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Security forces in Togo used tear gas to break up protests in the capital, Lome, where people demanded the resignation of Faure Gnassingbe, the long-standing leader. Protesters blocked roads with barricades and clashed with police as tensions rose over changes to the constitution that could allow Gnassingbe to stay in power indefinitely.
Key Facts
Security forces used tear gas to disperse protesters in Lome, Togo's capital.
People demanded the resignation of Faure Gnassingbe, who has been in power since 2005.
Protesters set up barricades using concrete blocks and burned tires.
Police arrested several protesters in the Be neighborhood, known for opposition support.
Protesters are upset over constitutional changes that could let Gnassingbe rule indefinitely.
Demonstrations are rare in Togo, as they have been banned since 2022.
A coalition called "Hands Off My Constitution" urged for the release of political prisoners.
Heavy police and military presence was reported in Lome, with some businesses closing for the day.
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US President Donald Trump compared recent US strikes on Iran to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in World War II. Japan condemned Trump's comments, emphasizing the ongoing trauma of the bombings. Survivors and lawmakers in Hiroshima and Nagasaki expressed strong objections and called for peaceful conflict resolutions.
Key Facts
Trump compared the US strikes on Iran to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Japan condemned Trump's comparison and found the comments regrettable.
The atomic bombings in 1945 caused approximately 140,000 deaths and ongoing survivor trauma.
Nagasaki's Mayor and atomic bomb survivors called Trump's comments unacceptable.
Survivors in Hiroshima protested and urged Trump to retract his statement.
Hiroshima lawmakers passed a resolution rejecting justifications for atomic bomb use.
Japan has repeatedly communicated its anti-atomic bomb stance to the US government.
Trump claimed recent US strikes set Iran's nuclear program back significantly, a point supported by CIA director John Ratcliffe.
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More than one-third of Tuvalu residents have applied for a new climate visa that lets them move permanently to Australia. This program, which started accepting applications on June 16, is designed to help people from climate-threatened places like Tuvalu relocate. Only 280 Tuvalu citizens are chosen each year through a random lottery.
Key Facts
Tuvalu is the world's second lowest-lying country, at just five meters above sea level.
Over 4,000 Tuvalu citizens have applied for this visa, which is about a third of the population.
The climate visa program started on June 16 and offers indefinite residency in Australia.
Only 280 visas will be given to Tuvalu citizens each year through a lottery system.
Visa holders can use Australia's public services like Medicare and education at local rates.
Entry to the visa lottery costs A$25 and will close on July 18.
This program is part of the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union, which also includes aid commitments.
NASA predicts that Tuvalu's land will be mostly below the high tide level by 2050.
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The third season of the Netflix show "Squid Game" keeps its original features, like the dangerous children's games funded by wealthy people for entertainment. The season finishes the main character Seong Gi-hun's story, as he tries unsuccessfully to stop the deadly games. However, it introduces familiar plot points, which may lessen its impact.
Key Facts
"Squid Game" is a South Korean drama on Netflix about dangerous games that poor people must play.
The games are secretly funded by rich VIPs for their amusement.
The third season continues to focus on Seong Gi-hun, a gambler trying to stop the games.
We also see the perspective of game staffers, who wear pink uniforms with shapes on their masks.
A past police officer tries to find the game's location, discovering his brother is the organizer.
The season highlights recurring themes like how greed and desperation maintain the games.
The show uses strong visual storytelling to create a horror-like atmosphere.
Some viewers might find the story familiar and the plot twists too predictable.
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A South Korean man set a train carriage on fire in Seoul on May 31. The incident injured six people, and a 67-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder and arson.
Key Facts
A man poured flammable liquid onto a train and started a fire in Seoul.
Six people were hurt; injuries included smoke inhalation and a sprained ankle.
The event took place on May 31.
No one died from the fire.
The suspect is a 67-year-old man.
He has been charged with attempted murder and arson.
The Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office shared footage of the incident.
