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Comprehensive coverage of international news and global events
Bosnian authorities are investigating damage caused by fire and vandalism to a Virgin Mary statue and shrine in Medjugorje, a well-known Catholic pilgrimage site. The site became internationally prominent after children reported visions of the Virgin Mary in 1981, and the Vatican recently allowed pilgrimages to continue despite not officially confirming the visions as supernatural.
Key Facts
A Virgin Mary statue and shrine in Medjugorje, Bosnia, were vandalized and damaged by fire overnight.
The statue's face and hands were painted black, with the words “Devil in a skirt” written on its base in English.
Medjugorje gained attention after six children said they saw visions of the Virgin Mary in 1981.
Some of the original visionaries still claim to receive daily messages from Mary.
The Vatican has not officially confirmed the visions as supernatural or authentic.
In 2024, the Vatican allowed pilgrimages and public devotion at Medjugorje due to positive spiritual effects.
Local media photos showed a Polish-language banner calling the visionaries fraudsters near the site.
Medjugorje has become a popular religious tourism spot, despite doubts from church officials about the visions.
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A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto prefecture in southwestern Japan, causing a shopping mall’s second floor to collapse and trapping people inside. Emergency teams are responding, and the government has set up an emergency team to handle rescue and damage assessment.
Key Facts
The earthquake occurred at 4:27 p.m. local time with a depth of 10km.
The shaking reached the highest level 7 on Japan’s Shindo scale in some areas.
A shopping mall in Kashima town partially collapsed, trapping multiple people.
An earlier tsunami warning was issued but later canceled as no tsunami activity was observed.
The Sendai nuclear power plant reported no damage or safety issues following the quake.
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi established an Emergency Assembly Team to manage disaster response.
The earthquake affected several prefectures on Kyushu island, where Japan’s government issued emergency warnings.
Japan experiences about 1,500 earthquakes yearly due to its location on multiple tectonic plates.
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Hackney Council in East London plans to vote on ending its city twinning relationship with Haifa, Israel. The decision comes as a protest against the ongoing conflict in Gaza and concerns about Haifa’s role in Israel’s military activities.
Key Facts
Hackney and Haifa have been twinned since 1968 to promote cultural and trade links.
The twinning has been inactive since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
The Green Party took control of Hackney Council in May 2024 and strongly supports Palestine.
A petition from the Hackney Palestinian Solidarity Campaign calls for ending the twinning.
The UK council cites a UN report accusing Israeli forces of violating international law in Gaza and the West Bank.
Residents expressed concerns about Haifa’s naval base and defense companies located there.
The council plans to review all its twinning agreements for human rights issues.
Jewish groups in England criticized the proposed end of twinning with Haifa.
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President Donald Trump supports Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and has taken steps such as recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital. However, this strong backing during Israel's upcoming election may hurt the U.S.-Israel relationship, as American public and political support for Israel is changing.
Key Facts
President Trump has supported Netanyahu and made Israel a key part of his political agenda.
He recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and acknowledged Israeli control over the Golan Heights.
Netanyahu faces an election in Israel on October 27, with plans that could weaken Israel’s democracy.
Israel's bipartisan support in the U.S. is declining among both Democrats and some younger Republicans.
Recent polls show about 60% of Americans view Israel negatively.
There is concern that Netanyahu’s close ties with Trump may harm Trump’s political standing in the U.S.
Israel’s image in America is shifting from a resilient democracy to a country linked with conflict and political extremism.
This shift could weaken the long-standing alliance between the U.S. and Israel.
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A strong earthquake measuring 7.1 hit southern Japan’s Kumamoto prefecture, causing power outages and stopping train services. The government issued tsunami warnings and emergency alerts for several nearby areas on the island of Kyushu.
Key Facts
The earthquake occurred in Kumamoto, southern Japan, with a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles).
Emergency warnings were sent to Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Fukuoka, Saga, Oita, and Miyazaki prefectures.
A tsunami warning for waves up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) was issued after the quake.
About 40,000 homes lost electricity due to the earthquake.
Train services, including high-speed bullet trains, were temporarily stopped in the region.
