Heavy downpours have triggered flooding in western Japan as two approaching tropical storms added to a seasonal rain front already stuck above the country. Storm Mekkhala was off the western coast of Japan’s southern remote island of Amami as it headed east as of late afternoon Friday, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. Another storm, Higos, was traveling nearby, and both of them are expected to reach the Tokyo region on Saturday, while dumping heavy rain, the JMA said. A man was injured as he fell into a waterway in Nara, according to Japan’s NHK television.
The situation has grown more desperate by the hour in Venezuela as people dig through the rubble of collapsed homes and apartment buildings. The country is entering its third day after the devastating one-two punch of 7.2 and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes. And people know time is running out on the best window for finding survivors — aid agencies consider the first 48 to 72 hours to be a crucial time frame to retrieve people alive. That be extended if they have access to food and water, however. Authorities announced Friday night that they would block access to La Guaira, the epicenter of the destruction.
SEATTLE (AP) — Rainbow flags fluttered among the sea of Iranian and Egyptian banners at Seattle’s World Cup stadium Friday, as teams from two of the most repressive countries for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people took to the field.
The U.S. has struck Iran to respond to a drone attack a day earlier on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, a provocation that President Donald Trump said violated the ceasefire. It’s the most significant test yet to an interim understanding reached a week ago by the two countries to begin working to end their months-long war. U.S. Central Command said the military struck missile and drone locations and coastal radar sites in Iran. Ebrahim Azizi, who heads the Iranian parliament’s national security commission, responded to Trump's social media post about Thursday's drone attacks. Azizi said that “this is not a violation of the ceasefire."
The Defense Ministry in Moscow says Ukraine launched a major nighttime drone attack on Russian regions, Crimea, and surrounding seas. It is one of Kyiv's biggest assaults since the Kremlin's invasion over four years ago. Russian air defenses intercepted 660 Ukrainian drones. Ukrainian long-range drones have been targeting oil and energy facilities, disrupting Russian fuel supplies and military deliveries. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy hinted at a "40-day influence operation" to compel Russia to end the war. Meanwhile, Russian attacks on Ukraine's Kharkiv region killed three civilians and wounded 20 others, according to Ukrainian officials.
Andy Burnham has set himself apart from the man he expects to replace as British prime minister. But if selected to replace Keir Starmer, he may find himself saddled with Starmer's policies. Burnham is the only candidate for the position and will likely assume office on July 17. Burnham is known for his "Manchesterism" approach, focusing on decentralizing government control. He plans to revive the economy while adhering to current spending plans. Burnham has limited international experience and will need to strengthen ties with the U.S. His leadership will test whether his regional success can be scaled nationally.
Older buildings, substandard construction and geography left many neighborhoods in Venezuela vulnerable to collapse in strong earthquakes like the ones that struck the country this week. Engineers and other experts said the back-to-back earthquakes on Wednesday were among the most intense to hit the country in more than a century, leveling buildings and leaving more than 900 dead. Videos and satellite imagery from the disaster zone reviewed by The Associated Press reveal scores of multistory buildings had collapsed.
People in Venezuela and abroad are desperately searching for loved ones after two powerful earthquakes struck Wednesday evening. The 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude quakes caused widespread damage and were among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century. Hundreds have been killed and thousands injured. Thousands are without cell service. Social media and online registries have become crucial for finding missing persons, with independent registries reporting up to 51,000 missing. The United Nations has urged Venezuela to lift social media restrictions to aid the search. Many Venezuelans abroad are struggling to get information about their families.
Rescue teams have begun arriving in the hard-hit Venezuelan city of La Guaira to assist with search and rescue operations after a pair of powerful earthquakes.
LA GUAIRA, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelans took the search for missing loved ones into their own hands Friday in the aftermath of back-to-back earthquakes, citing the scarcity of government rescuers, as the human toll of the disaster climbed to at least 920 dead and more than 51,000 missing.
President Donald Trump is blaming Iran for carrying out a drone strike on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. He calls it a "foolish violation" of the ceasefire agreement with the U.S. Trump says one drone damaged the upper deck of the ship, but it was able to proceed after the attack Thursday. He said the U.S. shot down three other drones. The British military said the vessel was hit by a projectile off the coast of Oman. The development comes as the U.S. and Iran work to negotiate a permanent end to the war. Trump did not say whether the U.S. will respond to the attack.
Describing the U.S. response to a drone strike that President Donald Trump blamed on Iran, the president said one got through unnoticed and struck a ship on Thursday.
