Hope dwindles for rescue in southwestern Japan quake as death toll climbs to 25

Residents in southwestern Japan continued recovering two days after a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto, killing at least 25 people and injuring 86 others. Rescue crews remained searching for survivors as thousands of residents stayed in evacuation shelters or slept in vehicles and classrooms. Many homes were left damaged or without electricity and water, leaving nearly 19,000 households still without power. Survivors described rescuing loved … Continue reading Hope dwindles for rescue in southwestern Japan quake as death toll climbs to 25

Poland says ‘nuclear capable’ missile from Russia exploded in country

Poland confirmed that an object which crashed in a field near its border with Ukraine was a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The missile landed without causing injuries or damage, but prompted NATO to scramble fighter jets and activate air defenses as Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack across Ukraine. Polish officials said there was no evidence that Poland … Continue reading Poland says ‘nuclear capable’ missile from Russia exploded in country

Saudi Arabia prepares sea and possible land offensive against Houthis

Saudi Arabia is reportedly preparing for a major military offensive against the Houthis in Yemen while also building a multinational naval coalition to protect shipping in the Red Sea. The Houthis recently announced a blockade on Saudi ships, saying it will remain until Saudi Arabia lifts its blockade on Yemen. Rising attacks on Saudi oil facilities and Red Sea shipping have increased concerns over the … Continue reading Saudi Arabia prepares sea and possible land offensive against Houthis

Spain sends extra troops and police after thousands of migrants arrive

Spain is deploying additional troops and police to its North African enclave of Ceuta after thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco by swimming, wading, and scaling border fences in a matter of hours. Authorities described the situation as chaotic, with border security overwhelmed and reports indicating that between 2,000 and 3,000 people entered the territory while at least nine bodies were recovered. Local officials called … Continue reading Spain sends extra troops and police after thousands of migrants arrive

NASA astronaut, 2 cosmonauts return to Earth after 241 days on space station

A U.S.-Russian crew returned to Earth after spending 241 days aboard the International Space Station. NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev landed safely in Kazakhstan aboard the Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft. During their mission, the crew completed 3,856 orbits of Earth and traveled more than 102 million miles. The astronauts handed over control of the space station before departing as … Continue reading NASA astronaut, 2 cosmonauts return to Earth after 241 days on space station

Laser air defenses will be operational before decade’s end, Lockheed exec says

Lockheed Martin says the Pentagon could have operational high-energy laser weapons capable of destroying aerial threats by 2030. Company executive Stephanie Hill said laser systems have already successfully intercepted targets and are becoming a practical, cost-effective defense option. Lockheed is developing more powerful laser systems through a Pentagon program that could eventually scale up for cruise missile defense. The company is also working on other … Continue reading Laser air defenses will be operational before decade’s end, Lockheed exec says

Paypal stock rises as CEO keeps door open on potential deals

PayPal shares rose more than 4% after the company reaffirmed its turnaround strategy while leaving open the possibility of future deals. CEO Enrique Lores said the company remains focused on executing its own plan but would consider opportunities that could create greater shareholder value. The company reported better-than-expected second-quarter earnings, increased payment volume, and raised its full-year outlook. PayPal has struggled against competitors like Apple, … Continue reading Paypal stock rises as CEO keeps door open on potential deals

Apple tops $5 trillion market cap, only second company to hit the milestone

Apple briefly became the second publicly traded company in history to reach a $5 trillion market value, driven by strong stock performance and iPhone sales. The company’s shares have risen significantly over the past year despite criticism over its slower progress in artificial intelligence development. Apple has made moves to strengthen its AI efforts, including a partnership with Google to use Gemini models for an … Continue reading Apple tops $5 trillion market cap, only second company to hit the milestone

Graham honored with memorial service at US Capitol

Former Sen. Lindsey Graham was honored during a memorial service at the U.S. Capitol following his sudden death on July 11 from an aortic dissection. Senate leaders, lawmakers from both parties, family members, and Trump administration officials gathered to remember his decades of public service. Speakers praised Graham’s humor, bipartisan relationships, and advocacy on national security issues, including support for Israel and Ukraine. Vice President … Continue reading Graham honored with memorial service at US Capitol