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Lalo Schifrin, the composer famous for creating the Mission: Impossible theme, died at the age of 93 due to pneumonia-related complications. His son confirmed the news and expressed gratitude for the public's support. Schifrin was known for his distinctive music style and contributed to over 100 film and TV soundtracks during his career.
Key Facts
Lalo Schifrin composed the well-known Mission: Impossible theme.
He passed away at the age of 93 from pneumonia complications.
Schifrin's career lasted more than 60 years with over 100 soundtracks.
He won four Grammy Awards and was nominated for six Oscars.
Schifrin received an honorary Oscar for lifetime achievement in 2018.
He was from Buenos Aires and studied classical piano as a child.
Schifrin's music style included jazz, classical, contemporary, and pop influences.
His Mission: Impossible theme was composed in a rare 5/4 time signature.
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India did not sign a joint statement at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China because the statement did not address India's concerns about terrorism. The disagreement was mainly about the omission of the Pahalgam attack in the statement, which India links to Pakistan-based militants. India accused one unnamed country, widely reported as Pakistan, of not accepting its concerns.
Key Facts
India refused to sign a joint statement at the SCO summit in China.
India's main issue was that the statement did not mention the Pahalgam attack.
The Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 tourists, was blamed on militants from Pakistan.
India and Pakistan have had multiple conflicts over the region of Kashmir.
The SCO includes China, Russia, and four Central Asian countries; India and Pakistan joined in 2017.
India believes the statement favored Pakistan by mentioning militant activities in Balochistan but not the Pahalgam attack.
After the summit, India's Defense Minister called for action against countries supporting cross-border terrorism.
In recent years, tensions have heightened between India and Pakistan, including airstrikes and military actions.
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The film "Tatami" tells the story of an Iranian judoka, Leila Hosseini, who faces pressure from her government to withdraw from a match against an Israeli opponent. Co-directed by Israeli Guy Nattiv and Iranian Zar Amir, the film highlights the tough choices athletes make under political pressure and the risks they face.
Key Facts
"Tatami" is a film about Leila Hosseini, an Iranian judoka at the World Judo Championships.
The Iranian government orders Leila to fake an injury to avoid fighting an Israeli opponent.
The film is inspired by real Iranian athletes' experiences and their struggles with government interference.
"Tatami" is co-directed by an Israeli (Guy Nattiv) and an Iranian (Zar Amir), a notable collaboration between their countries.
The movie was filmed in secret to protect the cast and crew due to political tensions.
The story reflects the political pressure athletes face and the implications of competing against certain countries.
Director Zar Amir draws from her personal history of fleeing Iran in 2008 and facing threats afterward.
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Paras, a research fellow at the Indian Institute of Technology, is facing financial difficulties due to delays in receiving his monthly fellowship allowance. He and other fellows across India, supported by the INSPIRE program, have experienced payment delays, impacting their ability to conduct research and manage personal finances.
Key Facts
Paras is a research fellow at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in India.
His fellowship comes from the INSPIRE scheme, funded by the Department of Science and Technology.
Paras and other fellows have faced delays in receiving their monthly stipend of 37,000 rupees.
These payment delays have forced Paras to borrow money to pay for items like a laptop needed for research.
Other fellows across India report similar issues, with some waiting up to nine months for payments.
Researchers have expressed their concerns on social media, tagging high-ranking officials in the Indian government.
The delay in funding is affecting researchers' ability to conduct their work and is causing financial stress.
Despite an increase in India's innovation rankings, funding for university-led research remains limited.
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The U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), started by George W. Bush in 2003 to fight HIV/AIDS, has been significantly cut under the Trump administration. These cuts have led to an estimated 70,000 deaths, and journalist Jon Cohen reported on their impact in Eswatini and Lesotho.
Key Facts
PEPFAR is a global health program aimed at combating HIV/AIDS.
George W. Bush launched PEPFAR in 2003.
The program has saved millions of lives with relatively low costs.
