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Rescue teams in southern Japan are working quickly to find people trapped in the rubble after a strong earthquake. The earthquake damaged buildings and caused many deaths.
Key Facts
A powerful earthquake struck southern Japan.
Over a dozen people have died because of the earthquake.
Rescue workers are searching through collapsed buildings.
They are focusing on a badly damaged shopping mall.
Teams are racing against time to find survivors.
The earthquake caused widespread damage in the area.
Emergency crews continue their efforts to help those affected.
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A new surveillance video shows Liz Waddell, a woman from North Carolina, shortly before she disappeared while vacationing in Grenada. Authorities are investigating her disappearance.
Key Facts
Liz Waddell is from North Carolina.
She went missing while on vacation in Grenada.
Recently released surveillance footage shows her just before she vanished.
The video may provide new clues in the investigation.
Local police and authorities are looking into the case.
TV news outlet CBS News is reporting on the disappearance.
The investigation is ongoing with hopes of finding her or more information.
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A large amount of brown seaweed called sargassum is covering Mexico’s beaches. This seaweed has a strong smell and is causing fewer tourists to visit. Workers are cleaning the beaches by removing the seaweed by hand.
Key Facts
Mexico’s coast is covered with an unusually large amount of brown seaweed called sargassum.
The seaweed has a strong, unpleasant smell.
The presence of seaweed is reducing the number of tourists visiting the area.
Many workers are clearing the beaches by shoveling the seaweed away.
This seaweed bloom is the largest Mexico has seen on its beaches.
The seaweed blankets the shoreline, affecting the appearance and smell of popular tourist spots.
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Two big AI companies, Anthropic and OpenAI, supported a group of their employees who want the U.S. government to slow down the development of advanced AI technology. Over 1,200 workers signed a statement warning that AI progress might soon happen too fast for people to understand or manage.
Key Facts
Anthropic and OpenAI are major companies working on advanced artificial intelligence.
More than 1,200 employees from these companies signed a statement.
The statement asks the U.S. government to control the speed of AI development.
Employees are concerned AI could soon start improving itself without human help.
AI development moving too fast might be hard for humans to oversee.
The initiative is employee-led, meaning it comes from workers, not just company leaders.
The goal is to ensure AI advances safely and responsibly.
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Ann Lush, 86, who grew up as an orphan, has spent 30 years opening her garden to the public to raise money for a children's charity. She has raised over £130,000 through an annual garden event that started with her late husband in 1996, allowing visitors to enjoy peaceful garden spaces while supporting young people in need.
Key Facts
Ann Lush was raised by her grandmother after becoming an orphan as a child.
She promised as a child to help any child she could and to welcome everyone if she had a home.
Ann and her late husband Dennis began the Penarth Open Gardens event in 1996.
Visitors pay £1 each to enter her garden and other participating gardens, with dozens involved yearly.
The event has raised more than £130,000 for The Children’s Society, a charity supporting young people.
Around 600 people visited her garden during the latest event, raising about £3,000.
Ann describes her garden as a peaceful and serene place that visitors enjoy returning to.
Ann and Dennis received MBEs for their charity work.
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Senator Gary Peters criticized Senate Committee Chair Rand Paul for calling Dr. Anthony Fauci to testify about his role in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Peters said this hearing was focusing too much on past events instead of current or future issues.
Key Facts
Senator Gary Peters is a Democrat from Michigan.
Rand Paul is the Republican chair of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Rand Paul called Dr. Anthony Fauci to testify before Congress.
The hearing focuses on Fauci’s role in overseeing the COVID-19 pandemic response.
Peters is the ranking member, meaning he is the top Democrat on the committee.
Peters criticized Paul for “relitigating the past,” meaning revisiting old issues.
The hearing took place on a Wednesday (specific date not given).
The debate reflects ongoing political disagreements about how the pandemic was handled.
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The 1986 movie Aliens, directed by James Cameron, has had a major influence on how video games are designed. It introduced new ideas like futuristic space soldiers, different weapons to use, and game-style pacing that many sci-fi action games copy today. However, turning the movie itself directly into games has been challenging, with mixed success in different titles.