No damage or problems were reported at local nuclear power plants.
Japan is on the "Ring of Fire," where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.
A similar, large earthquake in Kumamoto 10 years ago caused many deaths and injuries.
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South Africa is receiving less aid for AIDS relief. As a result, China and Russia are becoming more involved in health projects in South Africa. They see this as a way to increase their influence in the region.
Key Facts
South Africa's AIDS relief funding has been reduced.
China and Russia are stepping in to help with health programs there.
Health partnerships can help these countries gain political influence.
This change affects South Africa's international support network.
The shift shows how health aid and politics can be connected.
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A 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit Kumamoto on Japan’s Kyushu island, causing part of a shopping mall to collapse and trapping people inside. Officials reported injuries, damage to buildings and infrastructure, and power outages but no confirmed deaths so far.
Key Facts
The earthquake measured 7.1 in magnitude and struck Kumamoto in southern Japan.
Aeon Mall Kumamoto partially collapsed, with the second floor falling and people trapped inside.
Customers were evacuated from the mall after an explosion was reported.
There have been reports of injuries, damage to roads, bridges, and buildings, as well as blackouts and fires.
Japan’s government set up a task force to assess damage and coordinate rescue efforts.
The Prime Minister warned people to stay alert for further earthquakes and to be careful with fire and broken glass.
Japan experiences about 1,500 earthquakes annually.
A deadly earthquake also hit Kumamoto in 2016, causing many deaths and property damage.
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General Michel Yakovleff says the current pause in fighting between the U.S. and Iran is not a sign of real peace. Instead, it shows limits in politics, military supplies, and industry that affect how the war can continue.
Key Facts
General Michel Yakovleff is a former NATO official and teaches at Sciences-Po.
He believes modern war depends on how sustainable it is, including supplies and political support.
The U.S. can still fight Iran alone but doing so may weaken its influence and ability to protect other interests.
Pauses in conflict do not necessarily mean diplomacy is working.
Factors like missile stocks, industrial output, and alliance support are critical in the conflict.
The situation involves pressure from politics at home and challenges in maintaining military campaigns.
This analysis relates to ongoing tensions and occasional violence between the U.S. and Iran.
Events in the Middle East, such as disputes involving Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Lebanon, frame the broader regional context.
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Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, drones from the conflict have repeatedly crossed into Romania’s airspace. Romania has now started shooting down these drones using F-16 fighter jets and a new counter-drone system to stop these incursions.
Key Facts
Romania is a NATO and European Union member sharing a border with Ukraine.
Since the war began in February 2022, drones linked to Russia have crossed into Romanian territory multiple times.
Romanian pilots shot down three drones in three days starting in May 2024.
Romania expelled a Russian diplomat and protested to Moscow after identifying the drones.
In May 2024, a drone crashed in the eastern Romanian town of Galati, injuring a mother and child.
Romania and Poland acquired the MEROPS system, a short-range counter-drone defense to shoot down incoming drones.
Romania counted at least 19 drone airspace violations and 50 drone or fragment findings in its territory since the war started.
Romanian President Nicusor Dan publicly thanked pilots and blamed Russia for violating Romania’s airspace.
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A strong earthquake of magnitude 7.1 struck southwestern Japan, causing part of a shopping centre to collapse and trapping many people inside. Emergency services are responding as injuries and property damage are being assessed, and thousands of homes have lost electricity.
Key Facts
The earthquake hit Kyushu island, Japan, at 16:27 local time on July 28, 2026.
The second floor of a shopping complex in Kashima collapsed, trapping many people inside.
There was a brief tsunami warning that was lifted within an hour.
Over 150,000 people were told to evacuate to shelters.
Emergency responders, including the Japan Self-Defense Forces, fire services, and coast guard, are working at the scene.
At least 50 people are being treated in hospitals and about 10 injured were from an elderly care home.
Train services have been suspended and thousands of homes lost electricity.
Japan experiences about 1,500 earthquakes yearly, and officials warn of possible strong aftershocks following this quake.
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Naga Munchetty is leaving BBC Breakfast TV after 17 years to co-present the Radio 5 Live breakfast show. She will join the show in January, replacing current hosts Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards, who are stepping down in December.