The Trump administration reduced funding for PEPFAR.
An estimated 70,000 people have died due to these funding cuts.
Journalist Jon Cohen investigated the situation in Eswatini and Lesotho.
The effects of program cuts were observed on the ground in these countries.
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Japan executed Takahiro Shiraishi, who was convicted of murdering and dismembering nine people he met through social media. This was the first execution in Japan in almost three years, and Shiraishi was often called the “Twitter killer” because he contacted his victims through the platform. He was sentenced for the 2017 killings of eight women and one man.
Key Facts
Takahiro Shiraishi was executed in Japan for killing nine people in 2017.
He met his victims on social media, specifically on a platform then known as Twitter.
Shiraishi was known as the “Twitter killer” because of how he contacted his victims.
Bodies were found dismembered in coolers at his apartment.
This was Japan’s first execution in almost three years.
The Japanese Justice Minister, Keisuke Suzuki, approved the execution.
In Japan, capital punishment is carried out by hanging, with little notice given to the prisoner before execution.
Japan and the United States are the only G7 countries that still use the death penalty, with strong public support in Japan.
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Real Madrid won 3-0 against Red Bull Salzburg in their final Group H match at the FIFA Club World Cup. This victory earned them a spot in the round of 16, where they will play against Juventus. Key goals were scored by Vinicius Junior, Federico Valverde, and Gonzalo Garcia.
Key Facts
Real Madrid defeated Red Bull Salzburg 3-0 in a Group H match.
The match took place in Philadelphia on a Thursday.
Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde scored goals in the first half for Real Madrid.
Gonzalo Garcia scored the third goal in the 84th minute.
This win led Real Madrid to face Juventus in the next round.
Salzburg was eliminated from the tournament because Al Hilal won against Pachuca.
Real Madrid had 12 shots in total, with two goals scored by Vinicius and Valverde.
Real Madrid's player Kylian Mbappe did not play due to illness.
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The United States and China have signed a trade deal, but no details have been provided yet. This deal follows discussions that delayed large tariff increases between the two nations. China also reported increasing its approval of exports for rare earth materials, which are important for technology products.
Key Facts
The U.S. and China signed a trade agreement, though details are not available.
Discussions in Geneva in May led to a delay in planned tariff increases.
Rare earth materials are essential for technology, like electric cars and wind turbines.
China is speeding up the approval process for exporting these rare earth materials.
U.S. tariff hikes remain on some goods, including aluminum and steel.
The U.S. economy shrank by 0.5% from January to March 2025.
Chinese factory profits fell over 9% in May compared to the previous year.
A potential trade deal with India is expected soon, according to U.S. officials.
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Fighting in Ukraine continues, with Russian forces taking control of villages in eastern Ukraine, while Ukraine holds off advances in the north. Both countries exchanged prisoners in a recent swap, but there is no new date for further peace talks. The European Union has extended sanctions on Russia, and international groups report on chemical weapon use.
Key Facts
Russian air strikes in Kherson, Ukraine, resulted in one death and two injuries.
Russian troops captured the village of Shevchenko and another settlement, Novoserhiivka, in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region.
Ukraine stopped Russian advances in the northern Sumy region and is building defensive lines there.
North Korea plans to send more troops to Russia in support of its activities in Ukraine.
Ukraine and Russia conducted a prisoner swap without specifying the number of people exchanged.
The European Union extended sanctions on Russia for another six months, including freezing Russian bank assets.
The OPCW found banned tear gas in samples from Ukraine, who accused Russia of using it in the conflict.
A Russian court sentenced photographer Grigory Skvortsov to 16 years for treason.
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Celebrities, including Kim Kardashian and Bill Gates, have arrived in Venice for the wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. The ceremony is expected to happen this weekend and may cost over €40 million.
Key Facts
Jeff Bezos is the founder of Amazon.
Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Bill Gates, and Oprah Winfrey are attending the wedding.