Key Facts
Aliens was released 40 years ago and shifted from a horror story to a space war action film.
The movie’s colonial marines inspired many video game soldiers, like those in Doom, Halo, and Gears of War.
It introduced the idea of a large company (Weyland-Yutani) and a variety of weapons for players to discover and use in games.
The movie’s structure of exploration followed by battles shaped how future sci-fi games are made.
Direct video game adaptations of Aliens have had mixed results, with some like Alien: Isolation praised and others like Aliens: Colonial Marines criticized.
Early Aliens games included one from 1986 that allowed players to control characters through dangerous environments, setting a standard for future shooters.
Even small details from the movie, like a sentry gun, have become standard weapons in many other video games.
The influence of Aliens can be seen across many popular sci-fi action games released since the late 1980s.
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Iran publicly executed two protesters in Isfahan on July 28, 2026, who were accused of killing four police officers during protests in January 2026. The executions sparked protests and anti-police chants, leading authorities to use force to disperse the crowd.
Key Facts
Two men, Abolfazl Sepahi and Amir Safari, were publicly hanged in Isfahan for the deaths of four police officers.
The executions followed protests in January 2026 against the Iranian regime.
A makeshift execution stage was set up in Alikhani Square for the public event.
Hundreds gathered but chanted against the police instead of supporting the execution.
Police used Tasers, tear gas, and warning shots to break up the crowd.
Online petitions against the death penalty gained about 500,000 signatures in one day.
Prisoners at Ghezel Hesar prison protested with a hunger strike, holding signs against executions.
Amnesty International reported over 2,159 executions in Iran in 2025, many related to drug crimes.
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The article discusses the evolving relationship between the United States and Israel. It explains that while Israel remains a close ally, the dynamic between the two countries is changing, which is a natural part of their long-term friendship.
Key Facts
Israel is considered America's closest ally in the Middle East.
The relationship includes strong political, military, and economic ties.
There are moments when the U.S. feels frustrated with Israel's actions or policies.
Changes in leadership and regional issues influence how the two countries interact.
The article suggests that adjustments in their relationship are normal and expected.
Both countries continue to work together despite differences.
The U.S.-Israel relationship is important for regional stability and mutual interests.
Evolving partnerships can help both nations address new challenges.
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The Syrian town of Set Zaynab, known for its important Shia shrine, faces ongoing security concerns and lower tourism after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024. Although the area is mostly stable now and religious harmony exists between Shia and Sunni Muslims, residents remain cautious due to past bombings and attacks by ISIL.
Key Facts
Set Zaynab is famous for the shrine of Sayyida Zaynab, an important figure in Shia Islam.
Before December 2024, many Shia pilgrims, mainly from Iraq, visited Set Zaynab, supporting local businesses.
After President Assad’s regime ended and he went into exile, tourism and local business in Set Zaynab dropped sharply.
The new Syrian government has stopped ISIL attacks in Set Zaynab and arrested suspects linked to bombings.
ISIL claimed responsibility for the killing of a Shia cleric in Set Zaynab in May.
Iranian forces and Hezbollah used to help protect Set Zaynab during Assad’s rule.
Residents feel the area is mostly safe but do not yet encourage many outsiders to visit.
People in Set Zaynab say there is peaceful co-existence between Shia and Sunni Muslims despite the country’s recent sectarian fighting.
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California chose Baby2Baby to run a free diaper program without using a normal competitive bidding process. State records show concerns that providing only the smallest diaper sizes and a large number of diapers all at once could cause waste. The state delayed releasing contract details until after a news investigation.
Key Facts
California’s diaper program gives 400 diapers per baby in just Newborn and Size 1 sizes at hospital discharge.
Experts and other nonprofit groups warned this size limit and quantity could cause diaper waste.
Baby2Baby received the contract despite concerns and no option to exchange diaper sizes.
The state used a budget exemption to skip the usual competitive bidding process.
The contract was delayed for 66 days before being released after a news report.
Baby2Baby is a well-regarded charity with low executive pay and celebrity board members who are unpaid.
The state’s records lacked bid scoring, evaluation criteria, and rankings typical in normal contract competitions.
The other finalist offered more diaper sizes and quantities for a similar price but was not selected.