Key Facts
Naga Munchetty has been on BBC Breakfast TV for 17 years.
She currently presents Radio 5 Live’s mid-morning program and will move to its breakfast show in January.
Current 5 Live Breakfast hosts Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards will step down in December.
Rachel Burden will take over the 5 Live mid-morning show Monday to Wednesday.
Rick Edwards will continue hosting Fighting Talk on Saturdays.
Munchetty faced bullying allegations while on BBC Breakfast, but no link to her move was confirmed.
Munchetty’s reported salary for the 2025-26 year is between £360,000 and £364,999.
Munchetty expressed excitement about joining the breakfast show and continuing to engage with listeners.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is visiting the White House to discuss increasing air defense support for Ukraine with President Donald Trump. Zelensky wants to speed up the production of advanced US Patriot missiles in Ukraine to protect against recent Russian missile attacks on Kyiv.
Key Facts
Zelensky is meeting President Trump in Washington to discuss stronger air defense for Ukraine.
Russia has recently launched many missile attacks on Kyiv, increasing the need for better interceptors.
The US has granted Ukraine a license to produce Patriot missile interceptors, key for defense.
Producing Patriot missiles in Ukraine requires complex political, legal, and technical steps.
US defense company Raytheon visited Kyiv and is ready to deepen cooperation on missile production.
Zelensky is also attending the funeral of US Senator Lindsey Graham in Washington.
Russia reported that over 390 Ukrainian drones attacked Moscow region overnight, with most intercepted.
Russian President Putin stated Russia will keep fighting and accused enemies of using terror tactics.
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Prisoners at Ghezel Hesar prison in Iran have sewn their lips shut and started a mass hunger strike to protest a rise in executions, mostly for drug offenses and protest-related charges. At least 1,500 death row inmates joined this protest, which began after some prisoners were moved to solitary confinement before possible execution.
Key Facts
The hunger strike started two weeks ago at Ghezel Hesar, Iran’s largest prison near Tehran.
About 1,500 death row prisoners are involved in the protest by refusing food and sewing their lips shut.
Executions in Iran have sharply increased this year, with over 424 carried out mainly for drug offenses.
Some prisoners were moved to solitary confinement before potential executions, triggering the strike.
Videos show prisoners holding signs against executions and calling for help as conditions worsen.
Iranian courts, especially revolutionary courts, often give harsh sentences after unfair trials.
Many executed prisoners come from poor or minority backgrounds and had limited legal defense.
The protest aims to attract international attention to the use of the death penalty in Iran.
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Mexican authorities arrested the widow of a mayor who was killed last week, charging her with involvement in extortion. The mayor, Valentin Lavin, was shot during a town hall meeting in the state of Morelos, a region affected by drug cartel activity.
Key Facts
Valentin Lavin, mayor of Temoac, Morelos, was shot and killed on July 22 during a town hall event.
His widow, Marisol "N," was arrested on charges related to extortion.
Geovany Emmanuel "N," chief of the municipal police, was also arrested in the same operation.
The arrests are part of an anti-extortion crackdown; no clear link to Lavin’s murder has been confirmed.
Morelos is a state near Mexico City where several drug cartels operate.
Since 2006, nearly 100 mayors in Mexico have been killed due to violence linked to drug cartels.
Since October 2024, at least 14 mayors have been murdered in Mexico.
Mexican officials report that homicides have dropped nearly 50% since September 2024, attributing this to new security policies.
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Large wildfires are burning in southwestern France, causing firefighters to work hard to control the flames. This situation has started a debate about how forests should be managed, with some experts saying dry brush should be removed to prevent fires, while others warn that doing so could harm certain animals that live there.
Key Facts
Wildfires are currently raging in the southwest part of France.
Firefighters believe removing dry brush reduces the risk of forest fires.
Forest rangers caution against removing brush because it is the habitat for some protected species.
About 42,000 hectares (approximately 103,600 acres) have been burned by the fires.
Around 220,000 people had to leave their homes due to the fires.
Local volunteers and farmers are helping firefighters by providing water and support.
