Here are the top headlines today.
By killing whales, Japan seeks to revive a dying industry
After a 30-year ban, Japan has resumed commercial whaling in its waters. But with the appetite for whale meat in decline, is the industry sustainable?
Megan Rapinoe is focus despite not featuring in USWNT’s World Cup win
It was an enthralling semifinal that had it all — a contentious offside decision, a penalty, a red card, wonderful saves and three ruthlessly taken goals — but it was a player who did not feature in the US’ 2-1 win over England in Lyon who was the focus of much attention.
Trump’s grandiose July 4th plan says everything about his presidency
Donald Trump’s attempt to make July Fourth great again is turning into an eloquent metaphor for the excesses and polarization of his presidency.
At least 40 killed after airstrike targets migrant center in Libya
At least 40 people have been killed and another 80 injured after an airstrike hit a migrant center east of the Libyan capital of Tripoli early Wednesday, according to the Health Ministry’s emergency service Field Medicine and Support Center.
China tests anti-ship missile in South China Sea, Pentagon says
China has test-fired at least one anti-ship missile in recent days in the area around the contested Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, the United States military confirmed Tuesday.
Beijing says ‘radical’ Hong Kong protests are an ‘undisguised challenge’
The Chinese government has denounced Monday night’s violent protests in Hong Kong as “radical,” terming them an “undisguised challenge” to the city’s system of governance.
Dalai Lama clarifies remark about women
The Dalai Lama wants to clarify his recent joke that a female Dalai Lama would have to be “more attractive.”
Tesla sets a record for sales, and its stock jumps 7%
Tesla delivered 95,200 cars in its second quarter, a record for the company.
Vatican to open tombs in bid to solve 36-year-old cold case
The Vatican has ordered two of its own tombs to be searched — the latest twist in the mysterious disappearance of a teenager, 36 years ago.
World’s most powerful passports revealed
(CNN) – It’s been a three-horse race this year to be named the world’s most powerful passport, with all top three contenders in Asia. Now, as we enter the second half of 2019, Japan and Singapore have held onto their position as the world’s most travel-friendly passports, with South Korea dropping into second place.
Attack kills dozens of migrants in Libya
An attack has killed up to 40 migrants at a detention centre on the outskirts of the Libyan capital Tripoli, government officials say. Some 80 people were injured at the centre, which the UN-backed government says was hit by an air strike. Anti-government forces led by warlord Gen Khalifa Haftar have accused government forces of bombarding it.
‘My mother died without telling me I had HIV’
Some parents in Kenya take the secret of their HIV status to their graves, leaving their children ignorant and unwell. Brian Omondi, who was born with HIV, started taking anti-retroviral (ARV) pills when he was 10. However, it was not until he was 14 when his mother had died that he realised what the pills were for.
Uganda hit by Africa Cup of Nations cash dispute
Uganda’s players boycotted Africa Cup of Nations training on Tuesday because of a pay dispute, according to the country’s Football Association (FUFA). It is the latest such dispute to break out at the tournament, following issues with Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Cameroon.
Navy Seal chief found not guilty of US war crimes
A US Navy Seal has been found not guilty of killing a young Islamic State group (IS) prisoner and other murder charges in a San Diego military court. Special Operations Chief Edward Gallagher, 40, was accused of stabbing the injured teenager to death as well as randomly shooting Iraqi civilians.
Africa Live: Nigerian senator explains sex toy shop fight
Uganda’s players boycotted Africa Cup of Nations training on Tuesday because of a pay dispute, according to the country’s Football Association (Fufa). It is the latest such dispute to break out at the tournament, following issues with Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Cameroon.
Why Burundi has renamed its airport and other landmarks
Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza has controversially renamed the country’s national landmarks to reflect the historical contribution of the majority Hutu ethnic group. Renaming the national stadium, the presidential palace and main airport was meant to “remind Burundians of their history,” he said in his independence-day speech.
Instagram’s new stickers let you ‘request’ to join a group chat
Ever feel like Instagram is a bit of a popularity contest? If you don’t already, the app’s latest update might change your mind. The app just added a new type of sticker for Instagram Stories that lets friends “request” to join a group chat right from your Story.
Volkswagen’s 1962 bus is back as the all-electric Type 20
This is not your parents’ VW bus. It may look like the Type 2 bus from back in the 1960s (yes, it’s sometimes called a hippie bus), but the Type 20 bus unveiled Tuesday at Volkswagen’s Innovation and Engineering Center California (IECC) in the Bay Area is filled with “high-tech surprises,” as executives said during its grand reveal.
Bitcoin rollercoaster continues as price dives below $10,000
Just a week ago, as the price of one bitcoin surpassed $10,000 for the first time in more than a year, it appeared that the rise of the most popular cryptocurrency is unstoppable. Each day, Bitcoin hit new highs, almost touching $14,000 on June 27 – and then the growth abruptly stopped and the price started going the other direction.
NASA’s breathtaking 8K footage from space is a delight to watch – Future Blink
NASA and ESA (European Space Agency) delivered an ultra high-definition (UHD) video of astronauts from the International Space Station. The 8K video shows astronauts living, working, and conducting research aboard the space station.
Neil Gaiman confirms Netflix ‘Sandman’ adaptation, clears up some details
2019 has been a good year for Neil Gaiman fans. We’ve had the latest seasons of the author’s American Gods and Lucifer, the recent Good Omens adaptation, and now there are even rumours of Sandman – Gaiman’s comic book series – being adapted by Netflix. And you know what’s even better?
This iPhone game could help heart surgeons save lives
Sam Glassenberg is no doctor, but he was happy to perform a colonoscopy before a crowd of hundreds in Los Angeles this June. “This polyp is attached to a blood vessel, so if you try to remove it, it bleeds,” he explained. Blood gushed while the crowd winced and moaned.
This real-life flying saucer may change flight forever – Future Blink
Done right, there would be no sonic boom when it goes supersonic.