Kentucky governor calls on McConnell to ‘verbally address’ Kentuckians or resign

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear called on Sen. Mitch McConnell to either publicly demonstrate he is able to continue serving or resign from the Senate. Beshear criticized McConnell’s absence while he recovers from a fall and pneumonia, saying important national issues require his involvement. McConnell’s office said he is undergoing physical therapy and working toward returning to his full Senate schedule. Beshear also urged Senate Majority … Continue reading Kentucky governor calls on McConnell to ‘verbally address’ Kentuckians or resign

Trump expresses frustration with Netanyahu before White House meeting

President Donald Trump expressed frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of their White House meeting, questioning why Netanyahu publicly discussed intelligence about Iran’s nuclear site. Trump said he already knew about Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain facility and suggested Netanyahu was sharing the information to encourage continued U.S. involvement. The meeting comes as Trump balances renewed diplomacy with Iran while warning of possible military action … Continue reading Trump expresses frustration with Netanyahu before White House meeting

Comey asks judge to drop case over seashells Instagram post

Former FBI Director James Comey asked a federal judge to dismiss charges accusing him of threatening President Trump, arguing the case violates his First Amendment rights. The charges stem from an Instagram post showing seashells arranged to form “86 47,” which prosecutors say could be interpreted as a threat, while Comey’s lawyers argue it was political expression. Comey’s defense team said the phrase “86” commonly … Continue reading Comey asks judge to drop case over seashells Instagram post

Sailor voyaging to Hawaii survives after being stranded at sea

A sailor was rescued after becoming stranded at sea during a solo voyage from Southern California to Hawaii. Kaichi Sato’s boat was disabled after strong winds and rough seas snapped his mast, leaving him without enough water and forcing him to cook with seawater. He survived for weeks by collecting rainwater before becoming dehydrated and struggling emotionally. On July 21, the crew of the container … Continue reading Sailor voyaging to Hawaii survives after being stranded at sea

Suspect in fatal Fox River boat crash ordered detained

A McHenry County judge ordered Richard M. Stevenson held without pretrial release after a fatal boat crash on the Fox River. Prosecutors allege Stevenson was driving a high-powered pontoon boat at speeds over 80 mph while drinking alcohol when he struck another boat, killing a woman. Witnesses said Stevenson drank Fireball whisky before the crash, later stopped at a bar, and admitted he had been … Continue reading Suspect in fatal Fox River boat crash ordered detained

Michigan authorities identify man they say killed wife and six children before home fire

Authorities in Michigan identified Kristopher Karolkiewicz as the man who killed his wife and six children before taking his own life in a suspected murder-suicide. Autopsies confirmed that Kristopher, his wife Amanda, and their six children died from gunshot wounds, while investigators said a fire was intentionally set throughout the home afterward. The Grand Haven Township killings are being investigated as a family annihilation, a … Continue reading Michigan authorities identify man they say killed wife and six children before home fire

Bryan Kohberger seeks to withdraw guilty plea in University of Idaho murders

Bryan Kohberger, convicted in the University of Idaho murders, has filed a petition seeking to withdraw his guilty plea and challenge his conviction. Kohberger claims he received poor legal advice and was pressured into accepting a false plea deal. He pleaded guilty in 2025 to killing four University of Idaho students and received four consecutive life sentences after the death penalty was removed from consideration. … Continue reading Bryan Kohberger seeks to withdraw guilty plea in University of Idaho murders

Chad announces intent to withdraw from the International Criminal Court

Chad has announced plans to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, accusing the tribunal of being ineffective and unfairly targeting African nations. The country has formally begun the withdrawal process, which will take at least one year to complete. Chad joins Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso in moving to leave the court since 2025. The ICC is also facing other challenges, including the recent removal … Continue reading Chad announces intent to withdraw from the International Criminal Court

