Thousands of residents have been evacuated from the northern Japan city of Ofunato due to the country’s largest wildfire in over 30 years. The fire, which started on Wednesday, has burned 1,800 hectares, claimed one life, and damaged over 80 buildings, with efforts ongoing to control the blaze.
Related news
Israel has accepted a US-backed proposal for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan and Passover. The truce includes the partial release of hostages, with a return to fighting possible after 42 days if negotiations prove ineffective. Hamas has rejected the proposed extension of the initial ceasefire.
The US is planning potential sanctions relief for Russia to rebuild diplomatic ties and resolve the Ukraine conflict. The White House has directed state and treasury departments to outline specific sanctions reductions targeting entities and individuals. This indicates a readiness for negotiation possibilities with Russia.
The Japanese government is considering providing medical care and educational opportunities for sick and wounded residents of Gaza, under a policy proposed by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. A similar programme to the one for Syrian refugee students in 2017 is being contemplated. Japan's main asylum policy has been criticized for its low acceptance rates.
Katy Perry, Gayle King, and Jeff Bezos' fiancée Lauren Sanchez will join an all-female crew on a Blue Origin spaceflight this spring. Selected by Sanchez, the crew also includes Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, and Kerianne Flynn. The 10-minute trip aboard New Shepard marks Blue Origin’s 11th human spaceflight.
NATO countries are reconsidering their F-35 purchases citing recent US actions and geopolitical tensions. Portugal, Canada, and Germany plan to review their contracts. New alternatives like Sweden's Gripen offer lower costs but face compatibility issues with NATO systems. Critics also highlight the F-35's high lifetime cost and technical concerns.
Beijing warned Britain on Monday against "politicising" an unfolding spat over the future of Chinese-owned British Steel after legislation was approved to prevent the shutdown of the last British factory that can make steel from scratch. A spokesman for China's foreign ministry urged the British government on Monday to "avoid politicising trade cooperation or linking it to security issues, so as not to impact the confidence of Chinese enterprises in going to the UK".
Elon Musk's popularity has been decreasing since he took over the Department of Government Efficiency. A Wall Street Journal poll shows half of the respondents view his advisory role under Trump unfavorably. Despite this, his influence within the MAGA circle is increasing, with new responsibilities as the sole chief of the Department of Government Efficiency and White House access.
Yunseo Chung, a Columbia University junior, faces deportation after being arrested at an anti-Israel protest. Chung, originally from South Korea, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to prevent her removal. DHS claims her conduct is concerning. Despite her legal efforts, she remains at risk of deportation and will present her case before an immigration judge.
Taiwan's Presidential Office staged on Thursday its first tabletop simulation of China's military actions in the region to boost the island's readiness against "authoritarian expansion", a security official said.the Thursday morning exercise, led by the president's office, involved 19 central ministries, local governments and NGOs. "It aims at bolstering Taiwan's whole-of-society defence resilience in the face of authoritarian expansion by China and other countries as they continue to challenge... Expand
Body language expert Susan Constantine analyzed Luigi Mangione's demeanor, noting a shift from charismatic charm to rigid fear. Mangione's raised chin and arrogant posture suggest pride, while his post-arrest frown contrasts with earlier smiles. Constantine suggests Mangione, the suspect in the Brian Thompson murder case, compartmentalizes, displaying different personalities in various situations.