Most of the U.S. stock market rose after oil prices eased back to where they were before the war with Iran, but drops for AI stocks kept the market in check. The S&P 500 finished Friday nearly flat and slipped less than 0.1% to close out just its second losing week in the last 13. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.2%. The day began with sharp losses for stocks in South Korea and Japan due to weakness for big AI winners. Treasury yields eased in the bond market.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has joined Israel and Lebanon's ambassadors to the U.S. to announce a framework agreement that was described as a first step toward peace following months of conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. The officials did not share details on the agreement. It does not include Hezbollah and prompted one of that group's officials in Lebanon to warn of civil war. The agreement was signed in front of Rubio in Washington by Yechiel Leiter, the Israeli ambassador to the United States, and Nada Hamadeh, the Lebanese ambassador to the United States.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined Israel and Lebanon’s ambassadors to the U.S. Friday to announce a framework agreement that was described as a first step toward peace following months of conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
People in Venezuela and abroad are desperately searching for loved ones after two powerful earthquakes struck Wednesday evening. The 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude quakes caused widespread damage and were among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century. Hundreds have been killed and thousands injured. Thousands are without cell service. Social media and online registries have become crucial for finding missing persons, with independent registries reporting up to 51,000 missing. The United Nations has urged Venezuela to lift social media restrictions to aid the search. Many Venezuelans abroad are struggling to get information about their families.
President Donald Trump is threatening a 100% tariff on imports from any country that imposes a tax on digital services provided by United States companies. In a post on social media Friday, Trump took aim at European countries that he said are discussing “imminent” implementation of taxes on American companies. He wrote, “Please let this statement serve to represent that any Country that imposes such a Tax will immediately be met with a 100% TARIFF on any and all Goods sent to the United States of America."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio along with Israel and Lebanon’s ambassadors is announcing a framework agreement Friday that was described as a first step toward peace following months of conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
A standout at the World Cup, Deniz Undav is playing for Germany while representing his Yazidi and Kurdish heritage. Undav has scored three goals and made two assists, placing him in the company of stars like Lionel Messi. His success is celebrated by the Yazidi community, which has faced decades of oppression. Yazidis in a village in northeastern Syria gathered Thursday to watch him play against Ecuador. Irfan Ortac is chair of the Central Council of Yazidis in Germany. He says Undav's achievements offer a positive narrative for Yazidis. Undav hopes his performance inspires others. Despite facing abuse over his heritage, his popularity is growing, symbolizing resilience and pride.
A small aircraft crashed into Beijing’s tallest building, the global flight tracking service provider Flightradar24 confirms, following witness accounts and evacuations in the city’s business district. Photos show what appeared to be a hole in the glass facade on one side of the tower. Images on social media appeared to show debris from a small aircraft near the skyscraper, but their authenticity couldn't be confirmed. The cause of Friday's crash remains unclear, and authorities have not issued a statement. The 108-story tower is one of Beijing's most recognizable landmarks. Recently, Beijing authorities enacted new curbs on its tightly regulated airspace.
NABATIYEH, Lebanon (AP) — Shiite Muslims on Friday marked Ashoura, one of the most important days on their calendar, with large gatherings in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon and other parts of the Muslim world to remember the seventh-century killing of Hussein, the grandson of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad.
Greece has launched a cash incentive for fishermen to catch toxic silver-cheeked toadfish as the invasive species spreads through the Mediterranean due to warming seas linked to climate change. The fish, whose organs contain a deadly neurotoxin, has damaged fishing nets and reduced catches around Crete and other Greek islands. Authorities are paying 5.33 euros per kilogram to remove the species, which will be frozen and incinerated. Officials stress there is no immediate threat to tourists or swimmers. The Greek Red Cross has issued guidance on bites and the risks of consuming the poisonous fish.
CULIACAN, Mexico (AP) — Much of Mexico has been celebrating the World Cup with joyful outdoor gatherings, filling streets, plazas and fan zones in the country's three host cities — Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey — since the tournament kickoff on June 11. But in parts of the country p…
The Defense Ministry in Moscow says Ukraine launched a major nighttime drone attack on Russian regions, Crimea, and surrounding seas. It is one of Kyiv's biggest assaults since the Kremlin's invasion over four years ago. Russian air defenses intercepted 660 Ukrainian drones. Ukrainian long-range drones have been targeting oil and energy facilities, disrupting Russian fuel supplies and military deliveries. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy hinted at a "40-day influence operation" to compel Russia to end the war. Meanwhile, Russian attacks on Ukraine's Kharkiv region killed three civilians and wounded 20 others, according to Ukrainian officials.