Bosnian authorities investigate desecration and fire damage at Medjugorje Virgin Mary shrine

Authorities in Bosnia are investigating the vandalism of a Virgin Mary statue and a shrine that was damaged by fire in the pilgrimage town of Medjugorje. The statue was defaced with black paint and graffiti, while a nearby banner accused the reported visionaries of being frauds. Medjugorje has drawn millions of Catholic pilgrims since claims of Marian apparitions began in 1981. Although the Vatican has … Continue reading Bosnian authorities investigate desecration and fire damage at Medjugorje Virgin Mary shrine

Widow of murdered mayor arrested in extortion case in Mexico

Mexican authorities arrested the widow of Temoac Mayor Valentin Lavin and the town’s police chief as part of an anti-extortion investigation. Lavin was shot and killed during a town hall meeting on July 22 in the state of Morelos. Prosecutors have not said whether the arrests are connected to the mayor’s murder. Violence against local officials remains a major issue in Mexico, with dozens of … Continue reading Widow of murdered mayor arrested in extortion case in Mexico

7.1 magnitude quake shakes Japan, people missing after a shopping center collapses

A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s southern island of Kyushu, causing widespread damage and injuries. Part of a shopping mall collapsed, leaving dozens of employees missing while others were rescued and hospitalized. A tsunami advisory was issued but lifted within two hours, and officials reported no problems at nearby nuclear power plants. Transportation was disrupted as bullet trains stopped, an airport closed, and a … Continue reading 7.1 magnitude quake shakes Japan, people missing after a shopping center collapses

Car ‘carrying explosives’ crashes in Amsterdam after police chase

A car believed to contain explosives crashed in an Amsterdam neighborhood after a police chase linked to an ATM ram-raid in Germany. Police, military personnel, and emergency crews quickly responded to the scene. Authorities evacuated homes within a 100-meter radius and cordoned off the area due to the potential explosive threat. The people inside the vehicle fled after the crash and have not been found, … Continue reading Car ‘carrying explosives’ crashes in Amsterdam after police chase

Private mission launches to extend life of out-of-gas communication satellites

A two-armed space robot launched on a private mission to extend the lives of aging satellites by attaching fuel-boosting jetpacks in orbit. Northrop Grumman’s Mission Robotic Vehicle will spend the next year reaching geosynchronous orbit before servicing three communication satellites beginning in 2027. The jetpacks are designed to give low-fuel satellites several more years of operation, potentially saving companies millions of dollars in replacement costs. … Continue reading Private mission launches to extend life of out-of-gas communication satellites

Teachers decry plan for humanoid robot in New York high school

A New York high school has introduced a pilot program featuring a humanoid robot named Sally and an AI teaching assistant designed to provide personalized learning support. The $57,590 robot, purchased by the Cattaraugus County school district, is intended to supplement teachers and give students access to new AI and robotics tools. Teachers and community members have criticized the program, raising concerns about privacy, security, … Continue reading Teachers decry plan for humanoid robot in New York high school

Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Masino to step down

Cracker Barrel announced that CEO Julie Masino will step down on Aug. 10 and will be replaced by David Deno, who has experience in restaurant and retail leadership. Masino will remain with the company in an advisory role through October to help with the transition. Her departure follows a controversial rebranding effort that changed the company’s logo and restaurant designs, sparking customer backlash. Cracker Barrel … Continue reading Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Masino to step down

Oil prices plunge and stocks rise after US pauses attacks on Iran

Oil prices dropped and global stocks rose after the U.S. paused military strikes on Iran and avoided a major escalation of the conflict. Crude prices fell about 6%, briefly dropping below $90 a barrel after previously rising above $100 during the fighting. The decline boosted markets, with major U.S. stock indexes posting gains as investors reacted to easing energy concerns. Lower oil prices could eventually … Continue reading Oil prices plunge and stocks rise after US pauses attacks on Iran