.
The video remained on China Daily’s Facebook page as of the article’s publication.
The South China Sea dispute involves islands like the Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal, claimed by both China and the Philippines.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled 10 years ago in favor of the Philippines against China’s claims, but China rejected the ruling.
Tensions have included confrontations at sea, protests, and restrictions on Philippine officials by China.
China Daily’s posts have included other mocking cartoons of the Philippines, such as depictions as a clown and a snake.
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Iranian sources report that US airstrikes have hit civilian sites like an airport and a bridge, causing casualties. The US says it is carrying out strikes for six days straight to weaken Iran’s military strength.
Key Facts
Iranian social media and local sources claim US strikes damaged civilian infrastructure.
The affected infrastructure includes an airport and an important bridge.
These strikes reportedly caused casualties among people in the area.
The US has been conducting airstrikes for six consecutive days.
The US states the strikes aim to reduce Iran’s military capabilities.
There is a lack of independent confirmation about the damage and casualties.
The situation reflects ongoing tensions between the US and Iran.
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The head of the International Energy Agency warned that global energy security is at risk because of conflicts around the Strait of Hormuz. The United States and Iran are involved in military attacks and retaliations, threatening oil transportation through this important waterway.
Key Facts
The International Energy Agency’s chief, Fatih Birol, said global energy security is seriously threatened if oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz do not improve soon.
The US has conducted six consecutive nights of military strikes on Iranian targets, including ports and infrastructure.
Iran responded by launching missile and drone attacks on US allies in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.
Explosions were also reported in Qatar amid rising tensions.
A recent US-Iran agreement to secure a ceasefire in the region is at risk due to the ongoing violence.
Iran continues to control the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, claiming the US has not honored the ceasefire deal.
US military reported stopping several vessels that tried to break its blockade on Iranian ports.
The White House said Iran violated the ceasefire agreement by attacking commercial ships in the Strait.
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Smoke from wildfires in Canada and Minnesota caused poor air quality in many parts of the Northeast and Midwest United States this week. At the same time, these areas experienced very hot weather, which can add to health risks.
Key Facts
Wildfires in Canada and Minnesota produced smoke that spread to the U.S. Northeast and Midwest.
Many places in these regions were under air quality alerts due to the smoke.
The smoke can affect people's health, especially breathing.
At the same time, these areas faced severe heat.
The combination of smoke and heat increases health concerns.
Dr. Céline Gounder reported on this situation for CBS News.
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A prisoner named Marwan Jumaa escaped while being moved from a secure hospital to North Manchester Hospital but was caught by police after a search. Jumaa is now back in custody and will be returned to a secure hospital.
Key Facts
Marwan Jumaa, 20 years old, escaped from police custody during a hospital transfer.
He was serving an indefinite sentence for attacking two women.
Jumaa was considered a danger to himself and others.
Police issued a warning asking people not to approach Jumaa and to report any information.
Lancashire Constabulary arrested Jumaa after an officer recognized him.
A large police effort helped find Jumaa quickly.
Jumaa will be returned to a secure hospital facility.
The public provided helpful information to the police during the search.
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Orchata is a traditional drink from Goa, India, made of a pale, milky liquid with a sweet, almond taste. Although many people in Goa have forgotten about orchata, some families still make it at home and share it as part of their heritage.
Key Facts
Orchata is a cold, milky drink with a mild sweetness and almond flavor.
It is traditionally made and enjoyed in Goa, a state in India.
The drink is less common today and is fading from public memory.
Some families in Goa continue to make orchata at home.
Orchata has cultural importance and connects people to family history and celebrations.
The drink is served cold and should be consumed before the ice melts to enjoy its full flavor.
A young child in the story enjoys the drink and calls it his favorite.
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with Wang Huning, a top Chinese official, to discuss strengthening ties between North Korea and China. The talks follow Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to North Korea in June and aim to improve cooperation between the two countries.
Key Facts
Wang Huning, a high-ranking Chinese official, visited Pyongyang to meet Kim Jong Un.
Kim and Wang pledged to deepen North Korea-China relations.
This visit continues after President Xi Jinping’s trip to North Korea in June, the first in seven years.
China wants to maintain strong influence over North Korea as it grows closer to Russia.
China is North Korea’s largest economic partner despite North Korea’s recent ties with Russia.
Kim and Xi agreed on a plan to strengthen their strategic and diplomatic cooperation.
China promised firm support for North Korea’s government and policies.
The Chinese delegation visited sites important to Korean War history and North Korean leaders.
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