NATO's deputy commander said he wants a summit in Turkey to encourage member countries to spend more on defense and support Ukraine. Air Chief Marshal Sir John Stringer says the meeting will test the alliance's unity. U.S. President Donald Trump has sent mixed signals about U.S. forces in Europe, causing concern among European leaders. The summit, scheduled for July 7-8, will discuss increasing military production, including artillery shells. European nations are investing in credible forces to counter Russia. The outcome of a U.S. review of forces in Europe will impact how quickly Europeans must take responsibility for their own security.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says his government is giving priority to strengthening the world's first laws that ban children younger than 16 from social media platforms. Observers said on Friday the government is responding to evidence that the ban on young children holding accounts on platforms including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube had failed since it came into force in December year. Albanese told Parliament on Thursday this government is considering options to strengthen the ban. He said: “We’re working on that as a priority because this is something that other generations didn’t have to deal with."
St. Bernard dogs walk the same mountain paths their ancestors patrolled for hundreds of years at the Great St. Bernard Pass in the Swiss Alps. Down in the valley, Barryland, a museum dedicated to the iconic dogs, celebrates its first year. Since opening last summer in Martigny, Switzerland, over 130,000 people have visited. Tourists can watch grooming sessions, use augmented reality to explore the mountain pass, and learn about the dogs' history. The St. Bernards, once famous for mountain rescues, are now too large for such tasks. Instead, they visit hospitals and schools, continuing their legacy of service and companionship.
Pope Leo XIV says war is “never blessed by God.” Leo made the comments as he opened a meeting of the world’s cardinals on Friday. He insists the Catholic Church has a prophetic message of peace for a world torn by war. Leo has summoned the cardinals for a two-day meeting. It was a response to their demand to be consulted more frequently than during the 12-year pontificate of Pope Francis, who tended to govern alone. Cardinals have been asked not to not speak to the media. Their two main jobs are advising the pope while he is living and, after he dies, electing a new one.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia is moving air defenses to protect key targets like Moscow as Ukrainian drones hit deep inside the country. Ukraine's aerial campaign has disrupted Russian supply lines and caused fuel shortages. He says this shift could leave other Russian areas vulnerable to Ukraine's long-range drones. U.S. President Donald Trump praised Zelenskyy as "courageous," and Kyiv is hoping for continued support from G7 leaders. In new overnight strikes, meanwhile, Zelenskyy said Thursday that Kyiv's forces hit two more Russian oil refineries in Ufa, 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) from the front line, and an oil depot in the Krasnodar region, 300 kilometers (180 miles) from Ukraine.
The record-breaking heat that’s scorching Europe day and night this month would not have been possible without climate change, according to a new study. The World Weather Attribution rapid study released Friday found that the heat would have been virtually impossible just five decades ago, and is 200 times more likely than 20 years ago. Millions in France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and elsewhere in Europe, are experiencing extreme temperatures and humidity this week associated with a heat dome. Daytime temperatures have topped 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 Celsius) in many places, while high nighttime temperatures have also made it harder to cool down and recover.
Venezuelans searched for survivors beneath collapsed buildings and rescue teams raced to northern areas rocked by a pair of powerful earthquakes that officials say killed around 235 people and left at least 4,300 people injured. The 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes that hit Wednesday evening were among the strongest in Venezuela in more than a century. The quakes could be felt throughout the region. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez says authorities were shifting rescue teams from other parts of the country to La Guaira, north of the capital Caracas. The natural disaster is the latest challenge for Rodríguez, who took office in January after the U.S. seized then-president Nicolas Maduro in a surprise military operation.
A U.N. maritime agency has paused the evacuation of ships through the Strait of Hormuz after the British military said a vessel was hit Thursday by a projectile off the coast of Oman. The head of the International Maritime Organization said the plan to move stranded ships through the strait will be on hold until the agency can confirm safety guarantees for the ships on the evacuation list and in the region. It was unclear who launched the projectile or the type of vessel that was targeted. The report of a strike came hours after Iran threatened vessels to stop using a U.N.-approved route through the strait without Tehran's permission.
Several tankers have made their way out of the Strait of Hormuz using a new route promoted by a U.N. maritime agency. Iran has threatened vessels using the path, which runs along the coast of Oman.
The Supreme Court is allowing the Trump administration to end legal protections for migrants fleeing violence and natural disaster in Haiti and Syria, exposing hundreds of thousands more people to potential deportation. The decision Thursday blocks lower court orders and allows the Department of Homeland Security to swiftly end temporary protected status. That program protects a total of 1.3 million people from 17 countries. The administration had argued that Homeland Security can revoke protections without court interference. Immigration lawyers say the decision to end the program ignored the law and was tainted by racial animus.
A United Nations agency paused the evacuation of ships through the Strait of Hormuz after the British military said a vessel was hit by a projectile off the coast of Oman. The strike reported by the British military followed the passage of several tankers that used a route backed by the U.N. The head of the International Maritime Organization said the plan to move stranded ships out of the Persian Gulf through the strait will be on hold until the agency can confirm safety guarantees for the ships on the evacuation list and in the region. A U.S. official said the vessel was hit by an Iranian drone.
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