The event will take place in Venice, Italy.
Usher, Kylie Jenner, and Ivanka Trump were seen getting on water taxis.
The wedding is expected to cost more than €40 million (about £34 million or $46 million).
The ceremony is expected to occur during the upcoming weekend.
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The Brazilian government has admitted responsibility for the murder of journalist Vladimir Herzog during the country’s dictatorship and agreed to compensate his family. Herzog, who died in 1975, was a victim of human rights abuses during the military regime that ruled Brazil from 1964 to 1985. The government will pay his family 3 million Brazilian reais ($544,800), and Herzog's widow will receive retroactive pension payments.
Key Facts
The Brazilian government acknowledged its role in the murder of Vladimir Herzog, a journalist, during the dictatorship era.
Herzog was killed in 1975 after being summoned by military officials; his death was falsely claimed to be a suicide.
The government agreed to pay Herzog's family 3 million Brazilian reais ($544,800) as compensation.
Herzog’s widow will receive retroactive pension payments of about $6,000 per month.
During the dictatorship from 1964 to 1985, there were widespread human rights abuses, including arrests, torture, and disappearances.
Herzog initially fled to the UK but returned to Brazil to work and was killed during this time.
A rabbi found signs of torture on Herzog's body, contradicting the government's suicide claim.
The dictatorship was responsible for an estimated 500 to 10,000 deaths, according to various experts.
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NPR's All Songs Considered highlights new music releases this week, including a 7-disc box set by Bruce Springsteen and a new album by Lorde. The podcast features hosts discussing notable albums and providing backstories for a select few. The episode offers listeners a range of genres to explore and enjoy on various music streaming platforms.
Key Facts
Bruce Springsteen released "Tracks II: The Lost Albums," a collection of previously unreleased songs from 1983 to 2018.
One of the anticipated new albums discussed is Lorde's fourth album, titled "Virgin."
The podcast hosts listened to many new releases and selected five main albums to discuss in detail.
Featured albums include works by artists like Laura Stevenson and Adrian Quesada.
New Music Friday is a segment from the NPR podcast called All Songs Considered.
The episode can be played on various platforms like the NPR App, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
Additional album releases from various genres are also listed for listeners interested in exploring more music.
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Lorde's new album, "Virgin," is her fourth studio album and marks her first release in four years. The album explores themes of self-discovery and change, addressing personal challenges and growth as she reflects on her life experiences.
Key Facts
"Virgin" is Lorde's fourth album and her first in four years.
This album shows a change from her earlier confident style, with a focus on self-discovery and uncertainty.
Lorde addresses personal issues like gender identity and a recent breakup.
The album reflects on Lorde's experience growing up in the public eye.
"Virgin" is seen as a response to critiques of her previous album, "Solar Power."
Unlike her last two albums, "Virgin" does not involve past collaborator Jack Antonoff.
Themes of love, identity, and personal struggle are prominent throughout the album.
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The United Nations humanitarian agency (OCHA) reported an increase in preventable diseases in Gaza due to a shortage of medicine and clean water. The situation results from infrastructure damage and blockades, affecting health services and leading to a high number of deaths and injuries. Despite limited aid entering Gaza, the humanitarian need remains critical, with ongoing conflict impacting daily life.
Key Facts
OCHA warns of rising diseases in Gaza due to lack of medicine and clean water.
Recent data shows over 19,000 cases of watery diarrhea and more than 200 cases each of jaundice and bloody diarrhea.
Shortages are linked to the destruction of Gaza's water systems and a blockade stopping fuel and supplies.
Over 56,000 people have been killed and more than 132,000 injured since October 2023.
Limited aid is allowed into Gaza, but aid agencies say it is not enough to meet the needs.
Israeli efforts to deliver aid are complicated by claims of theft and looting.
Recent strikes, including one in Deir el-Balah, resulted in more deaths and injuries.
UN officials dispute Israeli claims that Hamas is stealing humanitarian aid.
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