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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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Senator Rand Paul asked security to remove one of Dr. Anthony Fauci’s lawyers from a Senate hearing room. This happened after Dr. Fauci used his Fifth Amendment right to avoid answering questions.
Key Facts
Senator Rand Paul is the chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
Dr. Anthony Fauci is an expert in infectious diseases.
During the hearing, Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment, which protects against self-incrimination.
Fauci’s attorney tried to speak several times in the hearing room.
Senator Paul did not allow the attorney to speak and ordered security to remove them.
The incident took place during a committee hearing on Wednesday.
The removal was linked to the attorney’s repeated attempts to speak without recognition from the chair.
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During a Senate hearing led by Republicans about the origins of Covid-19, Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment and declined to answer questions. Senator Rand Paul accused Fauci of hiding the truth about whether Covid originated naturally or from a lab, based on Fauci’s private diary entries.
Key Facts
Anthony Fauci, former head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), refused to answer questions by invoking the Fifth Amendment.
The Fifth Amendment protects individuals from being forced to testify against themselves in criminal cases.
Fauci’s refusal came after Senator Rand Paul released Fauci’s diary entries that discussed Covid origins and Fauci’s public and private statements.
Fauci’s diary showed he was open to both natural origin and lab leak theories early in the pandemic but later leaned toward a natural origin.
Senator Rand Paul pushed the lab leak theory, suggesting Fauci privately believed Covid came from a lab in Wuhan, China.
The hearing had tense moments, including lawyers trying to intervene and Fauci’s lawyer being removed after a confrontation.
Some Democratic senators defended Fauci and criticized the hearing as a political effort to target him.
Concerns were raised about current US health leadership under Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who criticized Fauci and was involved in uncovering Fauci’s diary entries.
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Severe storms and heavy rain caused flash floods and tornado warnings across the northeastern United States, leading to power outages, travel disruptions, and at least one death. Meanwhile, a strong heat wave continues across the southern US, raising wildfire risks and causing dangerous heat levels in several states.
Key Facts
Heavy rain and strong winds hit northeastern states, causing flash flooding and tornado alerts.
A 32-year-old man died from a lightning strike in New Jersey.
Rescue crews saved dozens of people trapped by floodwaters in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
More than 11 million people remain at risk of flash flooding in the Northeast.
Up to 12 inches of rain are forecast in parts of Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Airports canceled hundreds of flights due to the storms.
The southern US is experiencing a heat wave with temperatures reaching up to 120°F in places like Phoenix and Las Vegas.
A tornado in Wisconsin was rated as EF3, with winds reaching 145 mph, injuring 68 people but causing no severe injuries.
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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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A Wisconsin appeals court reversed a previous decision that had restored collective bargaining rights for most public workers, upholding a 2011 law that limits these rights. This law, known as Act 10, reduces public employee bargaining power and requires them to pay more for benefits, sparking major protests and ongoing legal battles.
Key Facts
The Wisconsin appeals court overturned a ruling that had struck down Act 10, the 2011 law restricting union rights for public workers.
Act 10 was introduced by Republicans and ended most collective bargaining for public employees except for wage increases limited to inflation.
The law requires public workers to pay more for health insurance and retirement benefits.
The law caused weeks of protests, sometimes drawing up to 100,000 people to the state Capitol.
Unions plan to appeal to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which now has a liberal majority expected to increase soon.
Supporters say the law helps local governments control costs and avoid bankruptcy.
Opponents argue the law hurts schools and government agencies by reducing workers’ rights to negotiate pay and working conditions.
All five Democratic candidates for Wisconsin governor vow to repeal the law if elected in the August 2024 primary.
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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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President Donald Trump responded strongly after Iran attacked U.S. forces in Jordan. He promised that the United States would take tough action against Iran.
Key Facts
Iran launched a surprise attack targeting U.S. forces stationed in Jordan.
President Trump made his comments during a Fox News interview.
He said the U.S. will respond by hitting Iran hard.
Trump used strong language saying Iran will "get a beating."
The U.S. is preparing to take further action following the attack on its troops.
The statement reflects a firm stance from the U.S. government toward Iran.
The incident increased tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
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