There is an ongoing heatwave making firefighting efforts more difficult.
The debate over forest management involves balancing fire safety and environmental protection.
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Protesters in western Libya broke into an important energy facility near Tripoli, which supplies gas to power plants. This action risks causing a major blackout across the country amid ongoing demonstrations over long power outages.
Key Facts
Protesters stormed the Mellitah Oil & Gas complex about 55 miles west of Tripoli.
They shut down gas lines that fuel Libya’s electricity plants.
The shutdown could cause a full blackout and collapse of the power network in multiple areas.
Demonstrations have occurred in western Libyan cities like Zawiya, Tripoli, and Misrata.
Protesters demand better power services and want Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah’s government to resign.
Libya has been unstable since the 2011 overthrow of dictator Moammar Gadhafi.
The country is divided between rival governments in the east and west, supported by militias and foreign powers.
Prime Minister Dbeibah leads the recognized Government of Unity in Tripoli; Osama Hammad leads the eastern administration, where military leader Khalifa Hifter holds influence.
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Large wildfires in the Gironde area of southwest France have been mostly controlled but not fully extinguished. Some people who were forced to leave their homes are now allowed to return, while others remain evacuated.
Key Facts
The wildfires affected about 40,000 hectares (around 99,000 acres) of land.
Authorities say the fires are stable but still burning in some parts.
The fires caused thousands of people to leave their homes for safety.
Some evacuees have been permitted to go back to their houses.
Firefighters and local volunteers have worked hard to stop the fires from spreading.
The fires occurred during a heatwave affecting the region.
The damage caused a major emergency response from the French government.
Efforts continue to fully control the fires and prevent new outbreaks.
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Argentina’s President Javier Milei accused the US Democratic Party, and the governments of Brazil and Mexico, of funding a campaign against Argentina during the World Cup. Milei claimed the campaign included criticism of Argentina’s team, accusations of racism, and conspiracy theories about favoritism by FIFA. These claims have stirred strong reactions both inside Argentina and abroad.
Key Facts
Javier Milei is Argentina’s far-right president and identifies as a libertarian.
He said a “progressive” group financed an “anti-Argentina campaign” during the World Cup.
Milei blamed the US Democratic Party and leftwing governments in Brazil and Mexico for funding this campaign.
Some incidents of racist behavior by Argentine supporters were widely reported during the tournament.
US actor Samuel L. Jackson posted a message warning Black people not to support Argentina due to racism concerns.
Amnesty International Argentina acknowledged racism issues but criticized stereotypes about the whole country.
Milei linked opposition parties and the “woke movement” as responsible for the racism accusations.
On Brazilian soil, Milei joined a campaign event with far-right Brazilian politician Flávio Bolsonaro and criticized Brazil’s president Lula.
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Chad started its third nationwide population and housing census in late June, the first since 2009. The census faces challenges because some remote areas are hard to reach, causing some people to travel to towns to be counted. Many residents hope the census will help highlight problems with public services.
Key Facts
Chad launched its third General Population and Housing Census (RGPH-3) at the end of June 2026.
This is the first nationwide census in Chad since 2009.
Census teams face difficulties reaching some remote areas due to poor accessibility.
Some people travel to nearby towns to ensure they are included in the census.
Residents see the census as a way to make the government aware of issues in public services.
The census gathers important data on Chad’s population and housing conditions.
The information collected can influence government planning and resource allocation.
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A strong magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck inland on Kyushu island in south-west Japan, causing several injuries and damage to buildings and roads. Authorities issued a short tsunami warning, evacuated over 150,000 people, and are preparing for possible aftershocks.
Key Facts
The earthquake hit Kumamoto City on Kyushu island at 16:27 local time.
The quake's epicenter was shallow, about 10 km deep.
More than 150,000 people were asked to move to evacuation shelters.
Several buildings were damaged, including fires, cracked roads, and bridges.
Around 50 people are in hospital, with about 10 injured in an elderly care home.
Train services stopped and thousands of homes lost electricity.
Emergency teams including Japan’s self-defence force, fire services, and coast guard are responding.
Japan experiences about 1,500 earthquakes yearly and is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire.
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